#United States #Chicago #Aon #GLP-1 #Women's Health

Aon's Latest Research on GLP-1 Therapies

In January 2026, Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, unveiled updated insights from its extensive multi-year study focused on commercial health claims data in the United States. This research builds upon prior findings released in April 2025 regarding GLP-1 therapies. With the involvement of over 192,000 GLP-1 therapy users, the study seeks to unveil both financial savings for employers and significant health outcomes, particularly for women.

Key Observations from the Study

The findings highlight a notable trend—consistent usage of GLP-1 therapies can lead to a substantial reduction in medical costs over time while enhancing the overall health of the workforce. Particularly striking are the outcomes for female users of GLP-1 medications, who exhibit a remarkable 47% decrease in hospital admissions due to major cardiovascular events. Furthermore, research indicates these women experience nearly a 50% reduction in ovarian cancer cases and a 14% lower risk of breast cancer compared to their male counterparts or non-users of GLP-1 therapies.

This evidence illustrates the potential for GLP-1 medications not only to mitigate health risks among women but also to improve health management tactics in workplaces dominated by female employees or those facing significant chronic disease challenges.

Lisa Stevens, Aon’s Chief Administrative Officer, commented, “Challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer present serious health concerns for employees and their families. Our research underscores the transformative potential of GLP-1 therapies to enhance health outcomes, particularly for women, showcasing significant declines in cancer and heart-related risks. This progress inspires hope for improved public health and aids millions in achieving healthier lives.”

Insights on Cost Impact

Aon adopts a proprietary methodology from its Cost Efficiency Measurement toolkit alongside the Health Risk Analyzer to scrutinize a vast dataset of medical claims from over 50 million lives. Among the noteworthy costs evaluations:

• - GLP-1 Adherence Yields Cost Savings: Users of GLP-1 therapies intended for diabetes management experienced a slower rate of medical cost growth—six percentage points lower at 30 months compared to non-adherents. Those maintaining over 80% compliance showcased nine percentage points lower cost growth.
• - Cancer Risk Mitigation: Female GLP-1 users faced a significantly reduced incidence of ovarian and breast cancer during the study duration, as previously mentioned, indicating a promising avenue for promoting women's health.
• - Enhanced Cardiovascular Protection: Hospitalization rates for major cardiovascular issues were considerably lower among GLP-1 users. Female participants demonstrated a 47% reduction in incident rates, significantly surpassing the 26% reduction observed among male users, suggesting an enhanced benefit from GLP-1 therapies.

Importance of Consistency

The analysis emphasizes that dedicated adherence to GLP-1 therapy maximizes both health and financial rewards. Users who consistently adhered to their treatment regimen saw measurable improvements in health outcomes and overall cost reductions in medical expenses.

“Employers can now grasp how GLP-1 therapies can alter the health landscape and financial trends within their organizations,” stated Farheen Dam, North America Health Solutions leader for Aon. “The real advantage emerges when organizations prioritize not only medication coverage but also the active support and sustainable use of these therapies. By integrating effective GLP-1 strategies with initiatives that enhance user adherence and overall well-being, businesses can nurture better outcomes for their teams.”

Future Implications

Discussions surrounding GLP-1 therapies are becoming increasingly urgent as healthcare costs in the U.S. continue to skyrocket. Aon anticipates a projected 9.5% rise in healthcare expenses for employers in 2026. Prescription drugs, comprising about 30% of healthcare costs, are escalating at rates of 13-15% annually. Currently, GLP-1 medications constitute roughly 20% of these prescription expenditures, with expenditures having surged by about 50% in 2025.

Cancer remains a significant driver of healthcare expenses, aggravated by rising case incidences and the cost of advanced treatments. Additionally, obesity correlates with more than 60 chronic conditions, leading to exorbitant healthcare costs that reach up to $1.72 trillion yearly in the U.S.

Laura Rissover, Aon’s Vice President of Health Analytics and lead researcher, remarked, “One pivotal strength of our study lies in the quality and extensive nature of our data. By evaluating longitudinal medical and pharmacy claims for a large volume of GLP-1 users, we can identify real-world patterns and monitor the evolution of total medical costs over time. The in-depth analysis aids employers in evaluating the health impacts alongside financial sustainability when considering GLP-1 therapy coverage.”

Aon will be showcasing these health claims insights during the upcoming World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, engaging with clients and partners to discuss the significant impacts that GLP-1 therapies may have on health management and cost awareness.

For more information about Aon and its health-focused solutions, visit their Health and Benefits page.