The next in SCI's series of free online SCItalks looks at how GLP-1-based therapies such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are transforming the management of obesity and metabolic disease. These drugs influence appetite, metabolism, and behaviour in ways that extend beyond weight loss, raising profound questions for medicine, society, and the economy.
The speaker, Dr Emran Ghaffar Khan is an accomplished endocrinologist who is highly trained and qualified. He has gained experience in the field of diabetes endocrinology for over 20 years and has extensive experience in this field. Dr Khan told C&I a little bit out his talk.
C&I: Can you tell us a little about the talk and what makes it so relevant now?
Emran Khan: The talk, ‘Hacking the Brain’s Hunger Code: Miracle, Menace, or the Next Stage of Human Evolution? Future of Weight Loss and Longevity,’ explores the rapid rise of GLP-1 based therapies such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). These drugs appear to act directly on the brain’s hunger signals and are producing levels of sustained weight loss, often 15 to 25 percent of body weight, previously seen mainly with surgery.
Alongside weight loss they improve diabetes control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and may influence several other metabolic conditions. But the story is far bigger than weight loss. In just a few years these medicines have moved from specialist diabetes treatment to a global cultural, medical, and economic phenomenon.
The talk explores the wider implications: how these therapies are changing our understanding of obesity and appetite, the psychological experience of “switching down” hunger, ethical questions around access and fairness, and how they may reshape healthcare systems, industries, and attitudes toward health, ageing, and longevity.
How well do we understand the long-term impact on society and the economy?
The early scientific evidence is impressive. Clinical trials and real-world data show sustained weight loss, major reductions in cardiovascular events, and prevention of progression to diabetes. However, widespread use of these drugs is still relatively recent, and the full long-term picture beyond a decade is still emerging.
What we are already seeing are powerful ripple effects. These therapies could significantly reduce the global burden of obesity related disease, but they are also beginning to influence consumer behaviour, healthcare spending, and industries linked to food, hospitality, and wellness. The market for these drugs alone could reach hundreds of billions of dollars within the next decade.
At the same time, their cost raises important questions about equity and access. The challenge ahead will be ensuring that this powerful medical tool improves population health broadly rather than widening health inequalities. Used wisely alongside lifestyle support, they may open the door to healthier longevity for many people, but societies will need to balance the scientific promise with careful policy and oversight.
Dr Khan’s SCItalks event takes place on Wednesday 25 March online at 4pm GMT. You can register in advance for this free talk here.
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