Weight Management Market Set to Reach $197.6 Billion by 2029, Driven by Rising Obesity Rates and Expanding Demand from Developing Economies.

The weight management market is expected to grow due to rising obesity rates, health awareness, and expanding demand from developing economies. The market is segmented into diet, equipment, and services, with diet being the largest segment. The offline distribution channel is expected to dominate the market, while fitness centers and health clubs are the largest end-users. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2029.

Teva Pharmaceuticals' recent FDA approval and U.S. launch of the first-ever generic GLP-1 product specifically indicated for weight loss, Saxenda (liraglutide injection), marks a significant milestone in the obesity treatment landscape. This approval, announced on March 9, 2025, represents a transformative shift in accessibility and affordability for obesity treatments.

Teva's generic Saxenda is a major breakthrough, offering a more affordable alternative to branded GLP-1 therapies. The market for obesity treatments was approximately USD 2,000 million in the United States in 2023, with the U.S. accounting for approximately 80% of the total obesity market in the 7MM [1]. The introduction of generic Saxenda addresses the increased demand for affordable obesity treatments, as branded products typically cost around $1,000 per month.

The obesity market is projected to reach unprecedented heights, driven by rising obesity rates, health awareness, and expanding demand from developing economies. According to DelveInsight's Obesity Market Insight, Epidemiology and Market Forecast report, there are significant unmet medical needs, with the United States accounting for the highest number of total prevalent cases of obesity among the 7MM in 2023 [2]. The condition affects millions globally, with 2.5 billion adults (18 years or older) being overweight as of 2022, with 890 million classified as obese.

Teva's generic Saxenda is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long-term. The generic version is indicated for adults with obesity or overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, and pediatric patients (12-17 years) with obesity and a weight greater than 60kg. Unlike newer GLP-1 products that require weekly injections, liraglutide has a shorter half-life, requiring daily injection, but offers significantly lower pricing as a generic alternative.

The introduction of generic Saxenda enters a competitive landscape dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, who currently hold duopoly status in the GLP-1 obesity market. However, the generic entry represents a significant threat to pricing power in a market where current list prices create accessibility barriers for many patients. The broader competitive ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP market estimated at $36.8 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $138 billion by 2031 [2].

Teva's generic Saxenda is expected to significantly expand market access by offering a more affordable alternative, potentially reaching previously underserved patient populations. The market for weight loss medications accounted for $9.3 billion (25%) of GLP-1 costs in 2023, with this percentage expected to shift toward obesity indications as utilization trends continue [2].

In conclusion, Teva's generic Saxenda represents a major shift in obesity treatment accessibility, offering the first-ever generic GLP-1 option for weight management. This approval is expected to drive market growth and improve patient outcomes, addressing the significant unmet medical needs in the obesity treatment landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.openpr.com/news/4167161/obesity-treatment-landscape-teva-launches-first-generic-glp-1
[2] https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/weight-loss-weight-management-obesity-market?utm_source=abnewswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=xpr