The healthcare industry is in a full-blown GLP-1 moment. But what is really driving GLP-1 spend?
Drugs like Zepbound, Wegovy, and Ozempic are commanding headlines, reshaping public expectations, and driving record-breaking demand. But while these medications offer unprecedented promise in weight loss and cardiometabolic care, they also present significant cost and care challenges.
GLP-1s aren’t a silver bullet—and without the right care in place, the risks are clear: increasing spend and sub-optimal outcomes.
GLP-1s Come with Real Costs—And Real Complexity
For health plans and employers, the surge in GLP-1 prescribing is straining budgets. But the cost isn’t just a financial concern—it’s inclusive of member health from poor adherence, improper use, unmanaged side effects, and disconnected comorbid care.
Consider large number of members who are unsuccessful on GLP-1s:
- They may struggle with side effects and discontinue the medications, leading to unnecessary waste
- They may not receive support to make lifestyle and nutrition changes, highlighting a missed opportunity for medical cost savings.
- They may be on other medications (like antihypertensives or insulin) that need adjusting, creating potential safety issues
Without the right care, these factors erode clinical outcomes and drive wasteful spending.
Point Solutions Can’t Keep Up
Many organizations have attempted to solve the GLP-1 spend and management challenge by tacking on condition-specific programs—weight loss tools, diabetes apps, or specialty Rx management platforms. The result? A fractured member experience, limited impact, and rising costs.
What’s missing is an integrated solution that addresses the whole person—and the clinical context in which GLP-1s are prescribed, monitored, and optimized.
The Cecelia Health Way: GLP-1s in the Context of Whole-Person Cardiometabolic Care
At Cecelia Health, we’ve been managing patients on GLP-1s since 2016. But we don’t drive to prescribe—we design appropriate care around each member’s needs.
We are a virtual specialty medical practice with nationally-licensed clinicians who deliver interdisciplinary support across obesity, diabetes, hypertension, CKD, and more. Here’s what that looks like:
- Medication Management: We optimize medication use and promote safety, including GLP-1s, antihypertensives, and anti-diabetics, across conditions—adjusting doses, monitoring for interactions, and coordinating with prescribing physicians.
- Clinical-grade Lifestyle Support + Medical Nutrition Therapy: GLP-1s work best when paired with medical nutrition therapy, lifestyle changes, and behavioral health support from clinical experts that promote sustainable change.
- Data-Driven Precision: We use real-world data to prioritize members who will benefit most—and adapt care as clinical needs evolve to accelerate impact across populations.
- Benefits Integration: We collaborate with plans and PBMs to align participation requirements and drive ROI through medical and Rx cost savings.
What This Means for Plans
Customers partnering with Cecelia Health see up to 4.0x ROI through improved clinical outcomes. It’s not just about giving members access to the latest medications—it’s about the clinical protocols to use them safely and effectively and driving cost containment.
Ready to Rethink Your GLP-1 Strategy?
Let’s talk about how Cecelia Health can help you manage GLP-1 spend and utilization—and transform the lives of the members behind the data.