The demand for weight-loss medications has seen an unprecedented surge in the last year, fueled by rising obesity rates and the growing popularity of GLP-1s like Zepbound and Wegovy. According to data from the CDC, obesity currently affects 4 out of 10 Americans – and, even more striking, by 2030, the obesity rate among U.S. adults is expected to surpass 50% in 29 states.

As awareness of obesity-related health risks and the available solutions to address them grows, employees are increasingly seeking comprehensive obesity and weight health care benefits, including employer-sponsored access to weight-loss medications. Per research from Tebra, 52% of professionals want weight-loss drugs covered in their health benefits – with 1 in 16 saying they would be willing to forgo vacation days in exchange for employers meeting this demand.

Currently, only 25% of employers offer such benefits, primarily due to the high costs associated with coverage of these medications, which averages around $9,000 annually after discounts and rebates. However, with the FDA's approval of certain GLP-1s and rising demands from employees for their coverage, organizations are being forced to make a tough decision: to withhold access to quality treatment or absorb a hit to their bottom line due to the drugs' exorbitant costs and lack of ROI visibility.