The Vanity of Weight Loss Stocks

Scientists High Five

The pursuit of growth, my dear readers, is often likened to a frantic chase after shadows. Investors, in their eagerness, flock to the predictable brilliance of technology, where revenues ascend with a vulgar haste. Yet, a more subtle, and infinitely more amusing, opportunity has presented itself: the market for weight loss. It appears even vanity can be a powerfully lucrative enterprise.

Eli Lilly currently reigns supreme in this peculiar kingdom, with Novo Nordisk as its somewhat less dazzling courtier. But the gates are not closed. Viking Therapeutics, a name that conjures images of both adventure and, shall we say, robust constitutions, is poised to enter. Their trials, thus far, suggest a competence that is, if not startling, certainly…sufficient.

The question, then, is this: if one were compelled to wager on the future of fashionable leanness, which horse should one back? Lilly, the established favorite, or Viking, the ambitious newcomer? Let us dissect the spectacle.

The Case for Eli Lilly

Lilly, it must be conceded, did not pioneer this particular folly. Novo Nordisk, with a shrewdness that borders on the cynical, laid the groundwork with Ozempic. The subsequent off-label prescriptions for mere aesthetic improvement proved, as always, that people will pay handsomely to resemble a slightly more idealized version of themselves. It’s a truth as old as portraiture.

Lilly, with its tirzepatide – marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound – entered the fray shortly thereafter, and has begun to usurp Novo’s position. Their focus on manufacturing capacity, a decidedly unromantic but undeniably effective strategy, has allowed them to meet the insatiable demand. The head-to-head studies, revealing a marginally greater reduction in circumference, were merely confirming what any discerning eye could already see: the public prefers a more dramatic transformation. Lilly now commands a 60% share of the American market, a testament to the power of marketing and, of course, a society obsessed with appearances.

Novo, ever the innovator, has launched a weight loss pill, but Lilly’s own oral candidate awaits regulatory approval. The anticipation, naturally, is building. One can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from those who prefer to achieve their desired physique without the inconvenience of injections.

The Case for Viking Therapeutics

Viking Therapeutics prepares to advance its VK2735 into phase 3 trials, both in injectable and oral forms. The mechanism of action is, predictably, the same: a manipulation of hormonal pathways designed to quell the appetite and manage blood sugar. It is, at its core, a rather prosaic endeavor, but one that clearly resonates with the public’s desires.

Direct comparisons between trials are, as always, fraught with difficulty. Each study is designed with its own peculiarities, its own biases. But Viking’s preliminary results suggest a competence that is, if not groundbreaking, certainly…competitive. They are, in short, a perfectly respectable contender.

It is also worth noting that demand for these drugs has, at times, exceeded supply. This, my dear readers, is a delightful situation for any investor. It suggests that there is ample room for multiple players to carve out a share of the market, provided they can deliver a product that meets the public’s exacting standards.

Viking also possesses another intriguing candidate in its pipeline, one that targets amylin and calcitonin receptors. The intricacies of metabolism are, of course, endlessly fascinating, but let us not pretend that science is the sole driving force behind this endeavor.

Which is the Better Buy?

Both Lilly and Viking offer potential, though one is a present reality and the other a tantalizing promise. Lilly is already reaping the rewards of tirzepatide, with both Mounjaro and Zepbound experiencing triple-digit revenue growth. It is a testament to the power of marketing, and the public’s willingness to embrace the latest panacea.

Lilly’s stock has experienced a slight dip this year, trading at 28 times forward earnings. It is a momentary opportunity, a fleeting chance to acquire a share in a company that is, undeniably, at the forefront of this peculiar industry.

Viking, lacking a commercialized product, cannot be evaluated using the same metric. Its stock has climbed slightly this year, and even more so over the past year. It is a gamble, to be sure, but one that could yield a handsome reward.

Therefore, Lilly presents a more immediate opportunity. The impending decision on its oral weight loss drug could act as a catalyst for further growth. It is, in short, a company worth watching – and perhaps, even investing in. After all, in a world obsessed with appearances, the pursuit of leanness is likely to remain a profitable – and endlessly amusing – endeavor.

2026-03-18 03:32

The Case for Eli Lilly

The Case for Viking Therapeutics

Which is the Better Buy?

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