GLP-1 medications have officially crossed from trending to expected in the workplace, according to 9amHealth’s new survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults. The share of respondents using GLP-1s has more than doubled since 2023, reaching 49%—signaling a fundamental shift in employee expectations and creating new challenges for employers trying to balance access with cost.
What’s more, GLP-1 coverage now ranks among the top three most valued workplace benefits for more than 40% of respondents, on par with some of the most foundational workplace benefits. At the same time, 30% of workers say they would change jobs to gain or keep access to GLP-1s, which underscores their increasing influence on talent attraction and retention, according to 9amHealth officials.
See also: GLP-1s: To cover, or not to cover, these weight management drugs?
Among employees without coverage, 93% say they would take a GLP-1 if their employer covered it, indicating significant pent-up demand for a treatment whose affordability still remains a big obstacle.
A recent congressional analysis estimates that obesity could drive up to $9.1 trillion in excess medical spending over the next decade, placing increasing pressure on employers and the broader healthcare system.
“If you’re a benefits leader, you may be wondering what the cost is of not covering GLP-1s,” the 22-page 9amHealth Trend Report concludes. “The cost goes beyond financials. Risk also includes the impact on your employees’ health and your organization’s ability to recruit and retain employees in a competitive market. However, if you choose to add GLP-1 coverage to your benefits packages, it’s important to include guardrails that mitigate additional risk. There is a careful balance between setting appropriate terms and being overly restrictive, which can lead to dissatisfaction, confusion and inequity.”
“Our challenge wasn’t deciding if we should offer coverage, but ensuring we could do it sustainably and in a way that genuinely helps our employees,” said Leah Salvo, director and head of benefits at BJ’s Wholesale Club, in the report.
The findings point to a clear need for more sustainable models—ones that pair access to GLP-1s with clinical oversight, behavior change and cost management strategies, according to the report.
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