Weight loss drugs are reshaping everything from retail to relationships - here's how

In this episode of Follow the Rabbit, Igor and Johannes are joined by Susan Cox-Smith to explore the far-reaching implications of GLP-1 medications beyond their medical applications. The conversation examines how these drugs are reshaping everything from retail and relationships to identity and social dynamics.

The discussion begins with concrete market impacts: McDonald's potentially redesigning products, major retailers adapting clothing lines, and airlines recalculating fuel consumption based on predicted population weight loss. But the conversation quickly moves to deeper cultural implications, including:

• How GLP-1 drugs are creating new social divides between those who can and cannot access them
• The complex relationship between weight, class, and identity in a world where size increasingly becomes a choice
• Unexpected psychological benefits reported by users, including improved outlook on life and increased confidence
• The potential future of these medications, from black markets to psychiatric applications
• How these drugs might reshape our relationship with food, fitness, and self-image

With insights from Havas's consumer research and emerging market signals, the episode reveals how GLP-1 medications are becoming more than just weight loss drugs – they're catalysts for fundamental social change. The discussion highlights both the promise and perils of this transformation, raising important questions about healthcare access, beauty standards, and the future of wellness.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Market Disruptions

07:22 Identity Shifts & Cultural Impact

16:09 Access & Social Implications

27:40 Future Scenarios & Challenges

38:50 Psychological Effects & Society

49:18 Concluding Thoughts on Health as Luxury

Susan Cox-Smith is partner at Changeist  

Susan on LinkedIn

Susan on BlueSky

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