For long-time attendees of ObesityWeek, the 2024 conference in San Antonio felt markedly different. In the past, it was an intimate gathering of obesity specialists focused on research and clinical updates. However, as one physician noted, “There’s a lot more suits.” Wall Street has joined the event, drawn by the explosion of interest in the lucrative obesity treatment market.
Since its inception over a decade ago, ObesityWeek has evolved dramatically. Once focused on lifestyle interventions like diet and surgery, recent advancements in highly effective obesity medications have shifted discussions toward pharmaceutical innovations.
This year’s conference featured prominent displays by industry leaders like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, but rising competitors like Viking Therapeutics and Zealand Pharma were also vying for attention.
Key takeaways from ObesityWeek 2024
Oral weight-loss drugs on the horizon
Early-stage studies from Viking Therapeutics and AstraZeneca introduced promising weight-loss pills, a significant shift from the injectable treatments dominating the market. Viking’s experimental pill attracted a large crowd, with investors and analysts eager to see the data. While scalability remains a concern, Viking’s CEO hinted at potential partnerships to address it.
The move beyond GLP-1: focus on amylin
Pharmaceutical focus is expanding beyond GLP-1 as other gut hormones like amylin emerge as potential players. Novo Nordisk is testing new combinations, such as CagriSema, which integrate amylin for potentially more tolerable weight-loss results. Zealand Pharma’s CEO believes in prioritising amylin to minimise side effects commonly associated with GLP-1 drugs.
Reconsidering success metrics in weight loss
Success in weight loss is often gauged by percentage of weight loss. However, obesity medicine specialists like Dr. Lou Aronne suggest a need for new metrics, such as waist-to-hip ratios and body composition scans. These tools offer a more nuanced view of patients’ health, helping establish personalised weight-loss goals.
The rise of compounded drugs
Amid the rising costs and demand for weight-loss medications, many patients are turning to compounded drugs. While some experts raise concerns over the safety of untested compounded drugs, affordability and accessibility are also significant barriers to long-term treatment adherence with branded options.
Obesity treatment and its expansive health benefits
The health impacts of obesity treatments extend far beyond weight loss. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy has already been approved for heart disease treatment, while Lilly’s Zepbound is expected to gain approval for sleep apnoea. The conference underscored the broader benefits of obesity treatment, with studies showing positive impacts on conditions like fertility, mental health, and metabolic disorders.
Obesity treatment now encompasses far more than weight loss; it has wide-ranging implications for various health conditions, including CNS disorders, cancer, sleep apnea, and fibrosis. As noted by Indiana University’s Professor Richard DiMarchi, the definition of metabolism and its role in health continuously evolves, reshaping the landscape of obesity treatment.