My presentation on Eli Lilly and weight-loss drugs

Today, I'd like to share some highlights from my presentation at the Stansberry Research Conference & Alliance Meeting last month...

But first, as it relates to my presentation, here's an incredible story sent to me by someone I met a few years ago:

Hi Whitney. You would not likely remember me – we met at lunch in Israel in February 2024. I mentioned at the time that I had lost 60 pounds, hit the proverbial resistance wall, and gained 25 back. At that moment, I was enjoying a sugary dessert and expressing my trepidation in doing so.

I will not forget the enthusiasm you exuded about the then relatively new use of GLP-1s for weight loss. I was not particularly interested at first, but it made me begin to wonder...

As I was nearing the age of 70, I was feeling the detriments of carrying the extra weight: my blood pressure was elevated, my knees were bone on bone, sleep apnea was beginning to hinder my ability to get enough sleep, and I was diagnosed with bladder cancer (fortunately, caught very early). Weight probably had nothing to do with the cancer, but it had everything to do with my attitude and mindset about recovery and the will to complete the treatments.

I finally spoke with my primary care physician who encouraged me to try tirzepatide/Zepbound. He pointed out that there was anecdotal evidence (albeit early and unproven) of ancillary long-term benefits of the drug, beyond the benefits of weight loss.

I want to thank you for opening my mind to begin exploring the possibilities. With the assistance of tirzepatide, I took off another 40 pounds. Now at age 72, I weigh 165 pounds, a full 100 pounds lower than my peak. My percent muscle mass is up. Conversely, my percentage of body fat, including visceral fat, is down by 30%. While my BMI is (debatably) still too high, I am no longer considered obese.

I feel better physically and, just as important, am happy. I feel emotionally better and much more self-confident. Cancer free, I now have finally scheduled the first of two knee replacement surgeries because I see a future of being active for most, if not all, of however many more years I have. And, when the grim reaper finally visits, I will not go away as a fat man which, for some reason I cannot explain, means a lot to me. So, again, thank you.

He also sent these inspiring before and after photos:

Thank you for sharing your story! As longtime readers know, I've been pounding the table on GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for years. And I will continue to champion them as long as I'm convinced that their benefits far outweigh their downsides.

When I sent this story to one of my friends, a doctor, he was concerned about how much I advocate GLP-1s, asserting that "every drug has side effects." That's true, of course. I addressed one of the rare but serious ones, optic neuropathy, in my September 23 e-mail.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I begged my family, friends, and readers to take the vaccine – which also had rare but serious side effects. But it ultimately protected against a dangerous, sometimes lethal, epidemic.

In my opinion, these GLP-1 drugs are the same: a "vaccine" against the chemical warfare waged against us by fast-food and processed-food companies.

Obesity also has plenty of "side effects" – and they're horrifying. As I wrote in my presentation:

Obesity significantly increases the incidence of the "four horsemen" of chronic diseases responsible for more than 80% of premature deaths: cancer, cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes), metabolic dysfunction (Type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), and dementia. It leads to enormous suffering – illness, lack of mobility, joint pain, hip and knee replacements, etc. – and contributes to 1 in 5 deaths among American adults. In addition, obese people face terrible discrimination, which affects their education, job prospects/career/income, self-esteem, and dating/marriage.

I think obesity is a chronic, long-term disease that the vast majority of people are helpless to resist. You would never look down on someone taking chemotherapy for cancer, insulin for diabetes, or a statin for high cholesterol. And I believe GLP-1s are no different.

Every week, there's a new study showing astonishing benefits from these drugs beyond just weight loss. As I shared in my presentation, they:

• Lower risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Slow the progression of cancer
• Improve blood pressure and lipid profiles (lower cholesterol, etc.)
• Stimulate natural insulin secretion and lower blood sugar
• Lower liver fat and heal liver cells
• Reduce "food noise" and addictive cravings (smoking, drugs/cannabis, alcohol, etc.)
• Reduce systemic and local organ inflammation, joint pain, and osteoarthritis
• May help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's

As I've touched on many times, the rise of GLP-1s is also a great opportunity for investors...

In my presentation, I shared how Eli Lilly (LLY), the maker of tirzepatide/Zepbound, is the best way to play this theme.

The company has had skyrocketing margins, revenues, and profits – especially since 2023:

Next, I shared Lilly's incredible Stansberry Score, which gives the company top marks for financials and capital efficiency:

Its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple is also at a multiyear low, despite the rise in its stock price:

In addition to its outstanding financial picture, another reason I'm bullish on Lilly is its upcoming new GLP-1 drug, retatrutide:

As I said in my July 10 e-mail:

I think Lilly's earnings growth – especially once it gets approval for and launches its new GLP-1 drug, retatrutide (which I expect will happen by next year) – will make today's price look cheap in retrospect.

That's why my team and I recommended Lilly in our June issue of Stansberry's Investment Advisory. Subscribers can read our full write-up on the company – including how we think retatrutide will shake up the GLP-1 market.

If you're not already subscribed, you can learn how by clicking right here.

Best regards,

Whitney

P.S. I welcome your feedback – send me an e-mail by clicking here.

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