# Negative Consequences of Removing GLP‐1 RA Obesity Coverage: A Cross‐Sectional Cohort Comparison Study

## TL;DR

Removing coverage for GLP-1 obesity medications may lead to decreased employee satisfaction, increased burnout, and higher turnover risk, potentially undermining workforce stability.

## Contribution

This study is the first to examine how discontinuing GLP-1 RA coverage for obesity affects employee perceptions and workforce stability.

## Key findings

- Loss of GLP-1 coverage was linked to worsened employer perceptions and feelings of being devalued.
- Higher-income employees were more likely to report negative impacts and consider job changes.
- Burnout levels were high, with 88.67% reporting burnout in the past year.

## Abstract

GLP‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1 RA) coverage decisions for obesity have major health and economic implications. This study examined how loss of GLP‐1 coverage affected employee perceptions of their employer and workforce stability.

This study analyzed data from employees of a healthcare system that discontinued GLP‐1 obesity medication coverage. Outcomes were evaluated using chi‐square/Fisher's exact tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Two hundred forty‐seven adults prescribed GLP‐1 for obesity who lost coverage (mean age 49.27 years—SD: 9.89, BMI 32.85 kg/m2—SD: 8.49); 90.28% were female, 40.08% non‐Hispanic White, 30.36% non‐Hispanic Black, 19.84% Hispanic, and 9.72% Other. Following loss, 80.57% reported worsened employer perceptions, 17.81% considered changing jobs, 49.39% felt devalued, and 64.38% believed their employer didn't value their health. Burnout was common (88.67% past year; 65.19% past month). NHB and Hispanic employees were less likely than NHW to report worsened employer relationships (aOR = 0.29 and 0.34), while those with incomes ≥ $150,000 were 2.5x as likely to report negative impact (aOR = 2.57).

Loss of GLP‐1 coverage was linked to reduced employee satisfaction, increased burnout, and greater turnover risk. Lower reported impact among NHB and Hispanic employees may reflect disparities in perceived job mobility. These consequences may undermine workforce stability and offset cost savings that motivate coverage restrictions.

This study examined the impact of discontinuing GLP‐1 obesity medication coverage among 247 healthcare employees. Loss of coverage was associated with worsened perceptions of the employer, feelings of being devalued, high levels of burnout, and consideration of job change, particularly among higher‐income employees. These findings suggest that restricting GLP‐1 coverage may harm workforce satisfaction and stability, potentially offsetting financial savings.