OAC Advocates for PepsiCo to Maintain Obesity Treatment Coverage for Employees

On September 2, 2026, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) made a strong appeal to PepsiCo, urging the corporation to reconsider its reported decision to eliminate coverage of GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment for certain employees. According to statements from the company, this shift is aimed at maintaining the sustainability and affordability of healthcare for all its staff. However, the OAC argues that dropping coverage for employees facing obesity undermines comprehensive healthcare access for everyone.

Joe Nadglowski, the President and CEO of OAC, stated, "If PepsiCo is committed to protecting healthcare for all employees, that must include employees living with obesity. Obesity is a chronic disease, and its treatment should not be singled out for exclusion." This concern highlights the growing recognition of obesity as a serious health issue that requires proper management and support from employers.

Instead of robust healthcare coverage, it has been suggested that employees might be directed towards self-pay programs from pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, the OAC points out the impracticality of this approach; asking employees to incur out-of-pocket expenses between $300 and $500 each month is not a viable alternative to comprehensive health insurance. The organization insists that health insurance should provide medications for obesity treatment just as it does for other health issues, ensuring equal access to necessary healthcare.

This decision by PepsiCo becomes increasingly difficult to align with its business practices. The company has been actively developing products aimed at consumers utilizing GLP-1 medications, such as Propel Clear Protein, demonstrating that they acknowledge the market associated with these treatments. In statements, CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasized that these offerings are directly tailored for GLP-1 users, creating a contradiction where PepsiCo targets a specific consumer group while simultaneously making access to treatment for its own employees more difficult.

In light of these developments, the OAC is urging PepsiCo to reverse its decision and is calling upon individuals across the country to contribute to this effort. They encourage people to advocate for equitable access to obesity treatment for all employees, emphasizing that cutting this coverage contradicts PepsiCo’s supposed commitment to holistic healthcare for its workforce.

The Obesity Action Coalition, a national nonprofit organization, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those affected by obesity through advocacy, education, and support. It stands as the sole organization of its kind representing individuals impacted by this chronic condition. For more information on their initiatives and to support their mission, you can visit www.obesityaction.org.

As this situation unfolds, it serves as a pivotal moment for both PepsiCo and the broader corporate landscape, examining how major employers address the health needs of their employees, particularly within the framework of chronic diseases like obesity. The outcome of this appeal could set a significant precedent for how corporations structure healthcare benefits moving forward.