Economic Evaluation of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for Obesity Treatment: Implications for Health Policy in the Gulf Region

Abstract

Background: Obesity prevalence and its cardiometabolic sequelae impose large and growing costs across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) health systems. Two incretin‐based anti-obesity medicines (AOMs)—semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound)—produce unprecedented weight loss and, for semaglutide, proven cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction. Objective: To synthesize current clinical and economic evidence, sketch a GCC-relevant cost-effectiveness framework, and translate findings into policy recommendations. Findings: Semaglutide yields ~15% mean weight loss and proven CV risk reduction; tirzepatide yields ~21% weight loss and FDA approval for OSA. Both drugs are expensive at Gulf retail prices. Semaglutide’s value is strongest in CVD patients; tirzepatide’s in OSA. Conclusions: Payers should prioritize high-risk subgroups, negotiate outcomes-based pricing, and integrate registries for long-term monitoring.