Expert Q&A

Do you think privatisation has negatively impact our research capabilities - especially looking at AMR and antibiotic development if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide

The Privatization Shift in Medical Research

Privatization of pharmaceutical research has profoundly reshaped priorities, often at the expense of long-term public health needs. In my decades developing the CFP Weight Loss methodology, I've seen how profit-driven models favor blockbuster drugs like GLP-1 agonists over less lucrative areas. This shift directly affects antibiotic development, where returns on investment remain dismal despite rising threats.

Since the 1980s, private funding has dominated, leading to a 90% drop in new antibiotic approvals. Companies chase high-margin therapies for chronic conditions because a single course of antibiotics generates limited revenue compared to lifelong treatments. This leaves critical gaps in our arsenal against evolving bacteria.

AMR: A Growing Crisis for Midlife Adults

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) now causes 1.27 million deaths annually worldwide, with projections hitting 10 million by 2050. For adults aged 45-54 managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint pain, this is personal. Infections that were once routine become life-threatening when standard antibiotics fail.

Those on semaglutide or tirzepatide often experience improved blood sugar control and weight loss, reducing inflammation. Yet these medications don't protect against resistant infections. In fact, gastrointestinal side effects common with GLP-1 drugs can sometimes increase vulnerability to certain bacterial imbalances. My CFP Weight Loss approach emphasizes rebuilding metabolic resilience through simple daily habits that support immune function alongside medication.

Why Antibiotic Innovation Stalled

Private investors avoid antibiotic R&D because of high failure rates—over 95% in clinical trials—and the stewardship practices that limit widespread use to preserve effectiveness. Governments have tried incentives like the PASTEUR Act, but progress remains slow. Only a handful of new antibiotics have reached the market in the past decade, most targeting narrow pathogens.

This vacuum forces reliance on older drugs with more side effects, complicating care for those already navigating hormonal changes and multiple prescriptions. At CFP Weight Loss, we teach clients to reduce infection risks through consistent movement that doesn't aggravate joint pain, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and stress management—practical steps that complement any prescribed regimen without adding complexity.

Practical Steps While Awaiting Better Solutions

Until public-private partnerships restore balance, focus on prevention. Maintain stable blood glucose to support immune response. Incorporate 10-15 minute daily walks even with joint discomfort, as this improves circulation and reduces chronic inflammation linked to both obesity and infection susceptibility.

Avoid unnecessary antibiotics, practice rigorous hygiene, and work with your doctor on vaccination schedules. In our program, clients learn to integrate these habits into busy schedules without overwhelming meal plans or gym commitments. Sustainable weight management through GLP-1 support plus foundational lifestyle changes creates a stronger defense against AMR threats.

Privatization accelerated innovation in weight-loss therapies but starved antibiotic pipelines. Recognizing this imbalance empowers us to advocate for balanced research funding while taking personal control of daily health practices that matter most right now.

💬 What the Community Says

Forum users in diabetes and weight-loss groups express deep concern about antibiotic shortages and rising resistance, especially those over 45 dealing with multiple medications. Many on semaglutide or tirzepatide report fewer infections after losing weight but worry about long-term vulnerabilities if new antibiotics never arrive. There's widespread frustration with pharmaceutical companies prioritizing profitable chronic treatments over AMR solutions, with frequent mentions of past failed government incentives. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by conflicting news on drug resistance and question whether lifestyle changes can truly help. A vocal minority shares stories of resistant UTIs or skin infections complicating their weight journeys, while most agree that prevention through better hygiene and metabolic health feels more realistic than waiting for new drugs. Insurance barriers and time constraints frequently surface as reasons people avoid deeper investigation into the issue.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Do you think privatisation has negatively impact our research capabilities - esp. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/do-you-think-privatisation-has-negatively-impact-our-research-capabilities-especially-looking-at-amr-and-antibiotic-development-if-you-re-on-a-glp-1-like-semaglutide-or-tirzepatide
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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