Weight-Loss Drugs Could Help Lower Fuel Costs for Airlines

Jan. 22, 2026 ~ Former US Department of Transportation Inspector General Mary Schiavo joins Kevin Dietz to talk about a new study finding that weight loss drugs could lead to airlines saving millions of dollars.

DETROIT, MI ~ GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are now more accessible to Americans than ever, and continued weight loss around the country could save airlines millions in fuel costs. According to Jefferies Research Services, Delta, American, Southwest, and United airlines all could save up to $580 million annually, if drugs like Ozempic lead to a 10 percent thinner society. “If the airlines can save money because passengers drop a few pounds, that’s great, we all want to drop a few pounds, but they’re saving money in other ways,” Former US Department of Transportation Inspector General Mary Schiavo said on “All Talk.” “When the price of fuel drops, that money goes immediately to their bottom line that they save. They don’t pass that on to the customers.”