When employees experience safe and sustainable weight loss and consistent management of chronic conditions like diabetes, employers benefit through:

Lowered risk of chronic diseases
Fewer acute care events
Improved cardiovascular outcomes
Reduced need for other high-cost medications
Higher workplace engagement and productivity

With GLP-1s, as with any new medications or procedures, coverage decisions shouldn't be made in isolation; they should be part of a long-term health strategy.

Integrating comprehensive GLP-1 management into your benefits plan

To get meaningful and more sustainable results from GLP-1 coverage, employers should consider pairing medication benefits with individualized support. The most successful programs include:

One-on-one coaching with pharmacists and dieticians: This offers the personalized support employees need to understand their lifestyle stressors, unique barriers, how to manage side effects, and more. This can mean the difference between employees quitting the medications after a short period of time versus reaching their maintenance doses and long-term goals.
At least six to 12 months of structured, professionally guided care: This allows time for positive habits to form, sustainable behavior changes, longer-term goals such as stress management and nutrition, and even potentially medication off ramping, when clinically appropriate. This type of integrated model brings wellness programs back to what they were meant to be: supportive, measurable, human, and effective.
Workplace culture that supports healthier choices: Messages can become muddled when employers cover GLP-1s but offer donuts and cookies during every meeting. Wellness needs to be reinforced throughout the workplace environment.

What does success look like?

Success in a GLP-1-inclusive wellness program goes beyond prescriptions filled and weight lost. Key metrics to include are:

Medication adherence
Clinical outcomes including lowering A1c, reducing blood pressure and weight, improving sleep apnea, and reducing medication dependence
Program engagement and active participation instead of passively clicking an app
Quality of life improvements in mental health, mobility, and productivity
Reduced waste in prescription benefit dollars
Lower long-term costs associated with preventable chronic disease

A forward-thinking approach: GLP-1s beyond diabetes and obesity

GLP-1s are being studied for a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson's diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders – to name a few.

Instant Insights /

GLP-1 coverage without personal support is a recipe for wasted wellness dollars

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