Considering Equity and Consumer Impacts of GLP-1 Drugs – A UBS Economist Weighs In

Health Populi April 9, 2024
Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

Since the introduction of GLP-1 drugs on the market, their use has split into two categories: for obesity and “recreationally,” according to the Chief Economist with UBS (formerly known as Union Bank of Switzerland).

Paul Donovan, said economist, discusses The economics of getting thin in his regularly published comment blog.

“These different uses have different economic consequences,” Donovan explains:

• Obese patients who use GLP-1s should become more productive employees, Donovan expects — less subject to prejudice, and less likely to be absent from work.
• While so-called recreational GLP-1 consumers may experience these benefits, this population would be less likely to be covered by medical insurance under current obesity criteria which are in use to ration access to the medicines...

Today's Sponsors

Today's Sponsor