GLP-1–Induced Weight Loss and the Female Obesity Penalty

Rebecca Diamond

No 35387, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: GLP-1 medications generate large weight loss and may also alter social and economic outcomes. Using the Understanding America Study, I compare women starting GLP-1s for weight loss with matched women who would like to start a GLP-1 but have not. Single women’s marriage/cohabitation rates rise by 29 percentage points and employment among baseline non-employed women rises 27 percentage points after six or more quarters. Existing partnerships do not dissolve, and already-employed women show no upward job mobility. The pattern suggests that part of the female obesity penalty operates at new-match formation rather than only through health or incumbent productivity.

JEL-codes: I10 J01 J12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-06
Note: EH LS
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