A Goldman Sachs economist has suggested that the US economy could experience accelerated growth with increased use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic . What Happened : Jan Hatzius , chief economist at Goldman Sachs, has said that US GDP could potentially grow an additional 1% if 60 million Americans were to use GLP-1 drugs by 2028. Hatzius pointed out that health-related issues such as obesity often hinder people from participating in the labor force, thereby stunting economic growth, reports Business Insider.
He further highlighted that healthcare innovation could significantly reduce the economic costs associated with poor health. “Combining current losses in hours worked and labor force participation from sickness and disability, early deaths, and informal caregiving, we estimate that GDP would potentially be over 10% higher if poor health outcomes did not limit labor supply in the US,” the outlet quoted Hatzius saying. GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, are manufactured by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company LLY respectively.
These drugs have proven effective in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, leading to a surge in sales. Also Read: Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro Outpaces Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic In Weight Loss Effectiveness, Study Shows Given the U.S.
obesity rate of approximately 40%, tens of millions of Americans could be prescribed GLP-1 drugs in the upcoming years. Hatzius believes that this could lead to substantial economic benefits, including i.
