GLP-1s reveal America's 'obesity penalty' scale

GLP-1 drugs taken by 22% of American women and 14% of men offer insight into the social and economic effects of weight loss.

Among women who had been out of work, GLP-1 use led to a 27-percentage-point increase in employment rates.

Single women taking GLP-1s saw a 29-percentage-point increase in the likelihood of marrying or moving in with a partner.

The employment gains exceeded those from having a university degree versus a high-school diploma.

Improved health alone did not explain the gains, as illness-related work restrictions fell by only 14 percentage points.