BenefitsPRO, October 08, 2025, By Dinesh Sheth
Weight has a significant impact on both an individual's health and national health care costs. Obesity, which affects 41% of U.S. adults according to the CDC, stands as a pervasive national epidemic, directly contributing to leading causes of mortality like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers.
Outside of the physical health toll, the financial burden of obesity is staggering, with the CDC estimating its annual medical cost in the U.S. at $174 billion. Individuals with obesity incur approximately $1,861 more in medical expenses annually compared to those with a healthy weight.
With health care costs projected to rise by 8% in 2025, employers must find innovative ways to manage weight loss programs and control spending. However, the pharmacy landscape in the U.S. is difficult to navigate due to high costs and regulatory considerations. This takes a creative and strategic approach to weight management programs, with or without GLP-1 drugs.
Navigating the weight loss pharmacy landscape
According to Alliant, 70% of U.S. adults need to take at least one prescription drug per day, meaning pharmacy benefits are one of the most demanded and expensive employee benefits.
In recent years, a new medication - the GLP-1-powered weight loss drugs like Wegovy™ and Zepbound™ - have become popular options for individuals hoping to manage their weight, with demand surging nearly 600% over six years. These medications address chronic weight problems in adults by regulating appetite and food intake, helping patients feel full, reducing cravings and in turn losing weight. Unfortunately, patients face shortages in trying to obtain them and the high costs make them inaccessible for many.
While in high demand, the costs of weight loss drugs are straining budgets. These medications cost an estimated $1,000 to $1,500 each month per person. Employees cannot keep up with the high price tag of GLP-1s: 50% to 75% of those who take GLP-1 drugs reportedly stop taking them due to their price tag. Additionally, 70% of employers who do not currently offer weight loss drugs would do so if costs were lowered.
Although medication is a new tool for managing weight, a cornerstone of success is long-term lifestyle management. For employers to truly address chronic weight issues they must consider introducing programs that encourage lifestyle changes. Additionally, these programs often can introduce requirements for drug eligibility, ensuring that those who are truly motivated and prepared to commit to a lifestyle change receive a coveted prescription for GLP-1s.
Achieving health goals
These medications are one piece of the weight loss equation, however, they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, especially as many gain weight back after pausing the medication or when facing a shortage. At the same time, weight loss involves more than eating well and exercising regularly. Every individual has unique, complex needs; understanding that patients require a personalized approach is the key to making a real impact.
Employers must prioritize a holistic approach to their weight loss programs. For instance, incorporating personalized health coaching can be effective with or without anti-obesity medication. Pairing a weight management program with your prescription benefit provider ensures employees have a comprehensive lifestyle management plan to follow, fostering successful, long-term weight management. Additionally, incentivizing employees with reduced copays for active participation in programs further motivates them to engage in healthier habits.
Health coaching
Tracking nutrition and exercise data is a great first step, but the addition of an accountability cheerleader takes success to a new level. In addtion to a health resources offering one-on-one sessions and wellness assessments with health coaches helps user pinpoint areas for improvement, including sleep, stress, self-care, and home meal preparation. What's more, userss engage with the same coach consistently, fostering a deep and trusting rapport over time.
Serving as dedicated accountability partners, coaches can assist individuals in setting small, personalized and achievable goals to stay motivated and improve overall wellbeing. They can also ensure users are taking their medication, recording their weight and medications and following through with their health appointments. Tracking progress establishes a regular cadence for employees to confirm their eligibility for an employer's weight loss program and tap into their benefits if the employer offers GLP-1 access.
Learn positive, sustainable habits
Many people struggle with an "all or nothing" mindset when it comes to weight loss, frequently attempting new fad diets or workout routines that are challenging to maintain over time. Now, with the emergence of weight loss drugs, there's yet another supposedly 'silver bullet' to solve weight management. However, those who've been in the health care business long enough know: it's going to take a committed lifestyle change for individuals to achieve sustainable results.
Weight management is a huge problem, but holistic digital programs help employees discover an approach that aligns with a each person's lifestyle. This way, employers can address this big problem of weight management, one person at a time. Employers need to focus on enhancing their wellbeing, maintaining desired weight, all while cultivating a positive mindset and practicing self-love.
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