Health Hub | Should Your Health Plan Cover GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss?

The rising popularity of medications like Ozempic, Zepbound, or Wegovy as weight management drugs has piqued the interest of employers and employees alike. The drugs – technically known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, or simply GLP-1 drugs – have long been used to treat diabetes but are relatively new as weight loss medications.   

If you’re considering covering these types of drugs for weight loss, there are a few issues you might want to weigh: 

1. GLP-1 coverage can be costly. GLP-1 drugs can cost more than $1,000 per month for an individual, and users of GLP-1s need to stay on the drugs long-term or the weight comes back. The hefty and recurring cost has led some employers to end or restrict coverage of GLP-1 drugs due to concerns about affordability for both employees and their businesses.  
2. Side effects might affect productivity. It’s well-documented that obesity can be a cost driver in employee healthcare, fueling absenteeism and undermining productivity. But GLP-1 drugs also have concerning and risky side effects – ranging from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to depression – that can lead to absenteeism or lost productivity. 
3. Some have trouble staying on GLP-1s. Whether it’s due to high cost, unwanted side effects, or both, the majority of people who start using GLP-1 drugs stop taking them before they see any meaningful health benefit. This can mean a costly expense with no tangible result. 
4. A drug alone won’t keep the weight off. GLP-1 drugs generally are not considered a standalone treatment for obesity, which often requires individual, comprehensive medical strategies and lifestyle changes. Exercise, behavioral changes, and even mental health counseling can be helpful to maintaining a healthy weight – and your healthcare plan can help make the difference. 

If you’re an employer considering (or reconsidering) whether to cover GLP-1 drugs for your employees, taking a comprehensive look at your healthcare coverage can help you decide. Medications like GLP-1 drugs might be a helpful tool for some, but there are a host of other health and wellness resources available for your employees – and your business. 

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