Obesity drug market in decline

Poor efficacy and negative side effects will have a detrimental effect on the sale and development of obesity drugs, according to a forecast by Datamonitor. Obesity is partly the result of lifestyle factors, such as exercise, diet, and increases in the proportion of sedentary jobs. The market for anti-obesity drugs has proved far more difficult to conquer than most companies expected. In 2006, that market segment generated sales of over $1300m worldwide. There have been problems in marketing products, with concerns over safety and efficacy having a negative impact on sales. There have been major disappointments, but some commercial opportunities remain.