GLP-1 Use Linked to 44% Drop in Cardiac Hospitalizations, According to Health Claims Analysis
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
A recent study analyzing U.S. commercial health claims data suggests that GLP-1 medications may play a meaningful role in improving employee health outcomes while reducing long-term healthcare spending for employers. The multi-year analysis, conducted by global professional services firm Aon, focused on the impact of GLP-1 use in employer-sponsored health plans, highlighting both clinical and economic outcomes.
Drawing on data from 139,000 GLP-1 users between 2022 and 2024, the study found that after an initial increase in costs due to treatment initiation, medical spend growth slowed significantly for individuals prescribed these medications. Specifically, in the second year of treatment, Aon observed a seven-percentage point improvement in medical cost growth compared to a matched control group. If sustained, this trend could translate into broader economic gains, such as reduced absenteeism and disability claims.
One of the most notable findings in the data was a 44% reduction in the risk of hospitalizations due to major adverse cardiovascular events—including stroke, heart attack, and heart failure—over a 24-month period following the start of GLP-1 therapy. The analysis also noted fewer claims for pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, and alcohol and substance use disorders among GLP-1 users. However, there was a higher incidence of claims tied to arthritis-related conditions, thyroid and esophageal disorders, and sleep-wake disturbances, which may reflect greater overall engagement with the healthcare system during treatment.
“When you consider the indirect costs of obesity, such as the treatment of comorbidities and absenteeism, the overall economic burden is striking,” said Farheen Dam, head of Health Solutions for North America at Aon. “Our preliminary insights show that GLP-1s – when paired with a wellbeing and adherence program that includes nutrition, exercise and mental health resources – can reduce long-term healthcare expenditures and even enhance workforce productivity.”
The study’s insights are based on proprietary modeling tools, including Aon’s Health Risk Analyzer, used to evaluate cost and risk trends within large datasets. While GLP-1 medications remain expensive, Aon’s findings point to the possibility of downstream savings and improved clinical outcomes when used in a structured obesity management program.
“Obesity is an escalating global epidemic, impacting nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults, contributing to more than 60 chronic conditions and costing the U.S. economy up to $1.72 trillion annually,” said Greg Case, CEO of Aon.
The firm is also piloting its own internal GLP-1 benefit program for U.S. employees, launched in partnership with eMed. This includes access to virtual care support, at-home blood tests, and 24/7 symptom management tools. According to Aon, the initiative is intended to promote adherence and ensure equitable access.
“Making this investment is essential to delivering value and achieving results,” said Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer of Aon. “We're proving that it's possible to offer access to GLP-1s affordably and with dignity — and that doing so can benefit both people and the bottom line.”
The findings will be presented at the upcoming Milken Institute Global Conference on May 5, as part of a broader discussion about how employers and health systems can address chronic conditions through prevention and data-driven approaches.
Esther Krofah, executive vice president at Milken Institute Health, commented on the report, stating, “Aon's analysis underscores the critical role that innovative, data-driven approaches can play in tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. By quantifying both the health and economic benefits of GLP-1 access, this work not only advances the dialogue around obesity management in the U.S. workforce, it also paves the way for scalable, global solutions that prioritize prevention and long-term impact.”
As interest in GLP-1 medications continues to grow across employer health plans, this data offers an early snapshot of how structured, comprehensive programs might be used to manage one of the country’s most costly and prevalent health conditions.
