The new generation of anti-obesity drugs - originally formulated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes - jumped from social networks like TikTok to the headlines of the business press. Products such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Saxenda are objects of desire for millions of people looking for a simple way to lose weight, despite their high price (US$1,400 per month in the U.S. in the case of Wegovy).

These drugs work by by emulating the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is naturally released after eating and which acts on the brain to reduce the sensation of hunger and increase the feeling of satiety. Their use in diabetic patients has established a history of safety in their consumption. In addition to the price, another problem is that they must be used permanently to avoid gaining weight again, according to the studies carried out so far.

The popularity of these drugs is having an effect on the economy, beyond the increase in volume sold-estimated growth in their sales has been 300% between 2020 and 2022-and the valuation of the laboratories' shares -the share price of Novo Nordisk, one of the main manufacturers, went from around US$23 in November 2018 to US$93 in October 2023-.. Walmart, which monitors the consumption habits of its customers, has noticed a slight decline in food and calorie sales at its supermarkets in the United States. According to Bloomberg, a few weeks ago the CEO of Kellanova, maker of Pringles and Cheez-Its snacks, noted that the company is studying the impact of the growing use of these drugs on its business.

However, not everything is negative for these companies. In an interview with CNBC, Walmart's chief financial officer pointed out that users of these drugs tend to consume more in their stores, even if they buy less food.