America is facing a metabolic health crisis—one that is driving up healthcare costs, reducing workforce productivity, and overwhelming care delivery systems.
By 2030, nearly every second American will be diagnosed with obesity. The incidence of comorbidities is surging too, and so is the cost of care. Employers anticipate an 8% jump in healthcare costs in 2025—the steepest in a decade—with obesity-related drugs like GLP-1 among the top cost drivers.
Payers see worrying trends: 26% of members with obesity account for nearly half (46%) of total spend.
We need to acknowledge that this is a systemic failure. Fragmented care, overreliance on costly medications, poor adherence to clinical pathways, and minimal patient support lead to drop-offs, weight regain, missed outcomes, and a higher total cost of care.
The path forward is clear: We must reimagine obesity care.
A technology-enabled, clinician-backed approach that considers medication, lifestyle modifications, behavioral change, and surgical navigation can drive better health outcomes, reduce cost, and create value across the ecosystem. A key differentiator will be consistent patient engagement that treats obesity as a whole-person condition requiring proactive, personalized care.
Ready to Change the Status Quo?
To address cost concerns, payers and employers need to rethink obesity management on different levels. Can we tighten processes and improve oversight to plug a leaky system? Is there room to improve utilization with revised GLP-1 access criteria for members? Can we address short-term escalating costs while also improving long-term outcomes?
Similarly, providers must identify opportunities to optimize processes and enable patients to achieve better results. How do I lighten the administrative burden while delivering improved outcomes and a better patient experience?
American healthcare is at a critical juncture where we are spending far more on obesity care than we can afford. And that too for subpar outcomes.
First, we must recognize the direct correlation between clinical improvements and economic benefits.
Second, we must look at obesity as a whole-person condition that needs a multi-modal approach with different clinical pathways for optimal, sustained results.
Third, we need to leverage digital capabilities that blend clinical expertise to offer personalized, precision care at scale.
