New Wondr Health/Harris Poll: Two in Three Workers Say Employer Health Benefits Would Influence GLP-1 Use

Survey finds behavioral support programs and social stigma also shape Americans’ comfort with GLP-1 weight-loss treatments

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As demand for GLP-1 medications continues to surge across the U.S., accelerated by expanding clinical indications, more market entrants, and novel pricing and access models, new research suggests employer-sponsored health benefits may play a significant role in determining who ultimately uses these treatments. A national survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Wondr Health, the leading provider of behavioral weight management and GLP-1 clinical solutions, finds that coverage policies, behavioral support programs, and social perceptions all influence workers’ willingness to start or sustain GLP-1 treatment.

The survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults identified several factors shaping how Americans approach weight-loss medications:

• 65% of employed adults say they would be more likely to use a GLP-1 medication for weight loss if their employer covered at least part of the cost.
• 56% of employed adults say they would be more likely to pay out of pocket for a GLP-1 medication for weight loss if their employer offered a behavioral support program to help manage weight loss.
• 63% of employed adults say they would be willing to take a GLP-1 long-term if it helped reduce or eliminate other medications used to manage chronic conditions.

“Weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are often discussed in terms of drug costs, but our new data suggests employees view them as part of a broader approach to improving their health,” said Scott Paddock, CEO of Wondr Health. “Employers have an opportunity to shape how these treatments are used by pairing medication access with a lifestyle and behavioral program proven to help people lose weight, improve their health, and maintain these results over time, even as medications are adjusted or discontinued.”

While employer benefit design plays a major role in access to GLP-1 medications, the survey also suggests social perceptions may influence whether people feel comfortable using them. Many Americans say social stigma affects their thinking:

• 49% of Americans say they would be more comfortable using GLP-1 medications for weight loss if these treatments were more widely accepted by society.
• Men (53%) are more likely than women (45%) to say social acceptance would make them more comfortable using GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
• Mid-career adults appear particularly sensitive to social perception. Employed adults ages 35-44 are more likely than both their younger and older counterparts to say broader societal acceptance would make them more comfortable using GLP-1 medications for weight loss (72% vs. 62% ages 18-34 and 44% ages 45+)
• Higher-income Americans also seem more sensitive to social perceptions. Americans with an annual household income of $100k+ (54%) are more likely than those with an annual household income of less than $75k (43%) to say broader societal acceptance would increase their comfort using GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

“The expanding GLP-1 market allows us to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to obesity management,” said Tim Church, MD, MPH, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Wondr Health. “By understanding how these therapies work to address the biological drivers of obesity, we can reduce stigma and support more informed health decisions while providing comprehensive care options with flexible pathways that empower participants to choose the right support for optimal, sustained weight loss.”

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications have gained widespread attention for their ability to support weight loss and improve metabolic health. As demand for these medications has surged across the U.S., employers and health plans are increasingly evaluating how coverage decisions and supportive health programs may influence access, adherence, and long-term health outcomes.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Wondr Health from March 3–5, 2026, among 2,095 adults ages 18+, among whom 1,091 are employed (full/part time). The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Wondr Health.

About Wondr Health

Wondr Health is the trusted leader in preventive weight and GLP-1 management solutions. Building on the strength of its digital behavioral program, Wondr Health delivers smarter weight management benefits with configurable GLP-1 coverage strategies that give employers and health plans more choice and maximum cost control. Integrated coaching, condition-specific care tracks, nutrition support, and connected devices drive sustained behavior change to prevent chronic disease and avoid downstream spend. Backed by 20 years of experience in the benefits space, Wondr Health sets a new standard for accessible, affordable care—helping organizations future-proof their weight management strategy while empowering individuals to live healthier, happier lives. For more information, visit www.wondrhealth.com.