New study estimates airline passenger weight decrease could save millions in fuel

Airline passenger weight study overview: 

• Who: Jefferies Financial released a study that estimated airlines could save millions of dollars in fuel each year if each passenger lost an average of 10 pounds. 
• Why: The estimate is part of a broader study on the potential benefits of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. 
• Where: The study is relevant to consumers nationwide. 
• How to find help: Consumers who developed gallbladder problems after taking Ozempic may qualify to participate in an Ozempic gallbladder lawsuit investigation.

Airlines could save an estimated millions of dollars in fuel each year if their passengers lost an average of 10 pounds each, according to a report released last week.

Sheila Kahyaoglu, a researcher with Jefferies Financial, estimated United Airlines Holdings could save $80 million per year in fuel costs, which account for around 25% of the expenses for airlines, The National reports. 

Airlines have reportedly tried a number of different ways to reduce weight on their flights, such as by removing magazines and using lighter beverage carts, utensils and dishes. 

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Airlines for America estimated this year that every 10 cent increase in the price of a gallon of jet fuel costs airlines $2 billion dollars each year, according to The National. 

If the average airline passenger lost 10 pounds, every United flight would transport 1,790 less pounds in total, which would result in an implied savings of 27.6 million gallons of fuel per year, according to the study. 

Airline weight estimate part of wider study potential beneficiaries of weight-loss drugs

The estimation was part of a broader study into the potential benefits of slimming medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, among other weight-loss drugs. 

The report concluded there could be a global market worth more than $100 million for the medicines and says it expects sales to keep climbing at a rapid pace through the end of the current decade, The National reports. 

It also says other industries that could be positively affected by the growth of weight-loss medicines include the apparel, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. 

Industries that could be negatively impacted, on the other hand, include restaurants and certain food and beverage producers, which may be hurt financially if consumers shift to healthier habits, The National reports. 

In other airline-related news, consumers filed class action lawsuits against Frontier, United and Spirit Airlines earlier this year over claims including false advertising, fraudulent charges, hidden bag fees and website inaccessibility. 

What are your thoughts on the airline passenger weight and fuel study? Let us know in the comments. 

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