Swiss Re Report: Transformative Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on Obesity and Mortality Rates

Swiss Re, a prominent reinsurance company, announced this Wednesday that extensive use of GLP-1 drugs could potentially decrease the annual death rate by 6.4% in the United States by the year 2045. Known for their effectiveness in treating obesity, these drugs enjoy unprecedented demand and include products like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound. Analysts estimate that their sales could reach $150 billion annually by the end of the decade.

The Zurich-based company emphasized the substantial implications these new weight-loss drugs hold for the medical and life insurance sectors. Paul Murray, head of life and health reinsurance at Swiss Re, noted that if insurers motivate people toward lifestyle changes to prevent obesity-related issues, it could reinforce the industry's safety net while promoting longer, healthier lives.

Swiss Re's research suggests that U.S. mortality could drop 6.4% by 2045 with high-frequency and long-term usage of GLP-1 drugs, alongside lifestyle changes. Even under less optimistic assumptions, mortality could see a 2.3% decline. The study, which also covers Britain, forecasts a 2045 mortality reduction ranging between 1.8% and 5.1%, driven by pharmaceutical and lifestyle factors.

(With inputs from agencies.)