11 Best GLP-1 and Weight Loss Stocks to Invest in

In this article, we will discuss: 11 Best GLP-1 and Weight Loss Stocks to Invest in.

GLP-1 medicines are a type of prescription that mimics a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Weight loss stocks are shares in firms that develop, manufacture, or sell GLP-1 pharmaceuticals and other weight-loss treatments, and they represent a potentially profitable investment opportunity due to the expanding market for these drugs.

Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) decreased major adverse cardiovascular events by 8% more than Trulicity (dulaglutide) and dropped all-cause mortality by 16% in a nearly five-year trial involving almost 13,000 patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. Both drugs had comparable safety profiles. However, 13.3% of Mounjaro patients had to stop taking it due to gastrointestinal side effects, compared to 10.2% of Trulicity patients. Furthermore, Mounjaro showed better weight and blood sugar reductions.

Kenneth Custer, the president of Lilly’s cardiometabolic health division, stated that the latest findings “make Mounjaro an even stronger choice for patients.” Non-inferiority in heart protection was the primary outcome of the trial. Trulicity, authorized in 2014, reduced cardiac risk by 12% and was Lilly’s best seller in 2022, with sales of $7.4 billion. Mounjaro overtook it in 2023, with a total of $11.5 billion. Eli Lilly intends to provide the results to the FDA later this year in anticipation of a 2026 expanded approval.

With that said, here are the  11 Best GLP-1 and Weight Loss Stocks to Invest in.

 11 Best GLP-1 and Weight Loss Stocks to Invest in

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Our Methodology

We sifted through the ETFs’ online rankings to form an initial list of the 20 Best GLP-1 and Weight Loss Stocks. From the resultant dataset, we chose 11 stocks with the highest number of hedge fund investors, using Insider Monkey’s database of 1000 hedge funds in Q1 2025 to gauge hedge fund sentiment for stocks. We have used the stock’s market cap as of August 4, 2025, as a tie-breaker in case two or more stocks have the same number of hedge funds invested.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

11. Structure Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:GPCR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41

Market cap as of August 4: $965.47 million

Structure Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:GPCR) showcased preclinical findings for ACCG-2671 and GSBR-5595 in two late-breaking posters at the ADA 85th Scientific Sessions. ACCG-2671, an oral dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist, led to considerable, dose-dependent weight loss in obese rats and improved outcomes when coupled with semaglutide. Clinical studies are anticipated to begin before the end of 2025. A GLP-1 receptor agonist called GSBR-5595 has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson’s disease by enhancing motor function and raising the number of dopaminergic neurons.

CEO Raymond Stevens pointed out ACCG-2671’s potential as a distinct oral medication for obesity, citing expanding evidence of amylin receptor targeting. Poster #2184-LB described ACCG-2671’s high binding affinity for human CTR and AMY3R receptors, as well as its synergistic effect with semaglutide in encouraging superior weight reduction. The benefit of GSBR-5595 in Parkinson’s models was noted in Poster #1985-LB, showing that GLP-1 receptor agonists might have many uses. These findings support Structure Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:GPCR)’s plan to provide injectable therapy substitutes with scalable oral small molecules. It is one of the Best Weight Loss Stocks.

10. Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41

Market cap as of August 4: $3.82 billion

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) and CordenPharma have concluded a multi-year manufacturing contract to facilitate the commercial production of VK2735, the company’s dual GLP-1/GIP agonist for obesity. The deal guarantees a yearly supply of more than 1 billion oral pills, 100 million autoinjectors, 100 million vial/syringe units, and several metric tons of API. Prepayments of $150 million will be made by the firm through 2028 and applied to upcoming orders. The agreement offers specific capacity for both oral and subcutaneous formulations.

Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX)’s main metabolic therapy candidate, VK2735, is being developed as an injectable and oral medication. Phase 3 development for the injectable version is scheduled to start in Q2 2025, while the company is now completing a Phase 2 VENTURE-Oral trial. The business still owns global rights to VK2735. CEO Brian Lian noted that CordenPharma’s end-to-end supply capability and peptide production experience are essential for growing commercial demand. Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX) anticipates that the product will have conventional pharmaceutical margins and have a multibillion-dollar potential. It is among the Best Weight Loss Stocks.

9. Scholar Rock Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:SRRK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 48

Scholar Rock Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:SRRK) reported positive topline results from its Phase 2 EMBRAZE trial, which found that apitegromab effectively retained lean mass in individuals experiencing tirzepatide-induced weight loss. Patients treated with apitegromab and tirzepatide over 24 weeks retained 4.2 pounds of lean mass (54.9%) more than those treated with tirzepatide alone (p=0.001). Apitegromab improved the quality of weight loss, which led to 85% fat loss compared to 70% fat in the control group, while both groups experienced similar fat loss (18.8 lbs vs. 17.7 lbs). Apietegromab was well tolerated and did not cause any significant side effects.

The EMBRAZE trial enrolled 87 overweight or obese people and randomly assigned them to receive tirzepatide with apitegromab or a placebo for 24 weeks. Scholar Rock Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:SRRK)’s Rock anti-myostatin antibody platform attempts to stop lean mass loss in order to lower health hazards related to GLP-1 medications. According to Dr. Akshay Vaishnaw, President of R&D, this encourages further advancement in neuromuscular disorders. Later in 2025, Scholar Rock Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:SRRK) intends to submit an IND for its subcutaneous SRK-439. It is ranked ninth on our list of the Best Weight Loss Stocks.

8. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) and Revna Biosciences have succeeded in expanding access to EGFR-targeted lung cancer medication in Ghana, achieving a significant milestone since their collaboration began in April 2025. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)’s targeted therapy for patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer marks an improvement in access to treatment in sub-Saharan Africa.

The partnership made it possible for leading cancer centers to incorporate EGFR biomarker testing into their diagnostic processes, which helped them make more accurate treatment choices. Revna organized a training workshop and strategic symposium to improve clinical processes and diagnostic skills. Future research and clinical decision-making are supported by real-time data integration.

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)’s Dr. Khomotso Mashilane noted the significance of merging diagnostics with targeted treatments. Revna CEO Dr. Derrick Edem Akpalu addressed the ecosystem’s importance in removing access obstacles. Dr. Preetivi Ellis, a co-founder, stressed how the work is transforming treatment for patients today and developing the genomic foundation for care in the future. It is one of the Best Weight Loss Stocks.

7. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) lowered its operating profit growth projections to 10–16% (from 16-24%) and revenue growth projections to 8-14% (from 13-21%) at constant currency rates (CER) in its 2025 full-year guidance. The projection shows lower demand for Wegovy® and Ozempic® in the United States and a few foreign markets, despite an 18% sales and 29% profit increase in H1 2025.

The downgrading is attributed to the decreased adoption of Wegovy, resulting from continued sales of compounded GLP-1s, even after the FDA’s mass compounding grace period expired in May. The weekly prescriptions through NovoCare® Pharmacy are 11,000, with an additional 20,000 in retail cash channels. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) is taking legal action and extending its telehealth and pharmaceutical collaborations. Growing competition is another factor putting pressure on Ozempic® sales in the US. Furthermore, adoption in global markets for obesity has been modest. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) anticipates a DKK 3 billion net financial gain from currency hedging and DKK 35-45 billion in free cash flow. Full H1 financials will be available on August 6, 2025. It is among the Best Weight Loss Stocks.

 6. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 66

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) awarded the 13th annual Regeneron Prize for Creative Innovation to early-career biomedical researchers who displayed exceptional innovation. The winners for 2025 are Dr. Alissandra L. Hillis, a postdoctoral fellow at MIT, and Mr. Sreekar Mantena, a Harvard-MIT M.D.-Ph.D. candidate and Broad Institute nominee. Each received an institutional award of $5,000 and $50,000.

Top U.S. research institutions nominate candidates for the Regeneron Prize to submit “dream projects” in biomedicine. Dr. Hillis from Professor Matthew Vander Heiden’s lab suggested new methods for researching endometriosis. Mr. Mantena, who works under Professor Soumya Raychaudhuri at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, wants to investigate thymic decrease with age using single-cell genomics. Seven other finalists earned $5,000 each. The prize has given out close to $2 million since it was established in 2013. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN)’s broader STEM programs have reached 3.25 million students worldwide since 2020.

5. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) reported that the Phase 3 FORTITUDE-101 trial achieved its primary endpoint. It proved a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients with FGFR2b-overexpressing, metastatic, or unresectable gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer treated with bemarituzumab plus chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6). The treatment outperformed chemotherapy alone for non-HER2-positive individuals in this first-line scenario. The threshold for FGFR2b overexpression was ≥10% IHC staining of tumor cells.

Gastric cancer is the world’s fifth greatest cause of cancer death, accounting for approximately 650,000 fatalities per year. The majority of diagnoses come at an advanced stage, which limits the effectiveness of treatment. Jay Bradner, M.D. of Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN), pointed out the significance of this advancement in focused therapy. Ocular toxicity, such as punctate keratitis and dry eye, was seen in the bemarituzumab group, which was comparable with previous research but more common. The trial was created in collaboration with Zai Lab, which has regional rights in China and adjacent areas. Results of an additional Phase 3 trial including nivolumab are anticipated in H2 2025. It is ranked fifth on our list of the Best Weight Loss Stocks.

4. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 79

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) has received a favorable opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s CHMP for lenacapavir (Yeytuo®), a twice-yearly injectable HIV PrEP alternative. It will be the first of its kind in the EU if it is approved. Lenacapavir has been endorsed by the CHMP under the EU-M4all process to make it easier to obtain in low- and lower-middle-income nations. The final EC ruling is anticipated later this year.

The approval recommendation for lenacapavir is supported by solid Phase 3 data from the PURPOSE 1 and 2 studies. PURPOSE 1 exhibited 100% HIV prevention in 2,134 cisgender women from Sub-Saharan Africa, while PURPOSE 2 revealed 99.9% efficacy among 2,179 cisgender men and gender-diverse people. Lenacapavir had no adverse effects and performed better in both studies than once-daily oral Truvada. This long-acting PrEP could help with significant adherence and accessibility challenges, particularly for high-risk groups, as there were over 24,700 new HIV cases recorded in the EU in 2023.

3. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 93

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) has announced the start of two Phase 3 trials to evaluate MK-8527, an experimental once-monthly oral PrEP therapy: EXPrESSIVE-10 and EXPrESSIVE-11.

The EXPrESSIVE-11 trial, which is enrolling people in 16 countries worldwide, focuses on high-risk individuals. Meanwhile, EXPrESSIVE-10, which is funded by the Gates Foundation, focuses on women and adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. The trials will start enrolling participants in August 2025 and in the ensuing months, respectively.

A Phase 2 study involving 350 subjects revealed that the nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI) MK-8527 had positive pharmacokinetics and a safety profile. There were no noteworthy adverse effects or changes in CD4 levels. The Gates Foundation is providing funding for EXPrESSIVE-10’s site operations and community involvement at 31 sites in South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda. Given that only 18% of the world’s PrEP needs are now satisfied, the once-monthly oral format could increase high-risk individuals’ availability and adherence. It is one of the Best Weight Loss Stocks.

2. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 99

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) reported positive topline results from its Phase 3 BASIS study, which evaluated HYMPAVZI™ (marstacimab) in patients with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors.

The annualized bleeding rate was reduced by 93% with once-weekly subcutaneous medication as opposed to on-demand intravenous treatment (1.39 vs. 19.78; p < 0.0001). Furthermore, HYMPAVZI was superior in all secondary endpoints linked to bleeding and was usually well-tolerated; no thromboembolic events or fatalities were observed.

HYMPAVZI was investigated in 48 patients over 12 months, with a focus on a high-need population: 20% of hemophilia A and 3% of hemophilia B patients develop inhibitors that negate traditional factor replacement therapy. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) developed the treatment, which functions by blocking the tissue factor pathway inhibitor instead of substituting FVIII or FIX. HYMPAVZI, which is administered using a pre-filled pen, provides patients with few other options with a straightforward preventative approach. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) will begin regulatory filings after conducting a thorough data review. It is among the Best Weight Loss Stocks.

1. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 119

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) revealed the topline results of the SURPASS-CVOT Phase 3 trial, which showed that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) was non-inferior to Trulicity (dulaglutide) in reducing significant cardiovascular events (MACE-3) among more than 13,000 adults with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro reported higher decreases in body weight (−11.43 kg vs. −4.65 kg), A1C (1.73% vs. 0.90%), and a slowed decline in kidney function by 3.54 mL/min/1.73 m² at 36 months, along with a drop in all-cause mortality by 16%.

​​Mounjaro, a GIP/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist, performed better than Trulicity, a GLP-1 agonist, in several important endpoints in the longest and most extensive tirzepatide trial to date. The 4.5-year research, which covered 30 countries, reaffirmed Mounjaro’s tolerability and safety. According to a predetermined indirect analysis, Mounjaro decreased all-cause mortality by 39% and MACE-3 by 28% when compared to a placebo. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) will discuss all of the findings at the 2025 EASD meeting and aims to submit regulatory applications by year’s end.

While we acknowledge the potential of LLY to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LLY and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.