Expert Q&A

Do you think privatisation has negatively impact our research capabilities - especially looking at AMR and antibiotic development for people with insulin resistance

The Impact of Privatization on AMR Research

I have spent decades examining how economic structures shape health outcomes. Privatization has indeed constrained antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research, particularly in developing antibiotics suitable for patients with insulin resistance. Public funding for basic science has declined by nearly 30% in real terms since the 1990s in the US, pushing pharmaceutical companies to prioritize high-margin drugs over antibiotics that offer limited return on investment. This shift directly affects the 37 million Americans living with diabetes, many of whom also battle obesity and joint pain that make traditional exercise impossible.

Why Antibiotic Development Stalls for Metabolic Conditions

Patients with insulin resistance face heightened infection risks because elevated blood glucose impairs immune function. Yet only 12 new antibiotics reached approval between 2017-2022, and few target the resistant strains common in diabetic foot ulcers or urinary tract infections. My methodology in The Metabolic Reset Protocol emphasizes that sustainable weight loss must address inflammation and immune health together. Privatized R&D favors oncology or lifestyle drugs yielding $1B+ annual sales; antibiotics, used short-term, rarely do. This leaves middle-income adults—already overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and denied insurance coverage for weight programs—without better tools against AMR.

Real-World Consequences for Those Managing Diabetes and Weight

In my clinical observations, individuals aged 45-54 juggling blood pressure, diabetes, and failed diets before often experience recurring infections that derail progress. Joint pain makes gym schedules unrealistic, while hormonal changes further complicate fat loss. Privatization has slowed innovation in host-directed therapies—treatments that boost immunity without relying solely on antibiotics. For example, research into microbiome-modulating compounds that could reduce AMR risk in insulin-resistant patients receives less than 5% of venture capital allocated to metabolic drugs.

Path Forward: Integrating Weight Loss and Responsible Research Advocacy

While privatization created gaps, it also spurred some biotech innovation through public-private partnerships. At CFP Weight Loss, we advocate simple daily protocols: 25g protein at breakfast to stabilize blood sugar, 20-minute walks despite joint discomfort, and anti-inflammatory meals that support immunity. These steps reduce infection vulnerability while we push for policy changes that reward AMR solutions for metabolic patients. By focusing on root causes—insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and gut health—readers can achieve meaningful weight loss without waiting for the next blockbuster drug. Small, consistent actions build resilience far better than complex plans that busy middle-income families cannot sustain.

💬 What the Community Says

Forum users in diabetes and weight-loss groups express deep frustration with privatization's effect on AMR research. Many share stories of repeated antibiotic failures during weight-loss plateaus, noting infections worsen insulin resistance and stall progress. A common opinion holds that profit-driven pharma ignores "unsexy" antibiotics for diabetic complications, leaving patients to cycle through older drugs with harsh side effects. Some report success with lifestyle changes that strengthen immunity, yet a vocal minority argues public funding alone won't fix the pipeline without better incentives. Middle-aged beginners often feel overwhelmed, embarrassed to ask doctors about obesity-related infection risks, and skeptical that new antibiotics will ever reach those without premium insurance. Overall sentiment mixes resignation with calls for advocacy linking metabolic health to antimicrobial innovation.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Do you think privatisation has negatively impact our research capabilities - esp. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://blog.cfpweightloss.com/ask/do-you-think-privatisation-has-negatively-impact-our-research-capabilities-especially-looking-at-amr-and-antibiotic-development-for-people-with-insulin-resistance
Russell Clark, 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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