GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, and Ozempic have brought new hope to millions struggling with obesity. They’re incredibly effective at reducing weight — and employee demand is skyrocketing.
- More than half of U.S. adults are interested in trying a GLP-1 for weight loss (KFF)
- GLP-1 prescriptions have risen over 300% in the past two years (Trilliant Health)
- Interest is highest among working-age employees — your covered population
For employers, it presents a familiar but urgent challenge:
How do we provide access to an in-demand health benefit… without wrecking the plan budget?
GLP-1s like Wegovy can cost $12,000–$16,000 per person per year. One analysis found that if just 10% of an employee population enrolls in a GLP-1 benefit, total plan costs could rise 8–9% (IFEBP).
And that’s assuming members stay on the medication and achieve results — which many don’t.
The real risk: Paying more, getting less
GLP-1s reduce appetite and slow digestion, which helps people lose weight. But that’s where their benefit ends — they don’t teach new habits, address emotional eating, or support behavior change.
That leads to five serious challenges for self-funded employers:
- High discontinuation rates. Over 50% of patients stop GLP-1s within a year (AJMC), often due to side effects or lack of guidance.
- Weight regain after stopping. A JAMA study showed most patients regain weight after stopping semaglutide — within just 12 months.
- Ongoing drug costs with no plan to tape. Without a clear clinical pathway, GLP-1 usage becomes indefinite — and so does the cost
- No visibility into outcomes. Most GLP-1 providers don’t offer outcome reporting or insight into success rates. Employers are left guessing.
- No support for behavior change. Even the best medications fall short without lifestyle and psychological support. Weight loss becomes transactional — not transformative.
For employers, this means paying premium prices for a solution that doesn’t stick. And over time, that leads to increased frustration, limited ROI, and financial risk.
The smarter strategy: Combine low-dose GLP-1s with human-led coaching
At Embla, we believe medication should support weight loss — not carry it alone.
We’ve built a digital-first program specifically for self-funded employers who want:
- Strong outcomes
- Lower medication costs
- A sustainable, whole-person solution
Here’s how it works:
1. Personalized clinical onboarding
Members complete a digital intake, reviewed by clinicians. GLP-1s are prescribed only when appropriate, and we start at — and aim to stay at — the lowest effective dose.
Why? Because our real-world data shows that high doses aren’t needed to achieve meaningful results.
We only increase the dose if progress has completely stalled and other supportive measures have been exhausted.
This approach helps reduce side effects, improve adherence, and drastically lower pharmacy costs — all without compromising outcomes.
2. 1:1 video coaching with real health professionals
Each member is paired with a coach trained in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) — a proven approach to long-term behavior change. Coaches meet with members regularly and help them:
- Address emotional eating and mindset
- Set goals and routines
- Tackle setbacks
- Build habits that last after medication ends
3. Medication tapering and transition
Once members hit their goals, coaches and clinicians guide them through a structured tapering plan. We help them safely stop medication without weight regain.
The results: Clinical outcomes that drive business outcomes
Our model works because it’s built around behavior — not just biochemistry. And it delivers:
- 16.7% average weight loss in 12 months
- Achieved using 66% less GLP-1 medication than industry norms
- 8 out of 10 members transition off meds without regaining weight
That means:
- Lower total cost of care
- Reduced long-term pharmacy spend
- Fewer relapses and yo-yo dieting
- Better employee satisfaction and retention
Compare that to a high-dose, medication-only model — which often sees higher dropout, more side effects, and poor sustainability.
What this means for HR and benefits leaders
The stakes are high. Obesity contributes to:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Sleep apnea
- Joint pain and MSK claims
- Depression and absenteeism
The CDC estimates obesity-related conditions cost employers over $173 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity.
Offering a modern weight loss benefit — especially one that reduces medication dependency — gives employers a way to:
- Reduce high-cost chronic condition claims
- Improve productivity and morale
- Attract and retain health-conscious talent
- Address a root cause of rising healthcare costs
But that only happens if the program works — and sticks.
Final word: Don’t just cover GLP-1s. Make them work for you.
Covering GLP-1s without structure is like paying for gym memberships no one uses. It checks a box — but doesn’t move the needle.
With the right approach, though, GLP-1s can be a game-changer.
At Embla, we help self-funded employers deliver better weight loss outcomes with a fraction of the medication cost — all through a fully digital, turnkey solution that can go live in just 1–2 weeks. Reach out to learn how we can help you improve health outcomes while controlling costs.
References
- More than half of U.S. adults are interested in trying a GLP-1 for weight loss
Source: KFF Health Tracking Poll – November 2023
https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/kff-health-tracking-poll-november-2023-health-care-affordability-and-mental-health - GLP-1 prescriptions have risen over 300% in the past two years
Source: Trilliant Health, 2023 Trends in Obesity Care
https://www.trillianthealth.com (specific report URL not currently indexed — source confirmed) - 10% enrollment in GLP-1 benefit could increase plan costs by 8–9%
Source: International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP)
https://www.ifebp.org/aboutus/pressroom/releases/Pages/GLP-1-Coverage-Employer-Costs.aspx - Over 50% of patients stop GLP-1s within a year
Source: American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC)
https://www.ajmc.com/view/adherence-and-discontinuation-rates-for-glp-1-ras-among-patients-with-type-2-diabetes-in-the-united-states - Most patients regain weight after stopping semaglutide within 12 months
Source: JAMA, Wilding et al. (STEP 1 Extension Study)
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2797491 - Obesity-related conditions cost employers over $173 billion annually
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/economic-impact.html