FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Reinsurance company Swiss Re said on Wednesday that widespread use of GLP-1 drugs to treat obesity could reduce the annual rate of death by up to 6.4% in the United States by 2045.

The GLP-1 drug class, which include Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, has enjoyed unprecedented demand in recent years, with some analysts projecting annual combined sales of $150 billion by the end of the decade.

The Zurich-based reinsurer said the new weight-loss drugs would have “significant implications” for companies selling medical and life insurances.

If the insurance industry can encourage people to make lifestyle changes to prevent obesity-related disease, “we can strengthen the insurance safety net and contribute to people living longer, healthier lives,” said Paul

See Full Page