The Story Why weight loss drugs will change even more than you think
Jun 15, 2025
Ben Spencer, Science Editor at The Sunday Times, and Harriet Walker, Fashion Editor at The Times, discuss the societal revolution sparked by weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy. They explore how these medications are reshaping everything from fashion to lifestyle choices, influencing industries and public perspectives. Harriet shares her personal journey with weight loss drugs, depicting their normalization in fashion circles. The conversation also delves into the implications of these drugs on expectations around body image and their economic impact.
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Slim New World by 2040
- Weight loss drugs like Manjaro and Wegovy could reshape society massively by 2040.
- Effects include slimmer populations, reduced NHS costs, and changing industries like pubs and airlines.
Drugs Curb Multiple Addictions
- These drugs reduce cravings beyond food, impacting alcohol, smoking, and even gambling addictions.
- They influence brain mechanisms controlling urges, showing powerful addiction treatment potential.
Economic Boost Like Penicillin
- Weight loss drugs could benefit the UK economy by billions by reducing sick days.
- Economist Daniel Susskind compares their economic impact to penicillin's 20th-century effect.