GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic went viral on social media almost overnight, but are they medical game-changers, or is the hype outpacing the evidence?

In the latest episode of the Asset Clarity Podcast, host Lucienne Fild is joined by Desigan Pillay (ASSA Member & Client Manager at Swiss Re) to unpack GLP-1 drugs and what they really mean for actuaries.

Desigan breaks down South Africa’s distinct obesity profile, the risks of “yo-yo” drug adherence and rapid weight cycling, and why muscle and bone loss (not just fat loss) is a growing concern. They dig into the potential upside for mortality and morbidity claims, the risk of widening socioeconomic health gaps as drug costs stay high, and why BMI as an underwriting risk metric may need a serious rethink.

It’s early days for the data, but not too early to start asking the right questions.