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March 2025
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The global anti-obesity drugs market size is calculated at US$ 7.17 in 2024, grew to US$ 9.1 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around US$ 78.46 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 27.04% between 2025 and 2034. Growing focus on health and fitness and to reduce of the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases due to obesity, the demand for anti-obesity drugs is increasing, which is increasing the growth of the anti-obesity drugs market.
Around 14% of men and 19% of women globally suffer from obesity, which is linked to higher rates of illness. For those with obesity and comorbidities who have not been able to lose weight sustainably by lifestyle modifications alone, pharmacotherapy can be helpful. This strategy is especially pertinent given the availability of current-generation anti-obesity drugs (AOMs), which can cause weight reduction of more than 10%. Future research into the various pathways and intricate physiological systems influencing hunger will lead to the development of anti-obesity medications that are both more effective and more tolerable.
The market for anti-obesity medications is being significantly impacted by automation and artificial intelligence (AI), which are enhancing clinical trials and accelerating the drug discovery process. AI technologies cut down on the time and expense involved in traditional research approaches by enabling the analysis of large datasets to find possible medication candidates. Manufacturing process automation enhances production efficiency and ensures consistent medication formulation quality. Furthermore, AI-driven algorithms are enabling customized medicine strategies, allowing medical professionals to tailor anti-obesity drugs to each patient's unique profile for improved results. It is anticipated that these developments will boost treatment effectiveness and quicken market expansion.
Rising Prevalence of Obesity
Being overweight is still a serious worldwide health concern. The growth in obesity has been largely attributed to the 21st-century lifestyle, which is marked by more screen time, highly processed meals, and less physical activity. Although the estimated rates of obesity vary greatly between nations and areas, they often exhibit an increasing tendency over time. Many chronic illnesses are more likely to occur in people who are obese. Effective preventative and management techniques can be obtained clinically through routine screening, family-based treatments, and multidisciplinary care including psychologists and nutritionists.
Risk Associated with Anti-obesity Drugs
Currently available anti-obesity medications have limited effectiveness and significant side effects that compromise their safety and acceptability. As a result, the majority of anti-obesity medications have been discontinued. The possible harm to heart valves led to the withdrawal of fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. Although orlistat has been authorized for the long-term treatment of obesity in both Europe and the US, many people are unable to handle its gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Growing Research and Development
Future research into anti-obesity medications may concentrate on methods to circumvent this tendency in an indirect manner, for as, by using gene therapy to guarantee ongoing treatment advantages, changing dosage guidelines, or strategically combining co-therapy to increase lean mass. Pharmaceutical firms are racing to create first- or best-in-class weight loss medications, which is driving an expansion of the preclinical and clinical pipeline of novel weight loss medications. Researchers are concentrating on creating better medications with fewer adverse effects as the number of obese cases rises.
By product, the prescription drugs segment held the largest share of the anti-obesity drugs market in 2024. Prescription drugs for obesity and overweight have diverse mechanisms of action. Adults who use prescription drugs as part of a lifestyle program often lose 3% to 12% more of their initial body weight after a year than those who do not take medication. According to research, some patients who use prescription weight-loss drugs reduce their initial weight by 10% or more. Many facets of prescription drugs used to treat obesity and overweight are being investigated by researchers.
By product, the OTC drugs segment is estimated to show lucrative growth in the anti-obesity drugs market during the forecast period. The cornerstone of the healthcare pyramid is self-care, which enables the healthcare system to concentrate its limited resources on innovative services, new research, and the detection and treatment of major illnesses. OTC medications are an essential component of the self-care toolkit. Two crucial aspects of over-the-counter medications are their accessibility and convenience.
By application, the centrally acting drugs segment was dominant in the anti-obesity drugs market in 2024. Drugs that operate on peripheral target tissues are expected to follow novel combinations that act centrally in the development of obesity medications. Drugs that operate centrally have progressed from single medications to lower-dose combinations that are more effective and have fewer negative effects than monotherapies for chronic conditions, including obesity and hypertension. Combining pharmacotherapies that work centrally and peripherally to boost effectiveness is a promising therapy approach for obesity that can be developed via study.
By application, the peripherally acting drugs segment is expected to gain substantial market share in the anti-obesity drugs market during 2025-2034. Drugs that aid in weight loss without altering the brain or reducing hunger are known as peripherally acting anti-obesity medicines. In contrast to certain other anti-obesity treatments, peripherally acting pharmaceuticals like orlistat target the digestive system to reduce fat absorption, perhaps leading to weight reduction and better cardiometabolic parameters while having less negative effects on the central nervous system.
By distribution channel, the retail pharmacies segment held the largest share of the anti-obesity drugs market in 2024. Retail pharmacies are a vital part of health systems in many countries, dispensing a large number of medicinal products and related services. In high-income countries, retail pharmacies usually have agreements with private or public insurance companies to supply pharmaceuticals to both public and private outpatients. In countries attempting to implement universal health care, insurance, and other prescription benefits programs, retail pharmacies can be an essential part of the public health systems' supply chain.
By distribution channel, the e-commerce segment is expected to be the fastest-growing in the anti-obesity drugs market during the forecast period. By offering over-the-counter medications for common illnesses, chatbots for immediate first aid, recommendations for local doctors and help in finding them, labs for testing, home delivery of medications, explanations of the specifics of the medications, and more, e-pharmacies are progressively taking over the role that local chemists have historically played. The pharmaceutical industry's e-commerce potential is growing, bringing online sales of pharmaceutical items inside its purview and creating an enticing flow of capital for ventures and enterprises.
North America dominated the anti-obesity drugs market in 2024. Numerous variables, such as the high rate of obesity and pro-obesity government policies, contribute to North America's supremacy. Its position is further strengthened by important market participants, including Novo Nordisk, Pfizer, Merck & Co., and F. Hoffmann-La Roche. The competitive environment is being actively shaped by strategic activities, including alliances, mergers, and acquisitions among pharmaceutical companies. Furthermore, studies published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science demonstrate the substantial obesity burden in rural America, which is caused by a number of causes. Even if there has been improvement, genetic research and studies with a rural focus are still essential for developing successful management and preventive plans.
As of November 2024, there are 337 million people living in the U.S. By 2050, this figure is expected to increase to between 371 and 392 million, with the US Census Bureau forecasting that there would be 389 million people living there. According to these latest data, by 2050, it is estimated that 64% of all Americans will be overweight or obese. More people are going to rely on anti-obesity medications to reduce health hazards as the number of instances in the U.S. continues to rise.
In Canada, one in three children and young people and nearly two out of three adults are overweight or obese. The government continues to collaborate with stakeholders on an integrated approach to healthy living and has prioritized preventing chronic disease and encouraging a healthy weight. In Canada, a number of drugs that have been licensed by Health Canada can help control obesity by controlling cravings, appetite, and metabolism. As of right now, Canada has approved four prescription drugs for the long-term treatment of obesity: Liraglutide (Saxenda®), Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave®), Orlistat (Xenical®), and Semaglutide (Wegovy®).
Asia Pacific is estimated to host the fastest-growing anti-obesity drugs market during the forecast period. Rising healthcare costs, rising consumer disposable income, and rising rates of obesity and type I and type II diabetes are the main drivers of the region's market expansion. Additionally, the growing demand for medications and growing knowledge of anti-obesity medications in Asia Pacific nations like China, South Korea, and India would support the expansion of the anti-obesity medication market in the area.
China is encouraging weight control through a new public awareness campaign since half of its adult population is now classified as overweight or obese. It is a component of a three-year government initiative to encourage more Chinese citizens to lead healthy lives. Due to Ozempic's success, Chinese pharmaceutical companies are rushing to release weight-loss medications. The Danish pharmaceutical behemoth Novo Nordisk increased its domestic ales of the diabetic medication to about $700 million in 2023, accounting for 5% of Ozempic's worldwide sales.
In India, obesity has grown to be a significant public health concern, impacting individuals of all ages and raising the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). India is experiencing an obesity problem, with 70% of its urban population being fat or overweight, per a new report published in the Lancet. On the list of the top 10 nations with the largest percentage of fat people, India comes in third place, only behind the US and China. The sole anti-obesity pharmaceutical, tirzepatide, was just authorized by Central Drug Standard Control in India in June 2024, and the FDA has also approved anti-obesity treatments.
Europe is expected to be significantly growing in the anti-obesity drugs market during the forecast period. The rising incidence of obesity, health consciousness, and government programs encouraging weight control are the main drivers of the anti-obesity medication market's continuous expansion in Europe. Prescription drugs and a robust healthcare system are common in nations like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Innovative medications for the treatment of anti-obesity disorders have been approved by the EMA, which has further fueled market growth.
In the middle of 2024, Germany started a disease management program (DMP) for obese adults, with a follow-up program for kids and teenagers. In order to establish further specifics, such as compensation, the organizations of statutory health insurance physicians must now collaborate with local health insurance funds. After it is finished, patients will be able to use the updated DMP. Through organized, evidence-based therapy, the new DMP seeks to enhance the care of individuals with obesity and significantly impact the progression of this chronic illness. The DAG has been actively involved in the program's launch process and has made a strong case for this significant move.
According to estimates from 2022–2023, 64.0% of adults in England who are 18 years of age or older are overweight or obese. Men were more likely than women to be overweight (including obese) between 2022 and 2023 (69.2% vs. 58.6%). Nonetheless, the prevalence of adult obesity was the same for women (26.2%) and men (26.4%). NICE's proposed guidelines on tirzepatide for the treatment of overweight and obesity were released in June 2024. It suggested that NHS service providers offer tirzepatide in addition to a lower-calorie diet and more exercise to help manage overweight and obesity.
In November 2023, as a chronic condition, obesity can lead to major health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. People with obesity still face many obstacles in their health and weight management journey, even though we know that obesity is a chronic, treatable disease, stated Joe Nadglowski, president and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition. Many people who suffer from obesity and are looking for better ways to manage their weight now have hope, thanks to new treatment choices.
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