GLP-1 trends employers should know in 2026

As a benefits manager, you may be familiar with the rising popularity of GLP-1s. However, has the latest data crossed your desk yet? The third edition of 9amHealth’s GLP-1 Trend Report shares all-new insights about the GLP-1 market, how it affects your employees, and lays out solutions to help you curb costs without cutting care.

This report is for anyone concerned about the impact of rising healthcare costs, employee retention, and overall long-term employee health.

Key findings included:

• Since 2023, employee usage and demand for GLP-1s have more than doubled.

• Employees are demanding employer-sponsored coverage for weight-loss medications more than ever.

• GLP-1 use is increasingly associated with higher levels of physical activity, showcasing the interest in approaches beyond medication.

If you’re a benefits leader, the cost of not covering GLP-1s goes beyond financials. Employees told us that demand for employer-covered GLP-1s continues to rise, and that, because they can’t afford the medications on their own, employer coverage makes a real impact on their decision to keep or leave a job.

However, if you choose to add GLP-1 coverage to your benefits packages, it’s important to include guardrails that mitigate additional risk. Care-based models help keep GLP-1 medications accessible and ensure better outcomes.  Partner with 9amHealth to offer employees tailored weight loss programs that combine medication and lifestyle changes for long-term results, all while curbing healthcare costs.

GLP-1 demand continues to accelerate

Since 2023, employee usage and demand for GLP-1s have accelerated. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, and it doesn’t just exist inside the home—the GLP-1 conversation has reached your office doors.

GLP-1 coverage now ranks among the top three most valued workplace benefits for more than 40% of respondents–on par with some of the most foundational workplace benefits. 

7.7% ranked it as #1 in importance in 2025, up from 6.7% in 2024 and 4.98% in 2023.

At the same time, a stable 30% of workers say they would change jobs to gain or keep access to GLP-1s, highlighting how GLP-1s have a profound effect on both recruitment and retention rates.

The data shows how much employees want this benefit; however, there are still real concerns around the rising costs of healthcare. Employers need to know that adding GLP-1s as a benefit won’t hurt their bottom line.

Here’s what we know

GLP-1 use is increasingly associated with higher levels of physical activity, showcasing the interest in approaches beyond medication.

Employers are taking different approaches to coverage

What this tells us is that there is an opportunity for employers to build a cost-efficient weight-loss program that may include GLP-1 prescriptions and also offers lifestyle support as an alternative to medication, when appropriate.

Across 9amHealth’s client base, 25% offer dedicated weight management benefits. Within that group:

• 16.7% cover GLP-1s

• 8.3% do not cover GLP-1s. Instead, they offer a combination of lifestyle management and generic medication.

What this means for employers

Our trend report offers an in-depth look at the benefits of partnering with an expert team like 9amHealth to manage medications—putting a stop to overprescribing—and ensuring that only people who truly need GLP-1s receive them. This level of rigorous clinical vetting and ongoing monitoring helps reduce misuse and optimizes pharmacy spend.

What these trends signal for 2026

The data is in: GLP-1 demand isn’t slowing down, and your employees are making big decisions based on their access to weight-loss benefits. Employer coverage decisions have real implications for their retention rate and engagement.

The cost of not covering GLP-1s goes beyond financials. Benefits leaders are adding weight-loss medications to their benefits package because:

• There’s an improvement in overall employee health

• GLP-1s strengthen your organization’s ability to retain and recruit talent.

The 9amHealth trend report offers a deeper look at survey results and a breakdown of our unique care models that deliver long-term results for employees at a lower cost to employers.

How 9amHealth can help you take action

Partner with 9amHealth to take control of GLP-1 spend without sacrificing quality of care.

• All-in-one solution for cardiometabolic health.

• Responsible prescribing and medication optimization.

• Access to a team of specialists without the wait.

• Expert-led lifestyle and nutrition coaching.

• Works seamlessly alongside any health and pharmacy benefits plan.

Click here to download the full report to explore:

• Detailed survey data

• Employer benchmarks

• Cost-control strategies