What comes after Wegovy? The quest to eradicate obesity

About a decade ago, after becoming obese, Jacob Petersen lost weight so quickly that some colleagues worried he might have cancer.

Petersen, who was then the head of global metabolic research at Novo Nordisk, hadn’t turned to his company’s famed medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy — the wildly effective drugs didn’t exist yet. Instead, he said, he exercised intensively. And while he’s kept the weight off over the ensuing years, he’s had the same struggle of many who have shed pounds, regardless of the method.

“The second I forget about it, or I travel too much so I don’t exercise at all, then I put on weight,” he said. “It never goes away, and the pressure to regain your body weight will be there most likely for the rest of your life.”

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $399/year

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe

Log In