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The US economy is just beginning to see the effects of the increased use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss and experts say they could run the gamut from consumer purchases to transportation and military planning.

By Elaine Ellis – SmartBrief

11/25/25

The impact of GLP-1 drugs may surpass technological innovations like the internet and the iPhone, experts say. While the full extent of the changes may not be known for years, these drugs are already beginning to revolutionize not only people’s health, but also consumer behavior, which may have a huge effect on the economy.

“Based on early signals, GLP-1s may be catalyzing a behavioral and economic shift that’s on par with major technological breakthroughs,” write Ali Furman, a consumer market analyst with PwC, and her co-author Paul Leinwand in the Harvard Business Review. From just a health standpoint, Furman says GLP-1s may rival the advances brought by antibiotics.

Furman also points out: “GLP-1s are…reprogramming [consumer] desire.”

Based on her research, Furman urges a variety of industries – from fashion to food –  to anticipate consumer needs and desires as glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists gain traction. The timeframe is urgent, she says, as barriers to using these drugs already are falling, including cost, more readily accessible formats like pills over injections, and scientifically proven efficacy for a variety of health issues. “The demographic of folks on this drug is going to continue to grow probably at a very fast pace,” she says.

Focus on Obesity

Originally introduced to help control diabetes, GLP-1s are now being used and investigated for a wide range of health issues from obesity to dementia to addiction.  

Focusing narrowly on obesity, which affects some 40.3% of US adults, according to the CDC’s 2021-2023 analysis, and costs the US economy more than $400 billion annually, the potential of GLP-1 drugs to address the obesity crisis could have a profound economic impact, Sandra Barbosu, associate director of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation’s Center for Life Sciences Innovation, and Natalie Khoo, a student at Kings College London, write in an analysis titled A Shot at a Healthier Future: The Transformative Potential of GLP-1s.

The strain on the health care system is notable with obesity-related chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions, increasingly responsible for federal health care spending in programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and contributing substantially to the federal deficit. Barbosu’s research shows that “obesity alone is estimated to account for nearly 42% of the federal primary deficit,” citing a 2023 Joint Congressional Economic Report. 

Obesity also contributes to reduced economic output through lower productivity, due to increased worker sick time and workplace injuries, Barbosu says. Her study also documents data on social factors, such as workplace discrimination based on appearance and unconscious biases, and wage gaps between individuals with obesity and those with lower body mass index levels.

“I think one of the biggest reactions [to our research] is that people haven’t imagined the range of industries that obesity can impact,” Barbosu says.

For instance, Barbosu and Khoo examine the impact on the transportation industry, showing that increases in passenger body weights contribute to higher fuel usage, environmental consequences and costs.  She offers examples of how several airlines have responded, with Samoa Airways using weight-based ticket pricing and Finnair offering voluntary passenger weight checks to better predict fuel requirements. 

Other consequences of obesity include its effects on national defense. It now is the most common disqualifying factor for military service in the US, according to Barbosu’s research. 

Emergency responders and hospitals are grappling with the added costs of retrofitting buildings, vehicles and health care equipment to accommodate those with obesity.   

Barbosu argues an important step in addressing the economic toll of obesity is to fully and accurately assess the positive economic impact GLP-1s may have. Currently, the Congressional Budget Office does not use a method called dynamic scoring, which considers the impact of GLP-1s across the whole economy. The CBOs numbers reflect solely the savings on health outcomes. 

“It’s kind of a narrow view the CBO is taking,” Barbosu says. “If you think a little bit more broadly about the different industries that obesity impacts, then you can start thinking about the potential for savings.”

A broader budgetary perspective may also encourage greater government investment in the research and development of GLP-1s and other therapies to treat obesity if the numbers show the true magnitude of the potential economic payback, Barbosu says. 

What consumers want 

Consumers’ initial interest and awareness of GLP-1s exceed that of technologies like the iPhone, Facebook and Amazon Prime, according to Furman’s research, which used Google Trend data. 

“What’s particularly fascinating about that gap between consumer interest in Ozempic versus some of the technological disruptions is when you consider the barriers to entry for a GLP-1 drug versus an iPhone, as an example. It’s quite a stark difference,” Furman says, noting that the barriers such as needing a prescription, cost and often lack of insurance coverage haven’t mitigated consumer interest, foreshadowing major opportunities – as well as challenges – across multiple industries as consumer behavior evolves to fully embrace these drugs.  

“We believe we could be entering this era of a physiological disruption leading to so many broader societal and consumer behavioral implications, many of which are unknown,” Furman says. “There are just so many potential implications associated with a drug that affects consumers’ bodies and minds – every aspect of their health journey. You know, when the iPhone came out, I don’t think anybody predicted Uber or Netflix.”

Those taking GLP-1s already are providing hints of the changes in consumer behavior that Furman’s research indicated. For instance, the survey shows changes in apparel purchasing, with a 4% to 5% rise in spending about six months after beginning GLP-1 treatment. While some of that may be due to getting clothes that fit better after losing weight, Furman’s research also shows that some of the purchases were due to feeling more confident and wanting more form-fitting activewear to proudly align with a new identity. 

“Certain categories of ath-leisure apparel are up, related to these phenomena,” Furman notes, adding another example of a retailer who recently told her demand for wide-calf boots was down.

Respondents also indicate a changed perspective about fitness – from exercising with the aspiration to lose weight to a maintenance routine to maintain muscle mass. Some did report exercising less frequently due to the effectiveness of GLP-1s for weight loss. 

Spending on fast food, snacking and alcohol declined, but dining out at full-service restaurants for the social experience increased. GLP-1 users tend to spend 6% to 8% less on groceries, Furman notes. To put these changes in perspective, Furman estimates that the average American spends between $175 and $179 a year on desserts. If 20 million people eventually are being treated with a GLP-1, and experience less appetite for sweets, that adds up to billions in lost revenue for that sector. 

“We’re advising businesses to take a hard look at this phenomenon, make sure they stay close to the trends and be educated on the trends because while it does present headwinds for some of our food and beverage, consumer package goods companies and grocers and retailers, it also presents opportunities,” Furman says. “Our advice is to have a framework, develop a strategy around how to capitalize on some of the opportunities that this new demographic is creating.” 

These are early days in the adoption of GLP-1s, and, as Furman notes “we’re just scratching the surface on understanding the full suite of implications that this is going to have.” 

But the survey results are revealing: “We see a very strong thread around people saying they feel happier and more self-confident when they’re on this drug,” according to Furman. “And when you consider perhaps in 10 years that some experts project 75% of the US adult population may be on this drug – a happier, more self-confident society? That could mean seismic shifts in our culture.”

By Lauran Neergaard

October 27, 2025

It’s time to move clocks back. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, which means you should set your clock back an hour before you go to bed. Standard time will last until March 8 when we will again “spring forward” with the return of daylight-saving time. Plan on a glorious extra hour of sleep as most of America “falls back” into standard time. But make sure to get outside for some morning sun, too — it’ll help your body clock reset faster.

There’s a lot of grumbling about the twice-a-year time changes. The spring switch tends to be harder, losing that hour of sleep we allegedly recover in the fall. But many people also mourn fall’s end of daylight-saving time, when days already are getting shorter and moving the clocks can mean less daylight after school or work for exercise or outdoor fun.

Some health groups, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have long urged adopting standard time year-round.

New research from Stanford University agrees, finding that switching back-and-forth is the worst option for our health. The study showed sticking with either time option would be a bit healthier, but they found permanent standard time is slightly better — because it aligns more with the sun and human biology, what’s called our circadian rhythm.

“The best way to think about it is as if the central clock were like a conductor of an orchestra and each of the organs were a different instrument,” said Jamie Zeitzer, who co-directs Stanford’s Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences.

More light in the morning and less at night is key to keeping that rhythm on schedule — all the instruments in sync. When the clock is regularly disrupted by time changes or other reasons, he said each of the body’s organ systems, such as the immune system or metabolism, “just works a little less well.”

Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do — mostly in North America and Europe — the date that clocks are changed varies. In the U.S., Arizona and Hawaii don’t change and stay on standard time.

Here’s what to know about the twice-yearly ritual.

How the body reacts to light

The brain has a master clock that is set by exposure to sunlight and darkness. This circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour cycle that determines when we become sleepy and when we’re more alert. The patterns change with age, one reason that early-to-rise youngsters evolve into hard-to-wake teens.

Morning light resets the rhythm. By evening, levels of a hormone called melatonin begin to surge, triggering drowsiness. Too much light in the evening — whether from later time outdoors due to daylight saving time or from artificial light like computer screens — delays that surge and the cycle gets out of sync.  And that circadian clock affects more than sleep, also influencing things like heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones and metabolism.

How do time changes affect sleep?

Even an hour change on the clock can throw off sleep schedules because even though the clocks change, work and school start times stay the same.

The spring change to daylight saving time can be a little rougher as darker mornings and lighter evenings make it harder to fall asleep on time. Those first few days have been linked to increases in car crashes and even an uptick in heart attacks. Some people with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression usually linked to the shorter days and less sunlight of fall and winter, may struggle too.

Many people easily adjust, like how they recover from jet lag after traveling. But a time change can add pressure on shift workers whose schedules already are out of sync with the sun, or those regularly sleep-deprived for other reasons.

About 1 in 3 U.S. adults sleep less than the recommended seven-plus hours nightly, and more than half of U.S. teens don’t get the recommended eight-plus hours on weeknights. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to heart disease, cognitive decline, obesity and numerous other problems.

How to prepare for the time change

In both fall and spring, changing bedtimes by as little as 15 minutes a night in the days before the change can help ease into it. But sunshine in the morning is critical to help reset your circadian rhythm for healthful sleep. If you can’t get outdoors, sit by windows.

Will the US ever get rid of the time change?

In Congress, a bill named the Sunshine Protection Act that proposes making daylight saving time permanent has stalled in recent years.

Yuki Noguchi, October 28, 2025

More people are using injectable drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound to control their weight, and the United States’ high obesity rate is coming down a bit.

The number of people using injectable obesity treatments is increasing rapidly, and it is leading to declines in obesity, according to a new survey by the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index.

The obesity rate dropped to 37% of U.S. adults this year, down from a high of 39.9% three years ago, according to the survey.

You can’t outrun a bad diet. Food — lack of exercise — fuels obesity, study finds

The survey found that the number of Americans taking drugs like semaglutide (which include the brands Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (under the brands Zepbound and Mounjaro) for weight loss more than doubled over the past year and a half. That’s 12.4% of respondents taking the drugs compared with 5.8% in February 2024, when Gallup first measured it. The new treatments are in a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, and this generation of very effective GLP-1 agonists were approved for obesity treatment in the U.S. market in 2021.

A watershed

GLP-1s, which act on the brain and the body’s hormones to help suppress hunger and slow digestion, are considered a watershed in Americans’ long struggle to address obesity and related diseases. These diseases have persistently and stubbornly increased through the decades, through various dietary trends and public health interventions. Indeed, this index — which asked respondents “Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you have diabetes?” — found a highest ever rate of diabetes at 13.8%.

Slow change

The survey is one indication that obesity rates may be starting to change, albeit slowly. Since the drugs have come on the market, declines in obesity rates have been higher among those between ages 40 and 64, correlating with a higher reliance on GLP-1 medications for that age group. Use of the medications is highest among those ages 50 to 64, for example, and in that cohort, obesity rates dropped 5.0 points to 42.8%. Similarly, the survey found more women take the drugs, with corresponding greater weight loss compared with men.

Advice for trying GLP-1 drugs for weight loss from a doctor who’s been there

Access issues

These drugs have been a game changer for patients with obesity, but access to the drugs is still limited. Access is poised to become a bigger issue, says Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a Harvard University obesity specialist.

“I would say this correlation happened for those that had great coverage, but it’s going to be pulled back,” she says, noting that many private insurers — including ones that cover most of her patients — are stopping coverage of GLP-1 medications as of next year. Without coverage, Stanford says, injections will typically cost patients about $500 a month out of pocket. And while drugmakers are working to bring potentially less-expensive pill versions to market, for example, she says it likely still will put the treatments out of reach for many.

by Sara Machado and Irene N. Papanicolas, The Conversation

Americans at all wealth levels are more likely to die sooner than their European counterparts, with even the richest U.S. citizens living shorter lives than northern and western Europeans. That is the key finding of our new study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

We also found that while the wealthiest Americans live longer than the poorest, the wealth-mortality gap in the U.S. is far more pronounced than in Europe.

We are a team of health policy researchers who study health systems and how their performance compares across countries.  We analyzed survey data from 73,838 adults ages 50 to 85 across the United States and 16 European countries over a 12-year period and compared how long people across the wealth lived during the course of our study. The 16 European countries are grouped into European regions: northern and western, southern and eastern Europe.

Our research revealed that people in the wealthiest 25% of the study population across the U.S. and Europe were 40% less likely to die during the study period than the poorest quarter of people. The wealthiest 25% of people in northern and western Europe had mortality rates that were about 35% lower than participants in the wealthiest quartile in the U.S. For those from southern Europe, during the study period this value ranged from 24% to 33%. For those from eastern Europe, the value ranged from 1% to 7%. The poorest individuals in the U.S. appear to have the worst survival, including when compared with the poorest quarter of people in each European region.

Why it matters

Wealth inequality has been rising for decades, but more so in the U.S. than in Europe due to a widening gap between the wealth of the richest and the poorest. At the same time, despite spending significantly more on health care than other wealthy nations, overall, the U.S. consistently demonstrates worse health outcomes, such as higher infant mortality rates and avoidable mortality.

Our study also reveals a wider wealth-mortality gap in the U.S. when compared with Europe. In other words, personal wealth does buy more years of life in the U.S. than in Europe. These findings suggest that personal wealth alone is not enough to compensate for other factors that tend to affect how long people live, such as health behaviors like smoking or heavy drinking, education or social support.

At its core, our research suggests that health outcomes are shaped by much more than just health care systems. It is likely that economic and social policies – from education and employment to housing and food security – play a crucial role in determining how long people live, including across the wealth distribution.

European countries have found ways to reduce health disparities without dramatically increasing health spending. By distributing health-promoting resources more equally across wealth groups, these nations may have created environments where longevity is less dependent on individual wealth.

What still isn’t known

While our study shows clear longevity differences between Americans and Europeans across wealth levels, more work still needs to be done to determine which specific aspects of European social systems – whether health care delivery, education access, retirement security or tax policies – most effectively protect health regardless of personal wealth.

Pinpointing exactly how these factors interact with wealth to influence health outcomes would allow researchers to identify which European policies could be most successfully adapted to improve longevity for all Americans.

What’s next

Looking ahead, we plan to identify which of those policy levers might be most effective in reducing mortality gaps.

Whether you’re dreaming of mountain views, culinary delights or a vibrant social scene, there’s a retirement spot out there that won’t drain your nest egg. The analysis of cities across the U.S. is based on factors such as cost of living, healthcare access, outdoor amenities and tax benefits to identify the best places for retirement living. The following six cities emerged as the best cities for retirement because of their ideal blend of affordability, lifestyle perks and amenities catering to retirees.

1. San Antonio, Texas

• Best for: History lovers and mild winters
• Cost of living: 9% below national average
• Median home price: $294,000

Why it’s great for retirees:

San Antonio’s combination of low housing costs and affordable living expenses makes it one of the most affordable places to retire on our list. San Antonio’s mild winters mean it’s a joy to explore the city’s rich history year-round. Some highly rated attractions include the Alamo, where Texas fought for its independence, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its well-preserved Spanish colonial missions and their cultural significance.

The famous River Walk is where older adults can stroll the beautiful waterways or stop to enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining experiences. San Antonio’s numerous parks and outdoor spaces also offer ample opportunities for hiking, biking and golfing.

The city also boasts a robust healthcare network, comprising the Methodist Healthcare System and Baptist Health System, which helps retirees access quality medical care.

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Best for: Top-tier healthcare access and cultural attractions
• Cost of living: 2% below national average
• Median home price: $255,000

Why it’s great for retirees:

Pittsburgh offers several financial perks for retirees. Most retirement income, including Social Security benefits, pensions, and withdrawals from retirement accounts are exempt from state income tax.

Pittsburgh provides retirees numerous opportunities to stay active and engaged. The city is home to world-class institutions, including the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, as well as numerous local parks and green spaces.

For seniors seeking a vibrant social life, luxury retirement communities like Friendship Village of South Hills offer amenities such as chef-driven dining, fitness centers and on-site healthcare.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in geriatrics, cardiology and cancer care, making Pittsburgh one of the top cities in the country for healthcare access.

3. Gainesville, Florida

• Best for: Lifelong learners
• Cost of living: 5% below national average
• Median home price: $310,000

Why it’s great for retirees:

If you’re looking forward to learning new things and expanding your horizons in your golden years, Gainesville offers the perfect setting. Retirees can take free college courses at the University of Florida (space permitting), keeping their minds sharp and curiosity alive. On your way back from class, you can stop at one of the downtown area’s numerous galleries and museums to continue your fine arts education.

While Gainesville boasts a vibrant college-town atmosphere, it is also deeply committed to promoting healthy aging. The University’s Institute on Aging focuses on advancing the health and well-being of seniors through research, education and community programs. This makes Gainesville a place where lifelong learning and healthy aging work together.

4. Cedar Falls, Iowa

• Best for: Small-town living
• Cost of living: 15% below national average
• Median home price: $258,000

Why it’s great for retirees:

Cedar Falls has the lowest cost of living on our list, along with reasonable median home prices. It also has quick access to UnityPoint Clinics and family medicine facilities, which are great for routine care. More specialized care is available in nearby Waterloo.

Older adults who are outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Cedar Falls Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The trail features 52 miles of paved and unpaved roads, allowing you to bike and walk. Alternatively, you can enjoy the small-town charm with the city’s walkable downtown areas and slower pace of life.

If you prefer indoor activities, you’ll find plenty of options at the Cedar Falls Community Center, which hosts billiards tournaments and other activities for seniors. Senior living communities, such as NewAldaya Lifescapes, also offer a variety of activities to enjoy. Choose from live music events, wellness centers and salons that provide spaces for gathering and relaxation with friends.

5. Greenville, South Carolina

• Best for: Foodies and scenic southern charm
• Cost of living: 7% below national average
• Median home price: $360,000

Why it’s great for retirees:

South Carolina is another tax-friendly state that doesn’t tax Social Security benefits or most forms of retirement income. Residents 65 and older also enjoy a $15,000 income tax deduction.

Greenville’s culinary scene is nationally acclaimed, with recognition in Condé Nast Traveler and Southern Living. You’ll find a variety of cuisines to satisfy your appetite, from classic Italian to authentic Chinese or southern BBQ. Its charming downtown area and nearby scenic mountains also ensure there’s no shortage of beautiful sights to see and things to do, making it one of the best places for retirement living.

Greenville also has a thriving arts community, featuring the Greenville County Museum of Art and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. For nature lovers, the city’s abundant green spaces, including state parks, local parks and recreation areas, make it easy to enjoy outdoor life with friends and family. Paris Mountain State Park, for example, spans 1,540 acres and is popular for birdwatching and camping.

Greenville is recognized for its strong healthcare network, including Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis.

6. Knoxville, Tennessee

• Best for: Nature lovers on a budget
• Cost of living: 13% below national average
• Median home price: $392,000

Why it’s great for retirees:

Knoxville has one of the lowest living costs on our list and provides property tax relief for low-income seniors. There are also no state taxes on wages or retirement income from Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s and IRAs. Seniors are left with more room in the budget to spend on the city’s many seasonal festivals, symphony concerts and performances at historic theatres.

If you’d rather hold on to your money, you can enjoy Knoxville’s variety of free or low-cost outdoor activities. There are an impressive 125 miles of greenways and trails, offering perfect opportunities for hiking, biking and paddling.

Moreover, the city’s proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the seven surrounding lakes offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature without spending a dime.

RETIREMENT ON YOUR TERMS

Retirement isn’t all about downsizing. You can uplevel your retirement dreams by moving to one of the best cities to retire, where you’ll find affordability that meets a vibrant lifestyle. From small-town charm to bustling downtowns, you can live as abundantly as your budget affords.