started · updated
GLP-1 drugs reshape obesity market and consumer spending
The rapid rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, is reshaping both the pharmaceutical market and global consumer spending. Analysts project the obesity drug market could exceed $100 billion annually by 2030.
Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar suggests the market will not be a zero-sum competition between his company and Eli Lilly, but rather a diverse landscape where different treatments cater to various patient needs. This shift is already impacting other sectors; Barclays analysts estimate the global protein market could grow by 37% over five years as GLP-1 users adjust their diets.
In the United Kingdom, household usage of these drugs has seen significant growth, with Kantar reporting an increase from 2.3% in early 2024 to 4.1% by August 2025. Meanwhile, traditional nutrition businesses, such as Spain’s Ynsadiet, face new competition as consumers shift from herbal supplements to medical interventions.
Medical professionals, including the Official College of Pharmacists of Ourense, emphasize that these drugs are tools to facilitate lifestyle changes rather than standalone solutions, noting that long-term success requires accompanying diet and exercise to prevent rapid weight regain.
Entities
Eli Lilly · Mike Doustdar · Novo Nordisk · Ozempic · Wegovy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] GLP-1 drugs act as a tool to enable healthy habits rather than being a direct weight-loss solution. www.laregion.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The obesity drug market is expected to be worth more than $100 billion annually by 2030. www.iatronet.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The global protein market could increase by up to 37% over the next five years due to GLP-1 usage. www.ot.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The obesity drug market will not be a zero-sum game between Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. www.iatronet.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The percentage of UK households using GLP-1 drugs increased from 2.3% in March 2024 to 4.1% in August 2025. www.ot.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] GLP-1 usage could reach 13% by 2027, pending MHRA approval of an oral version in June 2026. www.ot.gr