The next generation of weight-loss drugs

It’s no exaggeration to say that the past decade has revolutionized how we think about and treat obesity. Drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) have dominated headlines, enabling significant weight loss at speeds once considered unthinkable. The market for innovative weight loss medications is booming, with pharmaceutical companies investing heavily in hopes of developing the next blockbuster drug. However, amid this race for market dominance, many experts are questioning whether the amount of weight loss alone is the best measure of these drugs’ usefulness. How can the next generation of obesity treatments meaningfully improve upon the powerful options already available? Joining The Lancet editors Callam Davidson and Miriam Sabin to discuss this question is Professor Steven Heymsfield from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. This wide-ranging conversation covers exciting pharmaceutical advances and limitations of these treatments, including the significant disparities in access, and why these breakthroughs may have broader societal implications. Send us your feedback! Read all of our content at https://www.thelancet.com/?dgcid=buzzsprout_tlv_podcast_generic_lancet Check out all the podcasts from The Lancet Group: https://www.thelancet.com/multimedia/podcasts?dgcid=buzzsprout_tlv_podcast_generic_lancet Continue this conversation on social! Follow us today at... https://thelancet.bsky.social/ https://instagram.com/thelancetgroup https://facebook.com/thelancetmedicaljournal https://linkedIn.com/company/the-lancet https://youtube.com/thelancettv The Lancet Voice is part of the Lancet Group podcast offering. Editorial team: Niall Boyce, Miriam Sabin, Jessamy Bagenal, Richard Horton, and Gavin Cleaver Podcast editing: Matteo Simonetti Visit https://www.thelancet.com/multimedia to learn more about our multimedia offering. Find the best science for better lives at thelancet.com Follow us today at... https://thelancet.bsky.social/ https://instagram.com/thelancetgroup https://facebook.com/thelancetmedicaljournal https://linkedIn.com/company/the-lancet https://youtube.com/thelancettv