GLP-1 use drives up health care costs

Nearly half of health care CFOs cite the cost of GLP-1 drugs as a major driver for rising health care costs. Mercer finds that the cost of employer-sponsored health plans is expected to rise 6.7% this year, as 12% of Americans (15% of women) now take the drugs for obesity and weight management. One-third of CFOs cite health benefits as a top driver of rising costs — 15% higher than in 2024 — while almost half say the cost of GLP-1 drugs is a “concerning” factor over the next three years. Many CFOs acknowledge, however, that GLP-1 drugs may have longer-term cost benefits if they’re able to create healthier populations. GLP-1 use is also disrupting the shopping, restaurant and apparel sectors.