CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 60% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Show more
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 60% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Show less
For institutions
Log in Open account
United Kingdom
GB Article 4 768x280

Obesity drugs for everyone – even for pets

Outrageous Predictions
Jacob Falkencrone
Jacob Falkencrone

Global Head of Investment Strategy

Summary:  The availability of GLP-1 drugs in pill form makes them ubiquitous, shrinking waistlines, even for pets!

The global weight-loss revolution enters a surreal new phase as a leading healthcare giant expands its blockbuster GLP-1 portfolio among humans and even beyond into the animal kingdom. By late 2026, a company launches new GLP-1 treatments in pill form.

The widespread availability of the drugs as a pill to replace injection-only treatment supercharges the adoption of these drugs. Use among humans becomes near universal. What began as a medical treatment turns into a lifestyle tool, with even mildly overweight consumers cycling on and off the pills to stay trim. Global BMI averages across OECD nations fall by a full point, and some national health systems consider subsidised GLP-1 use as a preventive public-health measure. Supply strains re-emerge, and counterfeit risks rise.

As well, after years of extraordinary success with GLP-1 drugs that redefined weight management for humans, scientists turn their attention to the other obesity epidemic: pets. The argument is simple and irresistible: if humans can benefit from appetite-suppressing treatments, why shouldn’t animals? Witness the availability of versions of the new pills with names like OzemPup and WeeKitty: designed to treat obesity in dogs, cats, and other pets.

Social media posts touting the drugs go viral as influencers post before-and-after photos of sleeker labradors and newly svelte house cats, sparking both admiration and moral unease. Animal-rights activists decry pharmaceutical overreach, while veterinarians praise the overall improved health impact on pets as they dish out prescriptions.

For investors, the boom reignites interest in the weight-management sector and spawns new markets at the intersection of medicine, wellness and pet care. But the success also rattles food, restaurant and the pet-food industries, where lower-calorie consumption threatens volumes and margins. Manufacturers pivot to “satiety-smart” and upscale recipes and pre-packed portion sizes to defend margins and market share. The world’s most lucrative drug class reshapes not only waistlines but entire business models.

Market impact: Fast fashion does well as more people need to replace whole wardrobes. Winners and losers emerge in food producers, restaurants and pet food makers. Healthcare and veterinary stocks rally as GLP-1 adoption broadens.

This content is marketing material. 

None of the information provided on this website constitutes an offer, solicitation, or endorsement to buy or sell any financial instrument, nor is it financial, investment, or trading advice. Saxo Capital Market Ltd. (SCML) provides execution-only services, with all trades and investments based on self-directed decisions. Analysis, research, and educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice or a recommendation.

SCML content may reflect the personal views of the author, which are subject to change without notice. Mentions of specific financial products are for illustrative purposes only and may serve to clarify financial literacy topics. Content classified as investment research is marketing material and does not meet legal requirements for independent research.

SCML partners with companies that provide compensation for promotional activities conducted on its platform. Some partners also pay retrocessions contingent on clients investing in products from those partners. 

While SCML receives compensation from these partnerships, all educational and research content remains focused on providing information to clients.

Before making any investment decisions, you should assess your own financial situation, needs, and objectives, and consider seeking independent professional advice. SCML does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information.

Please refer to our full disclaimer and notification on non-independent investment research for more details.

Saxo
40 Bank Street, 26th floor
E14 5DA
London
United Kingdom

Contact Saxo

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Products & pricing
Platforms
Accounts & service
General
Other
Legal

Warning

Trade Responsibly
All trading carries risk. To help you understand the risks involved we have put together a series of Key Information Documents (KIDs) highlighting the risks and rewards related to each product. Read more
Additional Key Information Documents are available in our trading platform.

Saxo is a registered Trading Name of Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd (‘Saxo’). Saxo is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 551422. Registered address: 26th Floor, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DA. Company number 7413871. Registered in England & Wales.

This website, including the information and materials contained in it, are not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in the United States, Belgium or any other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation.

It is important that you understand that with investments, your capital is at risk. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make an informed decision about whether or not to invest with us. If you are still unsure if investing is right for you, please seek independent advice. Saxo assumes no liability for any loss sustained from trading in accordance with a recommendation.

Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

©   since 1992