GLP-1 Drug Overview
| Drug | Indication | Monthly Cost | Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | $900 | 10–15% |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Obesity (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidity) | $1,300 | 15–20% |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Type 2 diabetes | $1,000 | 15–20% |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Obesity (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidity) | $1,100 | 20–25% |
The Demand Problem
GLP-1 drugs are in extraordinary demand — driven by their unprecedented weight loss efficacy and celebrity endorsements. An estimated 30–40% of the US adult population is eligible for GLP-1 drugs based on BMI criteria. If even 10% of eligible employees enrolled, the cost impact would be catastrophic for most employer plans. Managing GLP-1 demand is the most urgent pharmacy cost management challenge.
The Long-Term Cost Commitment
Watch Out
GLP-1 drugs must be taken indefinitely to maintain weight loss — stopping the medication results in weight regain within 12 months. This creates a long-term cost commitment that employers must plan for. A member who starts a GLP-1 drug at age 40 may take it for 25+ years — at a cost of $10,000–$15,000 per year. The lifetime cost of GLP-1 therapy for a single member is $250,000–$375,000.