Obesity Drugs: The Ethical Dilemma

Authored By: Dylan Cochin

Art By: Melody Huang

The market for weight loss drugs has grown significantly in the past few years. In fact, around three-quarters of Americans have heard of Ozempic and other medications used for weight loss [1].

As a result of recent growth, many healthcare companies plan to develop or scale up their drug production in the upcoming years. Morgan Stanley Research expects the global market for obesity drugs to reach $105 billion in 2030 [2]. Analysts also predict that there will be a significant increase in the number of patients consuming these drugs [2].

However, there is an ethical dilemma associated with the weight loss drug industry. Due to the increased demand for Ozempic and related drugs, many diabetes patients aren’t receiving their prescriptions. Specifically, Ozempic is often referred to as a ‘miracle drug’ for weight loss, increasing the drug’s demand by people with excess weight [3].

Due to shortages, many individuals are skeptical of continuing to use the drugs for weight loss purposes. Most importantly, Ozempic is crucial for diabetes patients to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke and manage their A1C levels [3]. Morgan Rich, graduate assistant for the Indiana University Center for Bioethics, adds that drugs should be prioritized for medical intervention over cosmetic purposes [3]. In summary, the Ozempic shortage negatively impacts diabetic patients.

On the other hand, many argue that Ozempic still serves its given purpose when utilized by people with excess weight. For instance, Ozempic still manages blood glucose levels when decreasing weight in consumers [3]. Many people expect healthcare companies to continue increasing production to make drugs available for both medical and cosmetic purposes [3].

Still, weight loss drug effects are being determined. Researchers are currently investigating the future impacts of Ozempic. In the present, many patients consuming these drugs even regain their weight after taking them [3].

The weight loss industry faces a dilemma, but steps have been taken to address the issue. In particular, American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has helped to increase the supply of weight loss drugs. Eli Lilly made significant strides through its drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro, which were approved for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, respectively.

Specifically, Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro were removed from the FDA shortage list [4]. Eli Lilly has taken steps to produce Zepbound in single-dose vials for adults with obesity [5]. Zepbound in a vial is less expensive to produce and offers a more affordable price for consumers, significantly increasing Eli Lilly’s supply of the drug [5].

Eli Lilly’s largest competitor, Novo Nordisk, has also been addressing the dilemmas associated with weight loss drug shortages. In the past, the company decreased Ozempic and Wegovy supply to safeguard access for current patients [4]. Now, Novo Nordisk plans to increase drug production throughout 2024 [4].

In the weight loss industry, there is controversy regarding which patients should be treated during a drug shortage. Many people argue that type 2 diabetes patients should receive priority, but others believe in the merits of using the drugs for cosmetic purposes. The problem is being alleviated due to increased production by leading companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, but in the meantime, how do you think healthcare professionals should proceed?

References

1. Tyson, Alec. “How Americans View Weight-Loss Drugs and Their Potential Impact on Obesity in the U.S.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 26 Feb. 2024, www.pewresearch.org/science/2024/02/26/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s/. 

2. “Obesity Drugs’ Ripple Effects.” Morgan Stanley, www.morganstanley.com/ideas/obesity-drugs-market-expanded-opportunity. 

3. Rich, Morgan. “Who Deserves Ozempic? The Ethical Challenges of Weight-Loss Use.” Blogs, 30 Sept. 2024, medicine.iu.edu/blogs/bioethics/who-deserves-ozempic-the-ethical-challenges-of-weight-loss-use. 

4. Loftus, Peter. Eli Lilly’s Weight-Loss, Diabetes Drug Shortages Are over, FDA Says, www.wsj.com/health/pharma/shortage-of-eli-lillys-weight-loss-diabetes-drugs-is-over-6d623bdd. 

5. “Eli Lilly’s Zepbound to Be Issued in Single-Dose Vials for Self-Payers.” Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo!, finance.yahoo.com/news/eli-lilly-zepbound-issued-single-083227913.html.