Indiana University and Eli Lilly Launch Study on GLP-1 Drug Impact

Researchers at Indiana University (IU) are embarking on a groundbreaking study to examine the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications in the workplace. In partnership with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, the five-year study aims to assess how these drugs influence health-related costs associated with absenteeism, productivity, and disability claims.

Dr. Joshua Vest, associate dean for research and professor of health policy and management at the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health, is co-leading this initiative. He emphasizes the importance of a long-term analysis, noting that while some studies have focused on shorter timeframes, obesity is a complex issue that requires thorough investigation over an extended period. “There are a lot of downstream effects, and so being able to look for a very long time will provide a lot of evidence that doesn’t exist right now for decision makers,” he stated.

Understanding the Financial Implications

The study comes at a critical time when companies are grappling with rising healthcare costs. According to a report by the KFF and Peterson Center on Healthcare, only one in five businesses with 200 or more employees covers GLP-1 medications for weight loss in their primary health plans by 2025. With the rising prevalence of obesity, which affects 37.8% of adults in Indiana—ranking the state as seventh highest in the nation—employers face challenging decisions regarding health benefits.

This comprehensive study will track two groups: individuals with obesity or overweight using GLP-1 medications and a matched comparison group of similar individuals not using these drugs. The research will investigate whether these medications alter healthcare usage patterns, including emergency department visits and hospitalization rates.

Dr. Vest explained, “Does it change how they have to go to the emergency department? Does it change their primary care, hospitalization patterns?” These insights could significantly inform how employers design health benefits for their employees.

Wider Implications for Workplace Health

The outcomes of this research could extend beyond financial metrics, providing a clearer understanding of the overall health landscape in workplaces. As GLP-1 medications become more common for obesity management, their effects on employee health and company operations are increasingly relevant. The study is expected to conclude in November 2029.

Indiana-based employers interested in participating in the study can reach out for more information by contacting [email protected]. As the landscape of weight management and healthcare continues to evolve, this study represents a significant step toward understanding the broader implications of GLP-1 medications in the workplace.

For further inquiries, contact Kara Kenney at [email protected].