Airlines Could Save Millions by Promoting Weight Loss

A recent study suggests that airlines might stand to gain around $580 million by encouraging travelers to lose weight through the use of weight-loss medication.

Sheila Kahyaoglu, an equity analyst at Jefferies who conducted the study, noted that the four major airlines in the U.S.—American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines—often save money annually because a reduction in weight can lead to lower fuel expenses.

“Airlines have historically looked for ways to cut down on the weight of their planes, from removing pitless olives to optimizing paper materials,” the report remarked. “But passenger waistlines have become increasingly problematic.”

“It’s clear that passenger weight impacts costs,” Kayaoglu added.

The timing of this report is notable, considering the rising popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy in the United States.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer behind Wegovy, is also developing an oral version of the medication, eliminating the need for injections. The FDA approved this new oral GLP-1 drug in December 2025, and it was launched in the U.S. market earlier this month, according to company executive Dave Moore.

“Many patients are hesitant to try injectable treatments, so there’s a lot of anticipation now that this new option is available,” Moore noted, expressing excitement about the growing interest.

For those paying cash, semaglutide tablets are priced lower than their injectable counterparts. Customers with qualifying insurance may pay around $25 monthly, while those without insurance can expect a monthly cost of about $149.