ANTI-OBESITY DRUG MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Anti-Obesity Drug Market – Driver

Increasing burden of obesity to augment the market growth

One of the key factors expected to augment the growth of the global anti-obesity drug market over the forecast period is the increasing incidence or prevalence of obesity across the globe. In adults, obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30.0 or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the World Obesity Atlas 2022, published by the World Obesity Federation, more than one billion people around the world, including one in five women and one in seven men, will be living with obesity by 2030. This in turn is expected to increase demand for anti-obesity drugs, driving the growth of the market.

Risk of chronic diseases to underpin the market growth

Another factor that is driving the growth of the global anti-obesity drug market is the increasing burden of obesity and related chronic diseases. Obesity is a serious public health problem and the condition significantly increases the risk of various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type-2 diabetes, coronary heart diseases, and hypertension. According to NCBI, obesity is a significant risk factor for and contributor to increased morbidity and mortality, from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, but also from cancer and other chronic diseases, such as liver and kidney disease, osteoarthritis, depression, and sleep apnea.

Global Anti-Obesity Drug Market: Restraint

Side effects of drugs hinder the growth of the market

One of the key factors expected to hamper the growth of the global anti-obesity drug market is the potential side effects of anti-obesity drugs. Medications that speed up the metabolism and suppress the appetite are risky and can lead to high blood pressure, an increase in heart rate, and lung and heart problems. Other possible side effects include an increase in blood pressure, constipation, insomnia, and nervousness, among others. However, an ideal anti-obesity medicine would produce sustained weight loss with minimal side effects. 

Global Anti-Obesity Drug Market - Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Since the COVID-19 virus outbreak in December 2019, the disease spread to over 100 countries across the globe, and the World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency on January 30, 2020.

COVID-19 affected the economy in three main ways: by directly affecting the production and demand of drugs, by creating disruptions in distribution channels, and through its financial impact on firms and financial markets. Due to nationwide lockdowns, several countries such as China, India, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., Egypt, and others are facing problems with the transportation of drugs from one place to another.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the global anti-obesity drug market. Obesity increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. People who are overweight may also be at increased risk. Obesity may also triple the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. According to the article published in December 2020 by the European Journal of Nutrition, the rate of obesity has increased across the world. The major reason is a change in lifestyle and a decrease in exercise practice due to nationwide lockdown and social distancing protocols. This in turn has led to an increase in the obese population and is expected to increase the demand for anti-obesity drugs, driving the growth of the global anti-obesity drug market.