For the nearly 42% of U.S. adults grappling with obesity, scientific advances in treatment have opened a new chapter in care. Among these breakthroughs, GLP-1 medications have emerged as transformative tools, enabling significant weight loss and notable cardiometabolic improvements. However, this progress comes with a steep cost — an average annual cost of $9,000 per patient.
Despite the high price tag, long-term outcomes remain uncertain. Data shows that patients regain, on average, two-thirds of their lost weight within a year of discontinuing GLP-1 therapy. This reversal often comes with a return of obesity-related health risks, diminishing the clinical and financial gains that employers and health plans aim to achieve through coverage.
For organizations, this raises a critical question: how can they ensure a meaningful return on investment (ROI) when adopting GLP-1 therapies?
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The challenge of medication discontinuation
Emerging real-world data reveals a troubling trend: many patients don’t stay on GLP-1 medications for the long term. Studies report that up to 50% of patients discontinue therapy within six months. The reasons are varied and complex, ranging from insurance coverage lapses and supply shortages to burdensome prior authorization processes and intolerable side effects. This lack of persistence jeopardizes the economic and health benefits that GLP-1 therapies promise — namely, stopping obesity in its tracks.
Obesity is closely tied to higher healthcare spending since it often leads to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Effective weight loss reduces these costs by lowering the need for prescriptions, specialist visits, and the risk of catastrophic health events like heart attacks or strokes. When patients stop their medications and regain weight, these potential savings evaporate, leaving employers and health plans with significant financial losses.
A comprehensive solution for sustainable ROI
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Blaming patients for discontinuation misses the broader picture: GLP-1 medications, while powerful, are not standalone solutions. Clinical evidence underscores that sustained weight loss and health improvements require more than medication; they demand comprehensive support systems.
To maximize ROI and ensure effective care, organizations should look for comprehensive obesity solutions that integrate personalized treatment and wraparound support. Here’s what to consider:
- Tailored care pathways – Not every patient is a candidate for GLP-1 medications. Many may benefit from alternative anti-obesity medications approved by the FDA, often at lower costs. Others might prefer non-pharmacological approaches, such as medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian or cognitive behavioral therapy with a licensed therapist or self-directed. Matching patients with the right care strategy from the outset improves outcomes and optimizes costs.
- Support for GLP-1 patients – These medications often come with challenging side effects. Patients need access to expert support, such as Registered Dietitians who can develop personalized eating plans to minimize discomfort and enhance adherence. Evidence-based guidance on dietary adjustments — what to eat, what to avoid, and when to eat — can make a significant difference.
- Streamlined integration with PBMs – Comprehensive obesity solutions should simplify the process for both patients and organizations. Look for partners that can manage prior authorizations efficiently, ensuring patients access the care they need without unnecessary delays or administrative hurdles.
The future of obesity treatment
GLP-1 medications are not a passing trend — they represent a new cornerstone of modern obesity and diabetes care. By 2030, the global market for these therapies is projected to surpass $100 billion, driven by their expanding use and new indications. As the adoption of GLP-1s grows, organizations must proactively address the challenges of cost management and patient adherence to protect their investments.
By partnering with a comprehensive obesity solution, employers and health plans can reduce waste, improve outcomes, and maximize ROI. The era of GLP-1 medications is here — now is the time to ensure their promise translates into sustainable progress.
Photo: Jason Dean, Getty Images
Richard Frank, MD, MHSA, Chief Medical Officer, Vida Health is an experienced physician executive with demonstrated success in product development and strategy, managing high-risk Medicare and Medicaid populations, developing new business for established and VC-backed companies, engaging providers in value-based contracts, controlling healthcare utilization, and implementing clinical programs within not-for-profit and publicly traded companies.
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