Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, the pioneering scientist behind GLP-1 weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, reflects on her childhood in rural Denmark where her chef parents cultivated a deep appreciation for food. Knudsen, 62, recounts helping her mother cook for farmhands and her recent trip to India, where she experienced the joy of eating with her hands. She draws parallels between leadership and personal habits, noting she has 'passed on this love of good food' to her daughter who cooked a 16-person dinner from scratch in Italy.
For three decades, Knudsen has dedicated herself to understanding GLP-1, a hormone modulating hunger, transforming diabetes and obesity treatment. The drugs have shifted western society's relationship with food and willpower, achieving cultural significance akin to the contraceptive pill. Knudsen is known for her signature pink suit, challenging gender norms in science.
She recalls wearing it for the first time at an awards ceremony in Denmark, inspiring many with her unapologetic femininity while championing science. Despite facing dislike from some due to her larger-than-life personality, she remains resolute: 'It's their problem, not mine.' Over a mango lassi, she compares the drink to candy, embodying her passion for culinary experiences that extends beyond her groundbreaking pharmaceutical work.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing