10 Best Weight Loss Drug Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

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

Price Target Upside: 34.43% 

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) develops and markets prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products.

In December 2013, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) launched HMR Weight Management Services Corporation in the U.S., combining structured diet plans, behavior coaching, and physical activity programs to achieve clinically significant weight loss and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is shifting its focus towards developing small molecule oral GLP-1 medications for weight loss, rather than injectable alternatives, positioning itself in the rapidly expanding oral GLP-1 space. The company also secured a $2 billion licensing deal with Chinese drugmaker Hansoh Pharma in December 2024 for an experimental weight loss pill. This strategic move strengthens its presence in the obesity treatment market, establishing Merck as one of the best weight loss drug stocks.

In its R&D efforts, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is developing next-generation GLP-1 therapies with additional cardiometabolic benefits. These drugs target conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The corporation is also advancing efinopegdutide, a peptide therapeutic for MASH and NAFLD treatment, which received FDA Fast Track designation in 2023. This strategy helps Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) stand out in the competitive obesity treatment market.