If it feels like GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, it’s because they are. Employees are seeing them on TV, across social media, and in celebrity interviews. What many HR leaders may not realize is that many employees are now getting these medications on their own, sometimes without using their company health plans, or even seeing their doctors. The challenge for HR is figuring out how to support all employees who use these medications, including those you might not know about.
Consumer Messaging is Driving Action
GLP-1s are now some of the most widely recognized and talked-about medications. Direct-to-consumer advertising is one major reason why.
Recent consumer research shows that 70% of adults see GLP-1 ads at least once a month, while 58% see them every week. And those ads are prompting action: 61% of employees say they took action after seeing an ad, including searching online, clicking through to a telehealth provider, or asking for a prescription.
This exposure is generating interest often before employees know what their health plan covers or have spoken with their doctor. And when they decide to move forward, they may not start with company benefits at all.
When Coverage Gets Complicated, Employees Look Elsewhere
GLP-1s can help with weight loss and cardiometabolic health, but they’re expensive and in high demand. And rising costs are prompting many employers to reconsider how, and whether, they provide coverage.
When coverage is hard to get or confusing, direct-to-consumer telehealth providers and online clinics can offer a faster, simpler alternative. Some employees may choose to pay out of pocket rather than go through their employer-sponsored health plan.
That doesn’t mean every employee who gets medication outside their health plan is making an unsafe choice. However, their regular physician might not be aware of the treatment. More importantly, these employees may be missing the broader support needed for long-term success, including guidance around nutrition, physical activity, and strength training.
Weight Loss is Just Part of the Outcome
GLP-1s can be highly effective for weight loss. But weight loss alone does not automatically translate into better long-term health.
These medications can work without major lifestyle changes, but regular physical activity and balanced nutrition are still essential for strength, mobility, and lasting health. Building healthy habits while taking a GLP-1 can also help keep their progress if treatment changes or stops.
Why Protecting Muscle Matters
One concern with losing weight on GLP-1s is losing muscle, especially when weight drops quickly. Without adequate nutrition and exercise, people can lose both muscle and fat. Exercise, especially strength training, helps preserve muscle during weight loss. Low- and moderate-intensity aerobic activity also supports heart health, energy, and overall fitness.
For employers, muscle is important for more than just appearance. It helps with joint stability, metabolism, injury prevention, mobility, and energy. Without the right support, employees might lose weight, but also become weaker, less mobile, or unable to maintain their results.
The main point is that people taking GLP-1s need more than medication. They also need practical support to keep their strength, mobility, and overall health.
Supporting Employees Even When GLP-1 Use Is Invisible
The good news is that HR doesn’t need to know exactly who is taking a GLP-1 to provide helpful support. Employers can promote a wellness culture that helps everyone get stronger, move more safely, and build healthy habits, whether they use GLP-1s through insurance, pay out of pocket, are considering medication, or aren’t taking any medication.
This is where physical activity becomes an important wellness strategy. HR can encourage strength training, musculoskeletal and movement health, and short, accessible workouts that help beginners build confidence. On-demand options can also make it easier for people to get started by removing time and intimidation barriers.
Aaptiv: Helping Close the GLP-1 Healthy Behavior Gap
Medication can help with weight loss, but it doesn’t build muscle, create routines, improve mobility, or help employees feel confident about starting strength training. Aaptiv helps fill that gap.
Aaptiv offers guided audio and video workouts, beginner-friendly strength programs, low-impact movement, mobility sessions, mindfulness content, and plans that adjust as employees progress. This gives employees an easy way to build habits that GLP-1s alone can’t create.
Learn more about Aaptiv’s employee fitness and wellness benefit solutions.
