The slim get slimmer, the heavy wait: Obesity drug divide grows
We are living in an era where “the rich get thinner, the poor get fatter.” The wealthy have access to many resources the poor do not: nutritious foods, gym memberships, and weight-loss medications. This disparity in lifestyle between the two groups has exacerbated obesity polarization.
Wegovy, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, and similar weight-loss medications are effective but costly (with the domestic supply price of Wegovy at 370,000 won for a 4-week dose), raising concerns about the growing gap between socioeconomic classes.
In a recent video interview with WEEKLY BIZ, Dr. Daniel Drucker, a professor at the University of Toronto renowned for pioneering research on diabetes and obesity, stated, “It has come to a time when we have to consider the ways we distribute obesity medications.”
Aren’t weight-loss medications just about looking conventionally attractive?
“Obesity medications aren’t only helpful for weight loss. Obesity is a medical condition that increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. These medications help prevent such diseases and defend against life-threatening complications like strokes. Each pill has the power to save up to 943,000 lives per year.”
If we produce more and lower the cost, wouldn’t everyone benefit regardless of income?
“The issue is that we still can’t supply enough of the drug. That’s why distribution must prioritize those who need it most. If the medication were widely available and affordable, it wouldn’t matter if young people used it for body image or other reasons.
Obesity medications are developed through a process called ‘solid-state peptide synthesis,’ where amino acids are sequentially attached to a solid support to build a peptide chain. While quality control is manageable in a lab setting, scaling up production introduces quality challenges. This makes rapid supply expansion difficult.”
How can we reduce the cost of these medications?
“Right now, around ten pharmaceutical companies are developing oral versions of weight-loss drugs. Research is underway to use low-molecular-weight compounds that the body can absorb directly—these would be cheaper than injectable treatments.
This could benefit millions, even billions. Plus, oral medications won’t require refrigeration, making them easier to distribute in hotter regions like South America and Africa. However, it may take time for these new drugs to gain traction in the current market.”
What’s needed for Korea to develop innovative treatments like GLP-1-based drugs?
“Basic science deserves more attention because it often leads to unexpected breakthroughs. GLP-1 drugs, for instance, have shown benefits beyond weight loss. Clinical trials now indicate they may help with arthritis, sleep apnea, and liver disease. I’m currently studying how these drugs reduce inflammation in the body.”
In Korea, many high-achieving students choose medicine. Any thoughts?
“The fact that top talent gravitates toward medicine isn’t unique to Korea—it’s a global trend. In many countries, doctors earn significantly more than researchers. That’s why we need to ask: Are researchers being fairly compensated? Are students interested in becoming scientists?
More funding should be available for individual research. In Canada, 80–90% of government research fund applications are rejected—I imagine the situation in Korea is similar. Why would anyone choose a career defined by constant rejection? If we want progress in basic science, governments must overhaul the support systems surrounding research.”