Top 5 Most-Read Obesity Content of 2025

The top 5 most-read obesity articles on AJMC.com in 2025 include conversations on the costs and coverage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and their access for patients who would benefit from rapid availability.

Here are our top 5 obesity articles of 2025, and you can click here to read more of our obesity coverage.

5. Trends in Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist Prescribing Patterns

A study analyzing US insurance claims from 2018 to 2023 found that prescribing of GLP-1 RAs has risen sharply, especially for semaglutide, while use of older agents like dulaglutide, liraglutide, and exenatide has declined. The increase in GLP‑1 RA use occurred across individuals with and without diabetes, with a significant rise in prescriptions among nondiabetic patients who are obese or overweight. Semaglutide, including formulations approved for weight management, now makes up the majority of GLP‑1 RA prescriptions, reflecting its growing role in treating obesity alongside diabetes. Despite these trends, high costs and variable insurance coverage remain barriers to broader access.

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4. Evernorth Launches Co-Pay Cap for Weight Loss Drugs Amid New Federal Drug Pricing Effort

Evernorth’s, Cigna’s health services division’s initiative, described as a “first-of-its-kind” pharmacy benefit, secured a $200 monthly co-pay cap for anti-obesity medications semaglutide and tirzepatide. With this offer, patients can save up to $3600 annually on weight loss medications when compared with purchasing them directly from the manufacturers. Purchasing weight loss medication through this initiative has also simplified and automated prior authorizations, ensuring faster patient access. Cigna also claimed that the initiative will allow health plans to see a significant reduction in the net cost per prescription of weight loss medications.

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3. Understanding Insurance Coverage Policies for Incretin Mimetics for Weight Management

Insurance coverage policies for incretin mimetics used in weight management vary widely among payers, creating barriers for patients seeking these therapies, according to a study published in The American Journal of Managed Care^® (AJMC^®). The study authors highlighted that high drug costs and inconsistent utilization management rules contribute to uneven access, with many plans imposing strict prior authorization requirements or excluding coverage entirely. They further emphasized the need for more standardized and transparent coverage criteria, as well as lower list prices, to improve affordability and equity in obesity treatment. Without policy changes, disparities in access and patient outcomes may persist despite the clinical benefits of these medications.

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2. Real-World Use of GLP-1s Yields Less Weight Loss Than Clinical Trials

Real-world usage of GLP-1 RAs appears less effective than in clinical trials due to early discontinuations and low maintenance dosing, according to a retrospective study published in Obesity. This study observed 7881 adults with obesity and found that although these medications can support weight loss and improve glycemic control, weight loss was less in the real world than in randomized clinical trials, lead author Hamlet Gasoyan, PhD, a researcher at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Value-Based Care Research, said in an interview with AJMC. Also, high discontinuation rates were assessed in a second, forthcoming study, which indicates discontinuation may be due to high costs or insurance-related barriers.

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1. Contributor: How Can the US Health Care System Affordably and Fairly Expand GLP-1 Access for the Millions of People Who Need It?

Despite the potential benefits of GLP-1 RA medications for obesity and related chronic diseases, there are outstanding challenges in expanding access, including high costs and limited insurance coverage. Employers, who often provide health insurance, have struggled to cover GLP-1 RAs for weight loss, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have had limited success negotiating broader access because of cost and scale issues. Wei-Li Shao, MBA, president of Omada Health, suggested collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, employers, and PBMs to support long-term, affordable access to this medication. Additionally, Shao emphasized the need for lifestyle intervention support to improve persistence and justify continued investment in these therapies.

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