Employers can use GLP-1 drugs to form part of an effective intervention and prevention strategy for chronic disease, according to a whitepaper published by MAXIS Global Benefits Network.
GLP-1s – often known as weight-loss drugs – can help manage obesity and, in some cases, reduce cardiovascular risks, protect kidney health and treat other obesity-associated chronic conditions.
Dr Leena Johns is chief health & wellness officer at MAXIS GBN and author of the whitepaper.
“GLP-1s shouldn’t be viewed simply as weight-loss drugs, their role is expanding rapidly,” Dr Johns said.
“GLP-1s can become part of a broader strategy to intervene earlier in chronic disease and improve workforce health. But planned poorly, employers risk dramatically increasing their pharmacy costs without benefiting from long-term improvements in their peoples’ health.
In an exclusive episode of the Global Captive Podcast – From Obesity Drug to Risk Strategy: Why Captives Need to Rethink GLP-1s – Dr Johns explains further how captives can be particularly valuable in implementing a GLP-1 strategy.
The whitepaper draws upon the network’s global claims data, drawn from standardised, anonymised data from millions of claimants around the world, to provide practical strategies for addressing claims trends.
MAXIS GBN’s 2025 claims data shows that 38% of claimants had at least one chronic condition and 36% of these chronic disease claimants were living with two or more.
One in four of these chronic disease claimants are potentially eligible for GLP-1 therapies to manage their condition. Yet, only 5% are currently receiving GLP-1s.
The data also shows that one in three GLP-1 patients stopped their treatment within the first year, with only 6% remaining on treatment for more than three years.
MAXIS GBN data reveals encouraging spending reductions in some key claims categories.
For example, the data shows a 65% reduction in knee pain and 33% less spend on chronic kidney disease claims for GLP-1 patients. There were also encouraging improvements in cardiovascular claims rates.
The data also shows claims costs increased in some categories. Compared to non-users, GLP-1 users showed a 1,754% greater increase in paid claims spending for depression and a 4,053% greater increase for anxiety.
While GLP-1s present a huge opportunity for improving workforce health, they also create challenges for employers.
The MAXIS whitepaper stresses the need for a nuanced strategy to ensure multinationals invest in GLP-1 treatment effectively and efficiently, that is sustainable in the long-term.
“Employee demand for GLP-1s is not on the horizon – it’s already here. The question is whether employers are prepared to invest in the wraparound support required to build and sustain an effective strategy.”