According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 40.3% of U.S. adults are obese with prevalence climbing to 46.4% for adults 40-59. Moreover, obesity in working adults is linked to significant healthcare costs and comorbidities that impact both individuals and employers.
Costs of Obesity in Working Adults
Direct Healthcare Costs: Obesity-related medical expenses are substantial. Studies estimate that obese individuals incur annual healthcare costs ranging from $1,400 to $2,700 higher than those with normal weight, driven by treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Indirect Costs: These include productivity losses due to absenteeism, presenteeism (working while unwell), and disability. Obese workers miss 1-3 additional days of work per year compared to non-obese peers, costing employers an estimated $4,000-$6,000 per obese employee annually in lost productivity. Workplace injuries are also more frequent, adding to costs.
Insurance Premiums: Employers face higher health insurance premiums due to obesity-related claims, with some studies suggesting a 20-30% increase in premiums for companies with high obesity prevalence among employees.
Comorbidities Associated with Obesity: Obesity significantly increases the risk of multiple chronic conditions, including: Type 2 Diabetes: Obese individuals are 5-10 times more likely to develop diabetes, with 80-90% of type 2 diabetes cases linked to obesity.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Hypertension (2-3 times higher risk), coronary artery disease, and stroke are prevalent, with obesity contributing to 15-20% of cardiovascular-related deaths.
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Osteoarthritis and lower back pain are common, with obese workers reporting 20-30% higher rates of joint issues.
Respiratory Conditions: Sleep apnea (40-60% prevalence in obese adults) and asthma (1.5-2 times higher risk) impair quality of life and work performance.
Mental Health: Depression and anxiety are 1.5-2 times more common in obese individuals, often exacerbated by social stigma and chronic pain.
Cancers: Obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and endometrial, accounting for 40% of certain cancer diagnoses.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are frequent, with NAFLD affecting 50-90% of obese adults.
A New Approach to Corporate Wellness
The Good News?
Help Is On the Way.
Having been responsible for 1 million members and over $3 billion in health care costs, we have experience that can assist you, or your broker, in benefit programs that are not routinely made available for employers. We deliver immediate, guaranteed savings without changing your medical plan. Best of all, these savings can start within 45 days, helping your bottom line immediately.
Improved Glycemic Control- GLP-1s enhance insulin secretion and reduce glucagon levels, lowering blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. They reduce HbA1c by 1-2% on average. Benefit for working adults: Decreased risk of diabetes-related complications (e.g., neuropathy, retinopathy), reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs.
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction- GLP-1s lower the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) by 12-26% in high-risk patients.
Sleep Apnea- Weight loss from GLP-1s reduces obstructive sleep apnea severity in 40-60% of cases, improving sleep quality and daytime alertness.
Osteoarthritis- Reduced joint stress from weight loss alleviates pain and improves mobility, with studies reporting 20-30% improvement in joint function.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)- GLP-1s improve liver fat content and inflammation, with 30-40% of patients showing reduced liver fibrosis.
Mental Health- Weight loss and improved physical health correlate with a 10-15% reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms.
Blood Pressure and Lipid Profile Improvement- GLP-1s reduce systolic blood pressure by 2-5 mmHg and improve lipid profiles (e.g., 5-10% reduction in LDL cholesterol).
Potential Cancer Risk Reduction- By addressing obesity, GLP-1s may indirectly lower the risk of obesity-related cancers (e.g., colorectal, breast), though long-term data is still emerging.
Enhanced Workplace Productivity- Weight loss and comorbidity management lead to fewer missed workdays (1-3 days/year reduction) and improved focus, with studies estimating a 5-10% productivity boost.
High Drug Acquisition Costs-
• GLP-1s like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) cost $500-$1,300 per month per patient, translating to $6,000-$16,000 annually.
• In 2023, GLP-1 use cost employer health plans $6.25 per member per month, a 224% increase from 2022, with costs expected to rise further in 2025 due to growing demand.
• Medicare Part D spending on GLP-1s jumped from $57 million in 2018 to $5.7 billion in 2022, a 100-fold increase in just four years, reflecting rapid cost escalation.
Increased Utilization-
• Utilization for diabetes rose 15.6% and for weight loss spiked 78% in 2024 compared to 2023. About 1.7% of employer-sponsored plan members used GLP-1s for obesity in 2022, doubling costs that year.
Premium and Cost-Sharing Strain-
• Employer healthcare costs are projected to rise 8-9% in 2025, partly due to GLP-1s, leading to higher premiums (e.g., $3,040 per person annually) and cost-sharing for employees.
• Only 34% of corporate plans cover GLP-1s for non-diabetic weight loss (up from 26% in 2023), but limited coverage still drives significant costs for insurers due to high per-patient expenses.
Trimi Health provides a comprehensive, patient-focused weight loss program that leverages GLP-1 medications to help individuals manage appetite, reduce hunger, and achieve sustainable weight loss. The program is designed to be accessible, transparent, and personalized, with a focus on expert medical guidance and convenience through telehealth.
Key Components of the Program
GLP-1 Medications Offered:
• Semaglutide: A clinically proven GLP-1 receptor agonist (found in brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy) that supports weight loss by promoting satiety, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. Trimi offers both injectable and compounded oral forms of semaglutide, making it needle-free for those who prefer non-injectable options.
•Tirzepatide: A newer GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist (found in Mounjaro and Zepbound), noted for enhanced weight loss effects due to its dual-hormone action. Like semaglutide, Trimi provides tirzepatide in both injectable and compounded oral formulations.
Personalized Treatment Plans:
• Online Medical Intake: Patients submit their health history and weight loss goals via an online form. A board-certified physician reviews the information to create a customized treatment plan.
• Metabolic Lab Testing: In some cases, Trimi requires a metabolic lab test to assess eligibility and ensure safe prescribing, tailoring the approach to the patient’s medical needs.
• Flexible Options: The program accommodates individual preferences, such as offering oral formulations for those averse to injections, and adjusts dosages based on patient response and goals.
Telehealth Consultations: Patients undergo quick and easy online consultations from home, where a licensed medical provider assesses their goals, discusses the treatment plan, and prescribes the appropriate GLP-1 medication.
The telehealth model eliminates the need for in-person visits, making it accessible for working adults with busy schedules.
Medication Delivery: Prescribed GLP-1 medications are shipped directly to the patient’s doorstep at no additional cost. Trimi’s pharmacy network ensures careful handling to maintain medication quality.
Both injectable and oral compounded forms are delivered, with clear instructions for use.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Regular Check-Ins: Trimi schedules periodic virtual check-ins to monitor progress, adjust dosages, and address any concerns, ensuring patients stay on track.
On-Demand Medical Support: Patients have access to specialists for guidance throughout their weight loss journey, enhancing adherence and outcomes.
Expert Guidance: The program is overseen by professionals like Dr. Ruth Cohen, Trimi’s Medical Director, ensuring high-quality care.
Transparent Pricing: Trimi emphasizes no hidden fees, no gimmicks, and no shipping costs. Pricing covers medication, consultations, and ongoing support at all dosage levels. With the corporate Discount Program, the cost for the medication, telehealth visit, care plan and ongoing support is as little as $189 per month, often less expensive than the copay on branded medications (while you the employer can pay an additional $1,000 or more each month.
Convenience: The 100% online platform, free shipping, and oral options cater to busy working adults, reducing barriers to treatment.
Comprehensive Care: Combining expert medical oversight, regular monitoring, and tailored plans addresses both short-term weight loss and long-term health goals.
What is the Business Case for Employers?
Turn an Expensive and Often Unavailable Treatment Into a Valued Employee Benefit, At Little to No-Cost
Many Health Plans and Insurance Carriers are adding difficult approval processes, denying coverage for GLP-1s or making it cost prohibitive for both the employer and the employee. There is a better way.
With Trimi, you can
1. Help your employees regain their health and vibrancy.
2. Help employees reduce their future health care cost and reduce their chronic illness burden.
3. Potentially reduce your future rate increases or health care claims expense
Benefit Options
Option 1: Offer the Trimi Health Care Weight Loss Discount Program at no cost to you. Help your employees save money while getting healthier. No cost, no effort, just share the program information with employees as needed
Option 2: If needed, we have developed a turn-key Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option that employers can add at any time to reduce the cost for employees by up to 30% while saving up to $219 per employee in FICA expenses. The administration of the program has no net annual fee to the employer (after FICA savings) if six or more participants place an average of $200 per month in the Flexible Spending Account.
Option 3: Consider a flat contribution or a fixed copay approach ($0- $100+ per month per employee) toward health care expenses within a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to encourage employee engagement while rewarding employees for improving their heath. By making the Weight Loss program affordable for employees, they are more likely to engage and have success, potentially reducing overall medical expenses.
Of course, Additional customization is available.
Data sources available upon request.
Trimi Health Care's GLP-1 program can cost as low as $189 per month, often this is lower than the copay on a brand name program.
As a non-insurance discount program, you can add the Trimi program at any time.
Trimi is available for companies of any size (including Gig Workers and sole proprietors) and there is no minimum number of employees. If you can help just one employee get healthier at no cost to you, why wouldn't you?
Very little. Connect with us to get your discount code and employee materials and share these materials with your employees. If you are interested in rewarding employees, we can help you assess cost sharing options and FSA/HRA options.
That is up to you. If you are not cost sharing, Trimi can be extended to all employees (including those that waive your traditional medical plan offering), all dependents, friends and family.
Just email us at [email protected] and we will get you set up.
Connect with us now and you can reduce your health care costs while improving your employee's health today.
Who is AsOne Partners?
AsOne Partners has an extended team of experts available for any benefit need. We develop and promote innovative health care and insurance programs for employers and individuals.
Collaboration is at the heart of our team's philosophy. We work closely together and with you, our valued clients, to ensure that every aspect of your benefits program is thoughtfully designed, implemented, and managed. Your success is our success, and we are dedicated to going the extra mile to exceed your expectations.