Weight-loss drugs are trending, with Ozempic and the latest launch, Mounjaro—considered a likely equivalent to Ozempic—gaining popularity. But will these new drugs influence consumer buying patterns? The so-called 'miracle' drug, which has become popular among celebrities and the wealthy, has led to a global shortage.
According to a recent post on X by Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath, quoting FMCG giant Walmart, these drugs are already impacting purchasing behaviour. "It will have an across-the-board effect on every single industry," Kamath said.
"So far, not many people are taking them; even in the US, only about 6% of the people are taking these drugs," he shared on X. Kamath questioned whether these drugs will lead people to eat less, smoke less, buy less, and live longer. Last but not least, will they also trade less?
"Insurance premiums have to change, and annuity payouts in pensions will have to be readjusted," he highlighted.
I've been following the developments around Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs with some interest for a while, and last week Eli Lilly launched its variant, Mounjaro, in India. Remember, India has the highest number of diabetics, and if current trends hold, 30%+ of Indians will be obese. I…
The Zerodha co-founder, who is a fitness freak, noted that what we don't know is more than what we know about these drugs at this point. "Also, the patents on the active ingredient in this drug are expiring in 2026, which means cheaper generics will be available. Is the world ready for this?" he said.
On March 20, Bloomberg reported that Eli Lilly is set to launch its first weight-loss drug, Mounjaro—the likely equivalent of the weight-loss drug Ozempic in India.
Kamath highlighted that right now we don't have a good understanding of the second-order effects of these weight loss drugs, but so far, even if half of what's being reported is true, then this will be the closest thing we have seen to a miracle drug.
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