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Off the Scales Examines GLP-1 Drugs and Expanding Weight-Loss Market

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • Aimee Donnellan’s book explores GLP-1 drugs and obesity treatment
  • GLP-1 analogues market valued at USD 62.8 billion in 2024
  • Book addresses scientific, cultural, and social aspects of weight-loss drugs

The 2025 book "Off the Scales: The Inside Story of Ozempic and the Race to Cure Obesity" by journalist Aimee Donnellan focuses on the development and impact of GLP-1 drugs in the context of obesity treatment and societal trends.

The book, according to a review in The Guardian, examines medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, placing them within broader discussions about body image and beauty standards. It also addresses the scientific background of these drugs, referencing researchers like Svetlana Mojsov, whose work contributed to the development of semaglutide.

The Guardian’s review states that Donnellan’s work discusses both the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs and concerns related to their use by individuals without obesity for cosmetic reasons. The book also covers known side effects and highlights ongoing uncertainties regarding how these medications affect neurological pathways.

GLP-1 analogues have seen rapid market growth, with the global market valued at approximately USD 62.8 billion in 2024. Semaglutide-based products, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, made up over 45% of this market, totaling around USD 28 billion in the same year.

What the numbers show

  • GLP-1 analogues market estimated at USD 62.8 billion in 2024
  • Semaglutide-based drugs accounted for over 45% of the market in 2024
  • Obesity-focused GLP-1 market projected to reach USD 65.36 billion by 2035

Market research indicates that the GLP-1 agonists weight-loss drugs sector was valued at USD 13.84 billion in 2024. Projections suggest this segment could reach USD 48.84 billion by 2030, reflecting ongoing demand for pharmaceutical obesity treatments.

Future Market Insights data shows that the obesity-focused GLP-1 drug market is expected to grow from USD 8.17 billion in 2025 to USD 65.36 billion by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.1%. These figures highlight the increasing role of GLP-1 drugs in addressing obesity on a global scale.

The Guardian’s review notes that "Off the Scales" situates the rise of GLP-1 drugs within both scientific advancements and changing cultural attitudes. The book addresses not only the medical aspects but also the broader societal implications of widespread use of these medications.

By presenting both the scientific and social dimensions of GLP-1 drugs, the book provides context for the substantial growth observed in the global market. It also identifies ongoing debates around the use of these drugs for non-medical purposes and the need for further research into their long-term effects.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

Sources and further reading

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