As the demand for GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound continues to skyrocket, a new survey reveals that access to those medications has become a critical factor in job retention and acquisition.
According to new data from 9amHealth — which provides specialized care for weight management, diabetes, and heart health — 54% of Americans are using or want to use a GLP-1 medication. That’s a 6% increase from last year. Compared to last year’s findings, even more employees said that GLP-1 coverage was important for taking or staying at a job (73%, up from 67%). Employer-sponsored coverage of these medications has more than doubled, too — rising from 30% to 63%.
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However, for the 25% of employees who want access but don’t have it, affordability remains a challenge. In fact, 31% of survey respondents indicated they would change jobs in order to gain coverage (up from 21% last year).
9amHealth conducted two surveys to analyze evolving consumer attitudes toward GLP-1 medications among American adults. The first was in December 2023, while the second was in December 2024.
When it comes to job perks, weight loss medications remain among the top four benefits, along with health care coverage, flexible working hours, and company equity. And with declining exercise rates, 9amHealth officials say employers must invest beyond meds.
“GLP-1 medications are effective — not just for weight loss but for overall metabolic health,” Dr. Avantika Waring, Chief Medical Officer at 9amHealth, said in a statement. “However, they work best when combined with lasting lifestyle changes. Our survey shows that exercise rates among GLP-1 users are declining, which raises concerns about long-term health outcomes. Employers and health plans must look beyond prescriptions and invest in comprehensive weight health solutions — otherwise, they risk paying for the medication without seeing the full health benefits.”
The survey also found that as prices for everyday items continue to rise, many people are concerned about their spending. Respondents employed somewhere without GLP-1 coverage are cutting back even more than last year (59% vs. 30%) to afford their medications — with dining out, luxury purchases, and groceries being the top categories to cut back.
And because both Novo Nordisk© and Eli Lilly© faced challenges in meeting the surging demand for their GLP-1 products, a vast number of online retailers now offer compounded versions of the drug. More than one-third (37%) of survey respondents have tried formulations not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — likely increasing the risk of complications or adverse reactions, 9amHealth officials say.
The obesity drug market is expected to reach $150 billion by 2033, making employer and health plan strategies crucial in balancing cost-effectiveness with patient access.
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