In a recent expert view, SCOR explores whether a new generation of anti-obesity medications could become a key tool in tackling the global obesity epidemic — and what this might mean for life and health insurers.

Obesity remains one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide, strongly associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and reduced life expectancy. Against this backdrop, GLP-1 receptor agonists and newer dual-action therapies have demonstrated substantial and sustained weight loss in clinical trials, alongside improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular indicators. Originally developed to treat diabetes, these drugs are now reshaping the therapeutic landscape of obesity.

For health insurers, the implications are potentially far-reaching. If widely adopted and maintained over time, these treatments could help reduce the incidence and severity of obesity-related comorbidities, positively influencing morbidity trends and long-term claims experience. Improved cardiovascular outcomes, in particular, may translate into lower hospitalization rates and reduced chronic disease burden within insured portfolios.

However, SCOR notes that several uncertainties remain. High treatment costs and uneven reimbursement policies may limit access in many markets, potentially restricting uptake to specific socio-economic groups. Moreover, obesity is a chronic condition, and discontinuation of treatment can lead to weight regain, raising questions about long-term adherence and sustained health benefits.

From an underwriting perspective, insurers are likely to encounter a growing number of applicants using these medications. This will require a nuanced approach: recognizing both the elevated baseline risks linked to obesity and the potential risk-mitigating effects of effective medical treatment. Over time, the integration of pharmacological obesity management into preventive health strategies could reshape product design, pricing and risk assessment frameworks in the life and health segment.

Overall, while new weight-loss drugs are not a standalone solution to the obesity crisis, they represent a meaningful development for the insurance industry — one that warrants close monitoring as clinical evidence and market adoption continue to evolve.