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We are a month into the New Year, and it’s time to check on how those weight loss resolutions are faring. But in 2025, New Year’s resolutions for employees took a different turn with a high interest in anti-obesity medications (AOMs) to lose weight.

In years past, many employees followed trending diets for their New Year’s resolution. This year, though, the focus for weight loss is on accessing AOMs. In fact, according to a recent survey, over one-quarter (26%) of consumers in the United States plan to take a weight loss drug to achieve their 2025 New Year's resolution goals.

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This trend and the rise in employee utilization of AOMs poses several challenges for employers to navigate.
Most likely, your employees who want to take AOMs this year have previously struggled to lose weight.

  • Almost 90% believe that AOMs will help them obtain their 2025 weight loss goals. Nearly half of employees abandoned their goals in past New Year's resolutions.
  • Achieving results quickly (55%) and overcoming challenges with traditional weight loss methods (51%) are the top reasons cited for considering AOMs in 2025.
  • One-quarter of employees said they’re exploring AOMs because they feel it’s a quick fix to weight loss.

AOMs utilization trends

2024 was the groundbreaking year the AOMs market took shape, creating an influx of questions for employers to address about employee health care coverage. In 2026-2027, we are expected to experience pivotal years that will define the future of AOMs.

We find ourselves right at the intersection of this crossroads in time where 2025 should provide a glimpse into the future of the AOMs market as key trends play out across reimbursement, innovation and competition – all which will affect employers.

The demand for AOMs has exceeded all expectations. According to Goldman Sachs Research, the global market for AOMs may reach $100 billion by 2030. This momentum suggests AOMs are likely to become a permanent tool on the weight loss landscape.

AOMs are here to stay because they have delivered transformative results, offering substantial metabolic health and weight loss benefits. They are successful because the receptors mimic incretin hormones to improve glucose controls, increase insulin, and reduce appetite.

Challenges employers will face in 2025

Affordability will remain an issue in preventing many employees who are exploring AOMs this year from having access to the medication. Some employees whose benefits don’t cover AOMs and who can’t afford AOMs are turning to cheaper, compounded versions while the branded drugs are in short supply. These versions raise safety concerns.

Rising expenses will impact employers’ health care budgets, and there are also utilization concerns. Plus, all these questions surrounding AOMs and employee support can overburden Human Resources teams.

The future pipeline: New AOM’s and expanded indications

The future pipeline for weight loss drugs includes new combinations of hormones and other drugs with different mechanisms of action. These drugs are in various stages of clinical trials and may lead to more effective treatments for obesity.

Expanded indications will include cardiovascular risk reduction and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Currently, researchers are looking into cognitive health improvement. Major approvals are expected by the end of this year and into 2026 and beyond.

2025 employer considerations for managing AOM’s

In 2025, employee benefit plans should consider the following:
Cost analysis:

  • Assess the potential impact of weight loss drugs on overall health care spending. For instance, consider factors like drug cost, patient adherence, and potential for reduced chronic disease complications. 
Eligibility criteria:
  • Limit coverage to individuals with a high BMI or those with obesity-related health conditions. 
  • Require employees to participate in a wellness program or lifestyle modification initiatives before approving AOMs. Promote lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise alongside medication use to enhance long-term weight management success. 
Related: Weight-loss drugs bloated employers' bills in 2023: Segal analysts

Prior authorization process:

  • Implement a strict prior authorization process to ensure appropriate medical usage for AOMs. 
  • Require physicians to provide detailed documentation on patient's medical history and attempts at lifestyle changes. 
Utilization management:
  • Monitor prescription patterns and identify potential misuse or overuse of weight loss drugs. 
  • Implement drug utilization reviews to assess patient adherence and therapeutic effectiveness. 
  • Make sure your providers are utilizing evidence based guidelines and are staying up to date on GLP-1 research
Communication and education:
  • Clearly communicate coverage policies and eligibility requirements to employees. 
  • Provide education regarding the potential benefits and risks associated with weight loss medications. 
The weight loss market is evolving at an unprecedented rate with the advancements in AOMs, and 2025 will be another remarkable year in this journey. This year will offer a glimpse into the future as key trends play out and will mark a turning point as we move past ‘peak hype.’ We will see the beginning of more conventional competitive dynamics gradually establish themselves in the market.

Dr. Jessica Lea, Pharm D, is founder and CEO of Tria Health, a comprehensive health benefit offered through self-insured employers for individuals with chronic conditions.

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