Employers feeling impact as weight-loss drug coverage rises

LEXINGTON, KY. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – More people are using weight-loss drugs, and it’s costing employers more than ever.

A new study of employer health benefits shows that the number of larger companies covering expensive GLP-1 medications soared to 43 percent this year, up from 28 percent last year. Among smaller firms with fewer than 1,000 workers, about 16 percent provide coverage for obesity drugs.

GLP-1 drugs are used to treat diabetes but have gained popularity for their weight-loss benefits in recent years. Employers say they may need to limit coverage to employees with higher body mass indexes or require participation in weight management programs to help control costs.