A surprising new financial analysis has revealed that major airlines are on course to save hundreds of millions in fuel costs this year, with an unlikely source credited for the windfall: passenger weight loss linked to popular GLP-1 medications.
The Multi-Million Pound Fuel Saving
According to a Jefferies analysis cited by CBS, leading carriers such as Delta and United could save up to $580 million in fuel expenses in 2024. The saving is directly attributed to passengers slimming down through the use of GLP-1 agonist drugs, originally developed for type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight management, including brands like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Analysts, including Sheila Kahyaoglu, detailed in the report that airlines have a long-standing focus on reducing aircraft weight to curb fuel consumption, which represents their largest operational cost. The study projects that if the average passenger weight decreases by 10%, airlines could save up to 1.5% in fuel costs and see a related boost in earnings per share of around 4%.
How Lighter Passengers Lighten the Load
The report used a Boeing 737 Max 8 as a case study to illustrate the potential savings. An empty plane weighs approximately 99,000 lbs. With a full complement of 178 passengers averaging 180 lbs each, plus fuel and cargo, the total take-off weight reaches about 181,200 lbs.
If those same passengers shed 10% of their body weight, the total aircraft weight would drop to roughly 177,996 lbs. This reduction, while seemingly modest per individual, translates into significant fuel savings across thousands of flights. The scale of potential saving is underscored by the fact that Delta and United alone are expected to use $38.6 billion worth of fuel this year.
The Broader Context of GLP-1 Drug Use
The popularity of these medications is soaring. A November survey by KFF found that one in eight adults in the US has used a GLP-1 drug for weight loss or to treat a medical condition. However, the high cost—often exceeding $1,000 per month—has been a barrier for many.
In a related development, former President Donald Trump recently announced a deal with pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to lower costs. Under the agreement, oral doses would cost $149 monthly for those on Medicare and Medicaid, with other weight-loss doses priced at $245.
This new financial analysis for airlines emerges amid ongoing debates about passenger comfort and equity. Travel influencer Jaelynn Chaney previously made headlines by campaigning for airlines and the Federal Aviation Authority to provide overweight passengers with free extra seats for comfort, a policy she admitted could raise ticket prices for other travellers.
