Sustained use of GLP-1 therapies (a class of medications used to manage Type-2 diabetes) can significantly reduce medical cost growth over the long term for employers and improve workforce health outcomes, according to the latest report by Aon.
Drawing on medical and pharmacy claims data from over 192,000 GLP-1 users in the US, the study provided evidence of both financial and clinical benefits. Notably, female GLP-1 users experienced a 47% reduction in hospitalizations for major cardiovascular events, approximately 50% lower incidence of ovarian cancer and a 14% lower incidence of breast cancer compared to female non-users. These findings highlight the potential of GLP-1 therapies to reduce cancer risk for women, offering important implications for workforce health management, particularly in industries with substantial female participation and high chronic disease risk.
Aon evaluated an extensive dataset of medical and pharmacy claims from over 50m commercial lives, including 192,000 prescribed GLP-1 users, from July 2022 to March 2025. The analysis revealed that for those using GLP-1s to manage diabetes, medical cost growth was six percentage points lower than non-users at 30 months and nine percentage points lower for those with at least 80 percent adherence. Users of GLP-1s indicated for weight loss saw similar benefits, with cost growth three percentage points lower at 18 months and seven percentage points lower for those who maintained consistent use.
Further, female GLP-1 users experienced approximately a 50% lower incidence of ovarian cancer and about a 14% lower incidence of breast cancer compared to female non-users over the study period. The therapies were also associated with lower rates of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and fewer hospitalizations for alcohol or drug abuse, bariatric surgery and certain pancreatic disorders.
The analysis underscores that consistent adherence to GLP-1 therapy is key to maximizing both health and financial benefits. Individuals who maintained at least 80% adherence saw the greatest reductions in medical cost growth and improvements in health outcomes.