Why Covering Obesity Medication Makes Sense for Your Business

More employers across Canada are adding obesity medication to their benefit plans. Here’s the business case — cost data, health outcomes, and how to get started.

Understanding the condition

Obesity is a chronic disease — not a lifestyle choice.

Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease by Health Canada, the Canadian Medical Association, and the World Health Organization. The biological responses that make weight maintenance difficult — increased hunger hormones, slowed metabolism — happen regardless of effort or commitment. Weight is a symptom, not the condition itself.

7×

Higher risk of Type 2 diabetes

4–10×

Higher risk of sleep apnea

3×

Higher risk of high blood pressure

2×

Higher risk of depression & anxiety
Comorbid Condition Increased Risk
Type 2 diabetes 7×
Sleep apnea 4–10×
High blood pressure 3×
Heart disease 2×
Depression and anxiety 2×

Sources

  1. Wharton S, et al. Obesity in adults: a clinical practice guideline. CMAJ. 2020.
  2. Abdullah A, et al. Overweight, obesity and risk of diabetes. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2010.
  3. Li C, et al. Prevalence of sleep apnea. Preventive Medicine. 2010.
  4. Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines. obesitycanada.ca/guidelines/
Investment & Return

The cost is less than you think.

With appropriate eligibility criteria — including a physician’s prescription and prior authorization — many employers find the cost of adding coverage very manageable.

Less than $10

per covered life, per year
Equivalent to $0.79 per covered life, per month
Source: IQVIA Carrier Data, Anti-Obesity Market 2019–2022

Savings come from reduced claims for related conditions, fewer sick days, and improved productivity. Coverage is a preventive investment — not an added expense.

Equity & Inclusion

Weight stigma is a workplace issue in every industry.

Over 50% of employees living with obesity report experiencing stigma from coworkers or employers — impacting mental health, performance, and career growth. Obesity doesn’t only affect office workers. Every person, in every role, deserves access to evidence-based treatment.

  • “Being in a bigger body is not a lifestyle choice. Employers need to understand this and recognize that obesity is a medical condition.” – Sandra Elia, Chair of Obesity Matters, Certified Food Addiction Counsellor
  • “Where we are now with weight stigma in the workplace is where we were years ago with mental health stigma. We need to follow that same framework with obesity.” – Dr. Sean Wharton, MD, FRCPC, PharmD, Co-Lead Author, Canadian Obesity Guidelines
  • “If an employee is appropriately valued, they will likely be more productive, have greater self-worth, and reduce absenteeism.” – Nicole Ardiel, GBA, CHS, BA, Employee Benefit Specialist
Comprehensive Care

Treatment is more than medication.

The Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend a multi-component approach. Most employees won’t need all of these — treatment is tailored to the individual.

Component Description
Nutrition therapy Access to a dietitian for personalized guidance
Physical activity Support from a kinesiologist or exercise professional
Psychological support Counselling to address behavioural and emotional factors
Medication Prescription drugs that help regulate appetite and metabolism
Surgery (when indicated) Bariatric surgery for appropriate candidates, with adequate leave policies
Getting Started

Next steps for your organization.

  • Contact your benefits provider
    Discuss options and costs of adding obesity medication to your plan. Many providers already offer it — you just need to ask.
  • Set reasonable clinical criteria
    Requirements such as a doctor’s prescription or specific health conditions help manage costs while still providing meaningful access.
  • Communicate the benefit
    Once coverage is in place, tell your team about it so employees know what’s available to them.
Also in Your Health Hub

More resources for your journey.

OM Wellness Workshop

Free 12-month virtual program. 2,000+ participants, 82% return rate. Bilingual EN | FR.

Join the program

Obesity Treatments

The latest medical options including psychological interventions, medications, and bariatric surgery.

Learn More

Join a Clinical Trial

Participate in cutting-edge research and potentially access innovative treatments before they’re widely available. Find a study

Find a study

Connect & Find Community

Share experiences, find encouragement, and connect with others on similar journeys.

Join the Community