Download our 2026 whitepaper to find out how multinational employers can create an effective strategy for offering GLP-1 coverage as part of their employee benefits (EB) programme.1 It features our global claims data, drawn from standardised, anonymised data from millions of claimants around the world, to provide practical strategies for addressing claims trends.2
GLP-1s – often known as weight-loss drugs – can be life-changing for some patients. They can help manage obesity and, for certain people, reduce cardiovascular risks, protect kidney health and treat other obesity-associated chronic conditions.
Our 2025 claims data shows that 38% of claimants had at least one chronic condition and 36% of these chronic disease claimants were living with two or more. One in four of these chronic disease claimants are potentially eligible for GLP-1 therapies to manage their condition. Yet, only 5% are currently receiving GLP-1s. The data also shows that one in three GLP-1 patients stopped their treatment within the first year, with only 6% remaining on treatment for more than three years.
Our data reveals encouraging spending reductions in some key claims categories. For example, the data shows a 65% reduction in knee pain and 33% less spend on chronic kidney disease claims for GLP-1 patients. There were also encouraging improvements in cardiovascular claims rates.
On the other hand, the data shows claims costs increased in some categories. Compared to non-users, GLP-1 users showed a 1,754% greater increase in paid claims spending for depression and a 4,053% greater increase for anxiety.
While GLP-1s present a huge opportunity for improving workforce health, they also create challenges for employers. Our whitepaper stresses the need for a nuanced strategy to ensure multinationals invest in GLP-1 treatment effectively and efficiently, that is sustainable in the long-term.
Dr Leena Johns, Chief Health & Wellness Officer, MAXIS GBN, and author of the whitepaper, said: “GLP-1s shouldn't be viewed simply as weight-loss drugs, their role is expanding rapidly. GLP-1s can become part of a broader strategy to intervene earlier in chronic disease and improve workforce health. But planned poorly, employers risk dramatically increasing their pharmacy costs without benefiting from long-term improvements in their peoples’ health.
“Employee demand for GLP-1s is not on the horizon – it’s already here. The question is whether employers are prepared to invest in the wraparound support required to build and sustain an effective strategy.”
The full whitepaper can be downloaded here
1 The full report is available for download at maxis-gbn.com/glp1
2 MAXIS medical claims data comprises private medical claims paid by our network of insurers for multinational clients. The dataset 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. The countries included in our claims data analysis are: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Vietnam.
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Kate Ross / Nick Spearing
MAXIS Global Benefits Network – [email protected]
This document has been prepared by MAXIS GBN S.A.S and is for informational purposes only – it does not constitute advice. Parts of this document were generated or assisted by artificial intelligence and have been reviewed by MAXIS GBN S.A.S before publication. MAXIS GBN S.A.S has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this document has been obtained from reliable sources but cannot guarantee accuracy or completeness. The information contained in this document may be subject to change at any time without notice. Any reliance you place on this information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Not all services are available from all MAXIS member insurance companies or to all clients. The services are subject to local market practices, and compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
About MAXIS GBN
MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN), co-founded by MetLife and AXA in 1998 is one of the leading international employee benefits networks providing global service capabilities and delivering world-class employee benefits perspectives and solutions to clients in over 100 markets around the world. In February 2016, MetLife and AXA further strengthened their relationship by combining all of its MAXIS GBN existing operations under a joint venture company. This transformation helps leverage the existing strength of the network and its two parent companies while further enhancing the client experience, focusing on product innovation and providing data analytics. For more information, please visit www.maxis-gbn.com.
The MAXIS Global Benefits Network (“Network”) is a network of locally licensed MAXIS member insurance companies (“Members”) founded by AXA France Vie, Paris, France (“AXA”) and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY (“MLIC”). MAXIS GBN S.A.S, a Private Limited Company with a share capital of €4,650,000, registered with ORIAS under number 16000513, and with its registered office at 313, Terrasses de l’Arche – 92727 Nanterre Cedex, France, is an insurance and reinsurance intermediary that promotes the Network. MAXIS GBN S.A.S is jointly owned by affiliates of AXA and MLIC and does not issue policies or provide insurance; such activities are carried out by the Members. MAXIS GBN S.A.S operates in the UK through its UK establishment with its registered address at 1st Floor, The Monument Building, 11 Monument Street, London EC3R 8AF, Establishment Number BR018216 and in other European countries on a services basis. MAXIS GBN S.A.S operates in the U.S. through MAXIS Insurance Brokerage Services, Inc., with its registered office located in New York, USA, a New York licensed insurance broker. MLIC and Delaware American Life Insurance Company are the only Members licensed to transact insurance business in New York. The other Members are not licensed or authorised to do business in New York and the policies and contracts they issue have not been approved by the New York Superintendent of Financial Services, are not protected by the New York state guaranty fund, and are not subject to all of the laws of New York.