Limitations in access and coverage of obesity medications has paralleled the advances in the usage of GLP-1s. We have learned of the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists such as Wegovy and Zepbound which have transformed the landscape of treatment for obesity. Recently published data reveals that over 2% of adult patients in the United States are taking a GLP-1 drug to treat obesity, a percentage that has grown significantly in the last decade.
Despite the growing list of medical benefits for many of these medications, commercial insurance has a long way to catch up to this growing demand. A report out of GoodRX showed that commercial insurance coverage has not improved across the board from 2024-2025. The number of people with no commercial insurance coverage for Zepbound in 2025 increased by 14%. There was an increase in coverage for Wegovy from 14.2% to 14.6% in 2025. However, 83% of people with coverage for Wegovy are faced with restrictions like prior authorization or step therapy. This decrease in coverage means that millions of people across our country still do not have access to some of these life-saving medications.
A survey conducted by WTW found that of employers that do not currently cover obesity medications, 70% said that they would consider coverage if costs were lower. This observation shows that many employers are willing to cover obesity medications.
A study by Jamy Ard, et. al, showed that both employed people with obesity and employer representatives acknowledged the influence of obesity on other health problems and recognized obesity as a disease. In the study, both groups acknowledged the importance of coverage of obesity medications in addition to other interventions, as the most effective way to keep employees healthy. This willingness and acknowledgement by employers shows the growing understanding of obesity as a disease that deserves treatment just like any other disease, and that treatment for obesity needed to be included in their health plans.
Coverage for comprehensive obesity care that includes medications allows employers to better support their employees and has the potential to lower costs by creating a healthier workforce and a more welcoming workplace. Employers’ insurance can be especially helpful for already vulnerable communities facing obesity. Including comprehensive benefits as a part of health plans gives communities that lack access to these otherwise very expensive treatments the chance to have a healthier life that includes physical, social and financial well-being.
Including obesity medications as a part of employer-sponsored health plans is an essential element in creating a healthier workforce. Research has found that patients taking GLP-1 drugs saw improved health outcomes, which significantly slowed the growth rate of their medical costs. At the beginning of treatment, costs of covering these medications are higher for the employer, but after the second year, the costs of patients with obesity and their associated complications without medications are much higher.
Expanding coverage for obesity medications in employee health plans is not only a matter of medical necessity but also an investment in the health and wellbeing of the company and its overall workforce. Obesity medications continue to demonstrate cost savings in the long-term despite high initial costs. Hopefully these data will convince employers to shift from viewing obesity treatment as essential rather than optional. Ensuring access to these treatments, can promote a more accessible and equitable healthcare system that treats obesity as the complex, chronic disease it is.