The Financial Impact of GLP-1 Medications for Organizations

Wellness
2 min read

Recent data shows that traditional weight loss programs fail for 95% of participants. Although GLP-1 medications can be effective, less than 5% of the population achieving long-term success in changing their habits represents a significant cost for organizations. However, there is a way to transform your employees’ health while saving on healthcare costs. 

As organizations grapple with rising healthcare expenses, a game-changing solution is on the horizon: the Iterative Mindset Method™ to support long-term behavior change. That’s why, at Fresh Tri, we leverage behavioral science to enhance health outcomes with an approach that can revolutionize your organization’s wellness strategy. 

Understanding GLP-1 Medications and Their Costs

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications represent a leap forward in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone, aiding insulin production, inhibiting glucagon, and delaying gastric emptying. 

Though effective, GLP-1 medications come with cost considerations, reaching $12,588 annually, around $1,049 monthly, per participant, or even more, according to the American Journal of Managed Care. This represents a significant challenge for organizations. 

Given the high price tag, finding ways to optimize the use of these medications is essential. Behavioral science offers strategies to improve adherence, reduce dependency, lower cost, and provide sustainable solutions demonstrating clear ROI.

How the Iterative Mindset Method™ Helps Reduce Costs

Non-adherence to medication regimens is a common issue that diminishes the efficacy of treatment and leads to increased healthcare costs. By understanding the psychological barriers and motivators, we can design interventions that promote more cost-effective medication use. 

However, there are different reasons why non-adherence occurs:

  • Problems with availability due to medication shortages lead to the regimen’s delays or discontinuation.
  • Life events like work responsibilities, family commitments, or even travel can disrupt the consistency of taking medication. 
  • Insurance may only cover the medication for a specific time based on costs and not for extended periods.

Recent neuroscience research has found that motivation depends not only on individuals and external circumstances but also on a part of our brain called the habenula. This controls dopamine levels in the striatum, acting as a motivation switch. However, the Iterative Mindset Method™ works with the brain to help avoid triggering the habenula, achieving greater success in long-term behavior change.

Adopting an iterative mindset, as Fresh Tri advocates, involves new ways of thinking to improve sustainable behavioral change. This approach ensures that strategies remain effective and responsive to changing needs, optimizing health outcomes and cost efficiencies.

When integrating behavioral science to reduce GLP-1 medication costs, organizations should conduct a cost-benefit analysis and collaborate with behavioral science experts to design and implement evidence-based strategies. 

Leveraging behavioral science offers a promising pathway to reducing the high cost of GLP-1 medications while improving long-term employee health outcomes.

By enhancing medication adherence, promoting lifestyle modifications, and adopting an iterative mindset, organizations can achieve a win-win scenario—healthier employees and more sustainable healthcare costs. Contact Fresh Tri to transform your wellness program, cut medication costs, and create lasting health benefits for your workforce.

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