MAXIS GBN in September 2026 released a whitepaper urging multinational employers to adopt a nuanced, data-led strategy for covering GLP-1 medications, warning that poor planning could drive up pharmacy costs without delivering lasting health gains.

Building on a dataset that covers 52 insurance partners in 36 countries, more than 7.9 million insured lives, over 1.5 million unique claimants and approximately 50 million claim records, MAXIS GBN found that 38% of claimants live with at least one chronic condition, accounting for 58.4% of total claims paid. While one in four chronic disease claimants may be eligible for GLP-1 therapy, only 5% currently use it. Adherence is also a challenge: roughly one in three patients discontinue treatment within a year, and just 6% remain on it beyond three years.

The data shows mixed outcomes. GLP-1 users saw a 65% reduction in knee pain claims and 33% lower spending on chronic kidney disease, alongside improved cardiovascular claims rates. However, spending on mental health claims rose sharply among users, with a 1,754% greater increase in depression-related costs and 4,053% greater increase in anxiety-related costs compared with eligible non-users.

Dr. Leena Johns, MAXIS GBN’s Chief Health & Wellness Officer and the report’s author, said employee demand for GLP-1s “is already here,” and the real question is whether employers are ready to invest in the wraparound support needed to sustain an effective strategy. As GLP-1 use expands beyond weight loss into broader chronic disease management, employers will need to balance cost, adherence and mental health considerations carefully.

The full whitepaper can be downloaded at maxis-gbn.com/glp1. There also is a short (promotional) video here.