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Global Conference 2025

Part 2: Bending the Cost Curve: Understanding the GLP-1 Era

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The troubling rise in obesity over the past several decades has been linked with other negative health outcomes including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. In addition to the human toll, these conditions also create significant economic burdens, contributing to higher health care costs and reduced productivity. By 2035, the global economic impact of obesity could exceed $4 trillion. Yet momentum is building to reverse these trends. Breakthrough treatments such as GLP-1 receptor agonists are expanding the frontiers of care, while renewed cross-sector investments are targeting both scientific innovation and root causes. In this session, experts will explore the evolving economics of obesity care and the timely interventions needed to bend both health and cost curves.

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    Moderator

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    Josh Barro

    Writer and Podcast Host

    Speakers

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    Michael Ferro

    Chairman and CEO, Merrick Ventures
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    Simon Johnson

    Professor of Entrepreneurship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Recipient, Nobel Prize in Economics
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    Lisa Stevens

    Chief Administrative Officer, Aon