A Shot at a Healthier Future: Exploring the Transformative Potential of GLP-1s

Introduction

Obesity has become one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States and across the world. With more than 42 percent of U.S. adults affected and the economic burden exceeding $400 billion annually, the search for effective and sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever. Traditional weight loss approaches—focusing solely on dieting and exercise—have not been enough to slow down this epidemic.

Recognizing this challenge, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has launched an insightful new book: “A Shot at a Healthier Future: The Transformative Potential of GLP-1s” by Sandra Barbosu and Natalie Khoo (August 18, 2025). The book takes a deep dive into how GLP-1 receptor agonists, a breakthrough in modern medicine, could change the way obesity is treated—not just in terms of health but also in its economic and social impact.

https://itif.org/publications/2025/08/18/a-shot-at-a-healthier-future-the-transformative-potential-of-glp-1s/

This blog will explore the highlights of the book, discuss the science behind GLP-1 therapies, and examine why this development could represent a turning point in public health.

The Weight of the Problem: Why Traditional Solutions Fall Short

For decades, obesity has been addressed with campaigns that promote healthier diets and more exercise. While these lifestyle changes are important, the evidence shows that they aren’t enough on their own. Millions of people start diets each year, only to regain weight within months.

The reasons are complex:

• Restrictive diets are hard to maintain.
  
  

• Lack of motivation and emotional eating derail progress.
  
  

• Conflicting advice leaves people confused about what actually works.
  
  

• Genetic and metabolic factors make obesity more than a willpower issue.
  
  

The Economic Toll of Obesity

The financial burden of obesity is not just about health-care bills—it affects the entire economy. According to the book:

• $173 billion annually goes to direct health-care expenditures.
  
  

• Indirect costs such as lost productivity, reduced wages, and higher disability claims push the total economic burden above $400 billion per year.
  
  

• Sectors like transportation, food, infrastructure, and emergency services also experience additional costs due to obesity’s widespread impact.
  
  

These ripple effects mean that tackling obesity could lead to benefits far beyond individual health—it could improve national productivity and economic growth.

What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

At the heart of the book is an explanation of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a new class of medications that mimic the body’s natural hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Originally developed to help people with diabetes manage blood sugar, researchers soon discovered their powerful effect on weight loss.

How they work:

• Reduce appetite by signaling fullness.
  
  

• Slow digestion, making people feel satisfied longer.
  
  

• Support meaningful weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
  
  

Unlike fad diets, GLP-1s address the biological side of obesity, making them a game-changer in long-term weight management.

Beyond Weight Loss: The Broader Promise

One of the most powerful insights in the ITIF book is that GLP-1 therapies are not just about shedding pounds. Their benefits include:

• Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  
  

• Lowering the chances of cardiovascular disease.
  
  

• Improving metabolic health and overall well-being.
  
  

• Enhancing labor force participation by reducing obesity-related illness.
  
  

Challenges and Considerations

While the book celebrates the potential of GLP-1 therapies, it also takes a realistic view of the challenges:

• Cost barriers – These medications are expensive, and without insurance, access will be limited.
  
  

• Equity issues – Low-income communities are often the hardest hit by obesity but have the least access to advanced treatments.
  
  

• Side effects – Some patients experience nausea or digestive issues.
  
  

• Long-term data – More research is needed to understand the effects of extended use.
  
  

For GLP-1 therapies to achieve their full potential, these barriers must be addressed through policy reform and equitable access strategies.

Policy Recommendations from the Book

The ITIF publication doesn’t stop at describing the science—it also makes policy recommendations for unlocking the full potential of GLP-1 therapies. These include:

1. Increase research funding to study long-term safety and effectiveness.
   
   

2. Ensure insurance coverage so treatments are affordable and accessible.
   
   

3. Promote equity by prioritizing vulnerable populations.
   
   

4. Adopt dynamic economic modeling (e.g., by the Congressional Budget Office) to measure the broader impact of obesity reduction on the economy.
   Why This Book Matters

The launch of “A Shot at a Healthier Future: The Transformative Potential of GLP-1s” comes at a critical moment. Obesity is not just a health crisis—it is a national and economic challenge that requires bold new thinking.

By combining scientific explanation, real-world data, and policy insights, the book serves as a guide for health professionals, policymakers, and the public. It highlights not only what GLP-1 therapies can achieve but also what society must do to ensure that their benefits are shared widely.

Conclusion

Obesity has long been treated as a personal struggle, but it is truly a public health crisis with economic consequences

Traditional strategies have failed to reverse the trend, leaving millions at risk of chronic disease and poor quality of life.

The ITIF’s book, “A Shot at a Healthier Future: The Transformative Potential of GLP-1s” by Sandra Barbosu and Natalie Khoo, shines a light on a new possibility. GLP-1 receptor agonists offer a way forward—not just in reducing weight, but also in preventing disease, lowering healthcare costs, and enhancing workforce productivity.

The path will not be without challenges, but with the right policies, research, and commitment to equity, GLP-1 therapies could open the door to a healthier, more productive future for millions of Americans.

This is more than just a medical breakthrough—it is a chance to reimagine what health care and public policy can achieve together.