The Battle of the Hype Machines: Generative AI vs. Ozempic
We live in an era where hype is currency. And in 2024, two juggernauts are fighting for cultural and economic dominance:
Generative AI and GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.
One is reshaping how we think and create.
The other is reshaping our waistlines.
Both are generating billion-dollar headlines, massive valuations, and wild excitement across industries.
Let’s talk about both, because while Gartner claims generative AI is already at the peak of the hype cycle, I’m here to say this:
It’s not even close.
So here’s the real question I’m asking:
Which one is truly peaking, and which one is just getting started?
Generative AI: Supposedly Peaking But Still Underhyped?
Yes, AI is everywhere right now.
Every company seems to have launched some AI-powered feature or half-baked chatbot.You can’t go to a conference or scroll LinkedIn without seeing someone mention ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, or Google Gemini.
But here’s my hot take:Generative AI is still underhyped.
Why? Because we’re just getting started.
We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.
We’re still playing with tools. We haven’t unlocked the real magic yet.
Yes, ChatGPT can help you write emails. Midjourney can design cool images. But the potential of AI goes so much deeper:
Personalized creativity at scale
Autonomous problem-solving
Instant software generation
Entire business models that were impossible a year ago
This isn’t just hype. It’s a fundamental shift in how we build, create, and think.
And while some people are ready to move on and say “AI is overhyped,” I can’t help but laugh. We're still in the toy phase. The real revolution begins when AI becomes invisible, integrated, and indispensable.
Ozempic: The New King of Hype?
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. taken over the conversation and it’s not even digital. It’s biotech.
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have become cultural phenomena
These aren’t just medications. They’re miracle weight-loss solutions.
They have taken over pop culture, corporate insurance plans, and even Wall Street projections.
People are shedding pounds, transforming how they look and how they feel, and reshaping the very definition of health and wellness.
And let’s not forget the side effects like nausea (and yes, the hotter glow-up).
And the hype? It’s real. Powerful. And profitable.
Airlines, Weight Loss, and Corporate Innovation
Here’s where it gets fun: Imagine an airline giving out Ozempic as a corporate perk.
Sounds wild, right?
Until you hear this:
United Airlines could save $80 million a year if every employee lost just 10 pounds.
Less weight = less fuel = more savings.
That’s not science fiction.
That’s economics.
Airlines already charge us for bags, meals, and breathing. But GLP-1s? They might be the first thing they give away for free.
It sounds like a joke, but it’s really a new kind of economics.
Health tech isn’t just about personal wellness anymore. It’s a line item on the corporate P&L.
AI = Stock Market Superpower
If Ozempic is changing bodies, AI is changing balance sheets.
Did you catch what happened when Sundar Pichai said “AI” 24 times at Google’s Developer Conference?
Boom. Google’s stock jumped $55 billion.
That wasn’t just a keynote. That was a strategic signal to investors.
That’s the power of a well-timed narrative.
That’s not hype, that’s strategy.
AI is no longer just a technology, it’s a financial language. Say the right words at the right time, and you can literally rewrite your company’s valuation.
The Hype Cycle Is a Moving Target
Here’s what’s fascinating: The battle between AI and GLP-1 shows how hype shifts between sectors.
One minute, it’s AI.
Next, it’s biotech.
Tomorrow? Maybe quantum computing or brain-computer interfaces or some 14-year-old’s app taking over the world.
We’re addicted to the next big thing.
But here’s what I know:
Hype isn't a distraction. It’s a signal.
It shows us where energy, attention, and investment are flowing. And if you’re paying attention, you can get ahead before the rest of the world catches on.
Generative AI: More Than Just Cost Savings
A lot of headlines talk about AI’s ability to reduce costs, optimizing workflows, reducing headcount and automating tasks.
But if that’s all you’re focused on, you’re missing the point.
The true power of generative AI lies in:
Designing hyper-personalized experiences
Solving problems we never thought we could
Creating content in minutes what used to take weeks
Fueling innovation across every industry
Accelerating research and invention
This isn’t about reducing.
It’s about expanding what’s possible.
And the best use cases?
They haven’t even been imagined yet.
Why I Joke About Airlines Giving Out Drugs
Lastly, yes, I make jokes. I’ll joke about airlines giving out Ozempic for free while charging for seatbelts.
But behind the punchline is something serious:
Humor helps us deal with disruption.
It makes complex topics approachable.
It builds bridges between experts and audiences.
And in a world constantly being rewritten by AI, biotech, and constant transformation, those human connections matter more than ever.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Distracted, Get Strategic
Whether it’s AI or Ozempic, don’t get distracted.
Both are real.
Both are game-changing.
Because the real winners won’t be the ones shouting “AI!” the loudest, or posting weight-loss selfies.
The real winners are the ones who understand the shift, ride the wave, and turn hype into meaningful innovation.
Don’t chase the hype.
Strategize around it.
That’s how we lead. That’s how we build.
And that’s how we win.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.