The rising prevalence of obesity and increasing government initiatives and support are driving the growth of the Anti-Obesity Drugs Market at a CAGR of 25.82% during the forecast period 2025 to 2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Global Anti-Obesity Drugs Market” that contains the information from 2019 to 2035.

The Global Anti-Obesity Drugs Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 25.82 % during the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.

MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the Global Anti-Obesity Drugs Market — Eli Lilly and Company, AstraZeneca, GSK Plc, Gelesis, CHEPLAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, Novo Nordisk A/S, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., KVK Tech, Inc., Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC, VIVUS LLC and others.

The Global Anti-Obesity Drugs Market accounted for registering a CAGR of 25.82 % during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 326.90 billion by 2035.

Growing levels of obesity drive the market of anti-obesity drugs across the world mainly through the higher instances of individuals afflicted with obesity along with their increased health-related risk factors. Estimated as of 2022, approximately 16% of all adults 18 years and older globally are said to be obese, constituting a very remarkable increase over preceding decades. This increasing obesity rate is caused by a number of factors such as sedentary lifestyles, inappropriate diet, and environmental causes that lead to weight gain. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as of 2016, approximately 800 million people globally were affected by obesity, including more than 670 million adults and at least 120 million children and adolescents. This figure has continued to rise over the years. According to WHO projections, by 2025, an additional 167 million individuals, both adults and children, are expected to experience health complications due to being overweight or obese. Obesity is no longer a problem limited to high-income nations; it has become an international health epidemic. In affluent regions such as North America and Europe, obesity is especially prevalent, with more than 30% of the adult population in these regions being obese. But the problem is increasingly impacting low- and middle-income nations as well. In regions like the WHO South-East Asia Region and the African Region, obesity rates are rising rapidly, with approximately 31% of the population in these areas being classified as obese or overweight.

Of interest in regard to children is the problem of obesity. In 2022, as many as 37 million children under 5 years of age were overweight, and this is poised to perpetuate the spread of obesity into adulthood. Childhood obesity contributes to such long-term conditions as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, which further exacerbates the demand for obesity control measures.

The financial cost of obesity is staggering, imposing a heavy financial burden on both healthcare systems and economies. The worldwide cost of overweight and obesity is estimated to be US$ 3 trillion annually by the year 2030, rising substantially to over US$ 18 trillion by 2060 if the trends persist. These expenses are not only prompted by the direct healthcare costs for the treatment of obesity-related illnesses, but also by losses in productivity and social costs of the disease. In light of these staggering figures, the increasing number of cases of obesity is developing an ever-growing need for successful anti-obesity therapies, which is driving the growth of the anti-obesity drugs market. This trend is set to persist as the world's population continues to become heavier, resulting in greater demand for drug interventions. For this reason, anti-obesity drug market players are spending large amounts on research and development in a bid to launch new and more efficient drugs that provide sustained weight management solutions. For instance, in November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity. Similarly, in February 2024, Eli Lilly, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, is preparing to introduce its breakthrough obesity drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), in India by early 2025. This move aligns with Lilly’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in emerging markets where obesity and metabolic disorders are increasingly becoming public health concerns. The rising level of awareness regarding the health hazards posed by obesity, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers, adds to the growth in the demand for obesity treatments, thus becoming a key market driver in the healthcare sector.

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Segmental Analysis

The Global Anti-Obesity Drugs Market has been segmented based on Treatment Type, by Drug Type, by Mechanism of Action, By Route of Administration, by Distribution Channel.

Based on Treatment Type, this segment includes Appetite Suppressants (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, Selective Serotonin 2C Receptor Agonists, Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)), Lipase Inhibitors, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, Combination Drugs, Others. The GLP-1 Receptor Agonists segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Combination Drugs segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists have become a cornerstone in the development of anti-obesity drugs, offering a highly effective solution for weight management. Initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications, including semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda), work by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1 to regulate appetite, food intake, and glucose metabolism. Through mechanisms such as appetite suppression, increased satiety, and improved insulin sensitivity, GLP-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting sustained weight loss, with clinical trials showing reductions of up to 15-20% of body weight in patients. Their dual benefit of managing obesity and enhancing metabolic health makes them particularly attractive for individuals with obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. However, despite their promising outcomes, these medications require careful medical oversight due to potential side effects, making it crucial for healthcare providers to assess patient suitability for optimal results.

Based on Drug Type, this segment includes Prescription Drugs and Over the Counter Drugs. The Prescription Drugs segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Over the Counter Drugs segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Prescription anti-obesity drugs are a key component in the treatment of obesity, particularly for individuals who have been unable to achieve significant weight loss through lifestyle changes alone. These medications are typically prescribed for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with obesity-related health issues, such as diabetes or hypertension. Among the most prescribed options are appetite suppressants like Phentermine, fat absorption inhibitors such as Orlistat, and GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide and Liraglutide. These drugs work by reducing hunger, enhancing feelings of fullness, or blocking fat absorption, helping patients achieve and maintain weight loss.

Based on Mechanism of Action, this segment includes Centrally Acting Anti-Obesity Drugs and Peripherally Acting Anti-Obesity Drugs. The Centrally Acting Anti-Obesity Drugs segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Peripherally Acting Anti-Obesity Drugs segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Centrally acting anti-obesity medications are an important option in the treatment of obesity, targeting the brain's appetite-control centers to help manage hunger and food intake. By affecting key neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, these drugs work to reduce appetite, minimize cravings, and support weight loss. Prominent examples include Phentermine, a short-term appetite suppressant, and Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia), a combination treatment that boosts appetite control and energy expenditure. Bupropion-Naltrexone (Contrave), a combination of an antidepressant and opioid antagonist, works on the brain's reward system to help curb emotional eating and cravings. While these drugs are effective, they require careful prescribing due to possible side effects, such as cardiovascular and mood-related issues. They are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes and behavioral interventions for sustained weight management.

Based on Route of Administration, this segment includes Oral and Subcutaneous. The Subcutaneous segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. The subcutaneous route of administration is emerging as a key player in the anti-obesity drugs market, driven by its ability to offer sustained and controlled drug release. Subcutaneous injections, such as those used with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Liraglutide (Saxenda), provide more consistent blood levels and enhanced efficacy in weight loss and metabolic control. These injectable drugs reduce appetite, increase satiety, and regulate glucose, offering a significant advantage over oral medications, particularly for patients with more severe obesity or comorbidities like type 2 diabetes. The subcutaneous route ensures better bioavailability and allows for less frequent dosing, improving patient adherence. While the method may present challenges in patient comfort and acceptance, the growing adoption of subcutaneous therapies reflects their strong position in the market, catering to patients seeking a more targeted and effective solution for weight management.

Based on Distribution Channel, this segment includes Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and Online Pharmacies. The Hospital Pharmacies segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Online Pharmacies segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period.  Hospital pharmacies play a crucial role as a distribution channel in the anti-obesity drug market, particularly for patients who require more specialized care or treatment regimens. These pharmacies are integral in the distribution of prescription-based anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, centrally acting drugs, and combination therapies, often prescribed for individuals with severe obesity or obesity-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Hospital pharmacies offer a highly controlled environment where patients can receive personalized counselling, precise dosing instructions, and tailored medication plans. They also facilitate the monitoring of treatment progress, providing a high level of clinical support that ensures patient safety and adherence to prescribed weight management protocols.

Regional Analysis

Geographically, the Global Anti-Obesity Drugs Market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa.

Major demand factors driving the North America market are the rising prevalence of obesity and increasing government initiatives and support. Government support and favorable policies also play a pivotal role in the market's expansion. Initiatives like Medicare’s proposal to cover anti-obesity drugs have opened doors for wider access to treatments, making these drugs more affordable and accessible to millions of Americans. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of new anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Wegovy), has driven significant growth, with these treatments demonstrating considerable effectiveness in weight reduction.

The European anti-obesity drugs market is being driven by a distinct set of factors that differentiate it from the North American market. One of the key drivers is the region’s healthcare system, which, in many countries, offers universal or public healthcare, making anti-obesity medications more accessible to a wider patient base compared to private healthcare models dominant in North America. This affordability is bolstered by increasing healthcare awareness and a growing focus on preventive care, with governments and public health initiatives promoting the importance of managing obesity as a chronic disease.

In Asia-Pacific, the introduction of innovative pharmaceuticals, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, has broadened the range of available treatments, further fueling market adoption. Notable market entries, such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in China and the approval of mazdutide in the region, highlight the increasing availability of effective anti-obesity treatments. The growing awareness of the health risks associated with obesity, coupled with improvements in healthcare access, is driving both demand and acceptance of these therapies, particularly in emerging economies. With these combined factors, the Asia-Pacific market is well-positioned for continued growth, offering significant opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and stakeholders within the healthcare sector.

The South American anti-obesity drugs market is being driven by several unique factors that reflect the region’s evolving demographic and healthcare landscape. Economic growth and the expansion of the middle class are leading to shifts in lifestyle and dietary habits, contributing to higher obesity rates. As urbanization increases and processed food consumption rises, the demand for effective weight management solutions grows. Additionally, with a growing middle class, there is better access to healthcare and an increased ability to afford obesity treatments, further boosting the market.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) anti-obesity drugs market is influenced by several region-specific drivers that distinguish it from other global markets. Cultural shifts and urbanization are significant contributors, as more sedentary lifestyles and the adoption of westernized eating habits, such as increased consumption of fast food, have led to rising obesity rates, particularly in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. For instance, according to news-medical Obesity remains a major public health issue in the Middle East, affecting 54.2% of women and 31.4% of men. Government-supported healthcare initiatives play a pivotal role in tackling obesity at a national level, with countries like Saudi Arabia implementing comprehensive public health campaigns and policies that promote the use of anti-obesity medications. This contrasts with other regions where healthcare systems may be more privatized.

Key Findings of the Study

• The Global Anti-Obesity Drugs Market is expected to reach USD 326.90 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 25.82% during the forecast period.


• The North America region accounted for the fastest-growing global market.


• Based on the Treatment Type, the GLP-1 Receptor Agonists segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2024.


• Eli Lilly and Company, AstraZeneca, GSK Plc, Gelesis, CHEPLAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, Novo Nordisk A/S, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., KVK Tech, Inc., Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC, VIVUS LLC are some of the players in the market.