Anti-Obesity Drugs Market - By Product (Prescription, OTC), Action Pathway (Peripherally Acting, Centrally Acting), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Drug Stores) – Global Forecast (2024 – 2032)

Anti-Obesity Drugs Market Size

Anti-obesity Drugs Market size was valued at around USD 5.6 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 27% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Anti-obesity drugs are medications designed to aid in weight loss and obesity management by altering physiological processes related to appetite, metabolism, or nutrient absorption. These drugs may work through various mechanisms such as appetite suppression, inhibition of fat absorption, or increasing metabolism.
 

The global prevalence of obesity and related health issues has escalated significantly, prompting a demand for effective solutions beyond traditional diet and exercise. For instance, according to estimates, in February 2024, the worldwide incidence of obesity, characterized by a body mass index (BMI) equal to or exceeding 30 kg/m2, was projected to increase from 14% of the global population in 2020 to 25% by 2035, encompassing approximately 1.9 billion individuals. Additionally, advancements in medical research have elucidated the complex physiological mechanisms underlying obesity, providing insights into potential targets for pharmaceutical intervention. Moreover, societal factors such as sedentary lifestyles and easy access to calorie-dense foods have exacerbated the obesity epidemic, prompting a need for complementary medical interventions.
 

Furthermore, the recognition of obesity as a multifactorial condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors has underscored the importance of personalized treatment approaches, including pharmacovigilance, which was valued at USD 8.5 billion in 2022. The convergence of these drivers underscores the importance of anti-obesity drugs as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the complex challenge of obesity and its associated health risks.
 

Anti-Obesity Drugs Market Trends

• There's a growing emphasis on personalized approaches to obesity treatment, considering individual differences in genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle factors. Advances in biomarker research and genetic testing are facilitating the development of tailored treatment regimens, including pharmacotherapy, to optimize outcomes for patients.
   
• Combination therapies involving multiple mechanisms of action are gaining traction in the treatment of obesity. By targeting different pathways involved in appetite regulation, metabolism, or fat absorption, these therapies aim to enhance efficacy while minimizing side effects. Examples include fixed-dose combinations of drugs targeting the central nervous system and peripherally acting agents.
   

Anti-Obesity Drugs Market Analysis

Based on product, the market is bifurcated into prescription drugs and OTC drugs. The prescription drugs segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 4.1 billion in 2023.
 

• The escalating global prevalence of obesity and its associated health complications has underscored the urgent need for effective pharmacological interventions. With obesity rates continuing to rise, particularly in developed nations, there's a heightened demand for pharmaceutical solutions capable of addressing this epidemic.
   
• Additionally, advancements in medical research have deepened our understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying obesity, paving the way for the development of targeted prescription medications.
   

Based on action pathway, the anti-obesity drugs market is bifurcated into peripherally acting drugs and centrally acting drugs. The centrally acting drugs segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2023.
 

• The central nervous system (CNS) serves as a central hub for regulating appetite, satiety, and energy balance, making it a prime target for pharmacological intervention. Drugs that act on neurotransmitter systems within the CNS, such as serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine, can modulate hunger signals and promote feelings of fullness, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
   
• Additionally, the rising prevalence of obesity and its associated health complications has intensified the demand for effective treatments, spurring research and development efforts focused on centrally acting medications.
   

Based on distribution channel, the anti-obesity drugs market is segmented into retail pharmacies, e-commerce, drug stores, and hospital pharmacies. The retail pharmacies segment held the largest revenue of USD 2.3 billion in 2023.
 

• The growing awareness of obesity as a chronic condition requiring long-term management has increased the need for continuous medication refills and patient education, services that retail pharmacies are well-equipped to provide.
   
• Moreover, the convenience offered by retail pharmacies, including extended operating hours and convenient locations, enhances patient adherence to treatment regimens, contributing to better health outcomes.
   

The North America anti-obesity drugs market is forecasted to reach USD 21.9 billion by 2032, propelled by rapidly aging population, technological advancements, heightened public awareness, and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. U.S. dominated the North America market with the largest revenue of USD 2.3 billion in 2023.
 

• The region faces significant public health challenges related to obesity, including an increased risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. As a result, there is a growing recognition among healthcare providers and policymakers of the need for comprehensive approaches to obesity management, including pharmacotherapy.
   
• Additionally, cultural and lifestyle factors, such as sedentary behaviours and the availability of calorie-dense foods, contribute to the obesity epidemic, further underscoring the importance of effective treatment options.
   

The anti-obesity drugs market in the UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2024 to 2032.
 

• The UK government's commitment to tackling obesity through initiatives such as public health campaigns, regulatory measures targeting unhealthy food marketing, and policies promoting healthier lifestyle choices, is expected to boost the market growth in the region.
   
• Furthermore, advancements in medical research and pharmaceutical innovation, coupled with regulatory efforts to streamline the approval process for anti-obesity drugs, create opportunities for the development and commercialization of new therapies tailored to the UK market.
   

Japan anti-obesity drugs market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 – 2032.
 

• Japan is experiencing a rise in obesity rates, particularly among its aging population, leading to an increased prevalence of obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This demographic shift has prompted heightened awareness among healthcare providers and policymakers of the need for effective strategies to combat obesity and its associated comorbidities.
   
• Moreover, traditional Japanese diets, characterized by high consumption of rice and fish, are being supplanted by Westernized diets rich in processed foods and sugars, contributing to weight gain and obesity. As a result, there is growing interest in pharmacological interventions to complement lifestyle modifications and address the obesity epidemic.
   

The anti-obesity drugs market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2024 to 2032.
 

• Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving healthcare infrastructure and increasing investment in healthcare technologies create opportunities for the development and adoption of innovative anti-obesity drugs tailored to the country's specific needs and preferences.
   
• Additionally, in Saudi Arabia, the demand for anti-obesity drugs is driven by a combination of demographic trends, cultural influences, and healthcare priorities, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to address the obesity epidemic in the region.
   

Anti-Obesity Drugs Market Share

The anti-obesity drugs sector is competitive in nature, with a mix of major global and smaller to medium-sized companies competing for market share. A pivotal aspect of market strategy involves the continual introduction of innovations such as combination therapies, peptide-based therapies, novel targets, gene-based therapies, and microbiome modulation. Notably, prominent industry players command considerable influence in this dynamic landscape, often driving forward advancements through substantial investments in research and development. Additionally, strategic alliances, acquisitions, and mergers are instrumental in fortifying market positions and expanding global footprint amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.
 

Anti-Obesity Drugs Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the anti-obesity drugs industry include:

• Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• AstraZeneca PLC
• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
• Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC
• Eli Lily & Co
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Gelesis
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Novartis AG
• Novo Nordisk A/S
• Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc.
• Pfizer Inc.
• Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Vivus, Inc.
   

Anti-Obesity Drugs Industry News:

• In February 2024, U.S. pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co announced the launch of its blockbuster diabetes medication and widely utilized obesity treatment, Mounjaro, in India by the following year pending completion of an ongoing regulatory assessment. The potential market in India, the world's most populous nation with high obesity rates, particularly among women, and the second-highest prevalence of type-2 diabetes globally, presents a significant opportunity. This strategic move underscored Eli Lilly's commitment to addressing global health challenges and expanding its footprint in emerging markets.
   
• In November 2023, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval to Eli Lilly and Company's Zepbound injection, marking the first and only obesity treatment of its kind to activate both GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors. Zepbound was indicated for adults with obesity, or those who were overweight, and also had weight-related medical conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease, with the goal of achieving sustainable weight loss. This approval represented a significant milestone in the treatment of obesity, reinforcing Eli Lilly's leadership in innovative healthcare solutions.
   

The anti-obesity drugs market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Prescription drugs
• OTC drugs

Market, By Action Pathway

• Peripherally acting drugs
• Centrally acting drugs

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Drug stores
• E-commerce

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa