As the demand for obesity treatments surges, U.S. employers are facing an alarming rise in healthcare costs in 2025, with prescription drugs—particularly weight loss medications—playing a key role. A new report by Aon plc forecasts a 9% increase in employer-sponsored healthcare costs, pushing the average cost per employee to more than $16,000.
Among the major contributors to this spike are specialty drugs like Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide), which have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and other related conditions. Zepbound, in particular, is setting a new standard in the field, with its higher efficacy compared to Wegovy, positioning it as a strong contender to become the leading obesity drug in the market.
Since its launch, Zepbound has extended its reach beyond weight loss to include the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, with FDA approval granted in December 2024. Research is also underway to investigate its potential in treating chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular risks, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
While these weight loss drugs offer promising health benefits, their cost implications are significant. Aon’s analysis highlights that the increased utilization of GLP-1 medications like Zepbound and Wegovy could contribute to an additional 1% increase in overall healthcare costs for U.S. employers. Despite the relatively low uptake of these drugs, they have a disproportionate effect on employer healthcare budgets.
The ripple effect of these higher drug costs extends to employees, with companies covering, on average, 81% of health plan expenses—leaving employees with $4,858 annually in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
In 2024, employer healthcare budgets grew by 6.4%, while employee premiums saw a more modest 3.4% increase. However, some industries are feeling the impact more acutely: the technology and communications sector saw a 7.4% jump in employer costs, while public sector employees faced a steep 6.7% rise in contributions. The healthcare sector itself experienced no significant change in employee contributions, reflecting the pressure these rising costs are placing on companies across various industries.
Specialty treatments such as gene therapies, advanced medical procedures, and ongoing management of chronic conditions continue to exacerbate the financial strain on employer-sponsored healthcare programs. As the landscape for obesity treatment evolves with drugs like Zepbound, employers will need to weigh the benefits of these therapies against their growing financial burden.
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