Gen Z wants their job to cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, survey suggests
When it comes to deciding on a job, Gen Zers aren’t just thinking about paid time off, return-to-office mandates, or salary negotiations. They’re checking whether a company will cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs—and they’re not alone. It’s a benefit that could actually push young employees from one job offer to another. In a new ZipHealth survey of more than 1,000 workers, nearly half (47%) of Gen Zers said GLP-1 coverage would affect their choice between two similar jobs—that’s compared to 35% of millennials and 36% of Gen X workers surveyed. In more extreme cases, another 7% of workers said they would be open to taking a pay cut if it meant working somewhere that offers GLP-1 coverage. That number rose to 9% among Gen Z. Overall, the majority (54%) of workers said they would give up at least one workplace perk for employer-covered GLP-1 treatment. One in eight would give up a full week of paid time off. GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have completely changed the game when it comes to weight-loss and diabetes management, moving from celebrity circles to the mainstream. Originally developed to treat patients with diabetes, the prescription medications have proven effective in improving a number of conditions. Some pharmaceutical giants—like Indianapolis-based drugmaker Eli Lilly—have recently introduced platforms that let companies offer employees more affordable access to weight-loss medications. Last November, a KFF poll found that one in eight adults were taking a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, diabetes, or other conditions. In December, the Food
In recent years, the job market has seen a shift in priorities among younger workers, with Gen Zers now considering GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as a key factor in their job decisions. A new ZipHealth survey of over 1,000 workers reveals that nearly half of Gen Z employees (47%) would be influenced by the availability of GLP-1 coverage when choosing between two similar job offers. This contrasts with 35% of millennials and 36% of Gen X workers surveyed, highlighting a growing trend among the youngest workforce.
The survey also found that 7% of workers would be open to accepting a lower salary if it meant working at a company that offers GLP-1 coverage, with this figure rising to 9% among Gen Z employees. This demonstrates the significant impact that access to these medications can have on job decisions, even at the expense of financial gain. Furthermore, the majority of workers (54%) stated they would trade off at least one workplace perk for employer-covered GLP-1 treatment, with one in eight surveyed individuals willing to give up a full week of paid time off.
The growing popularity of GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, can be attributed to their effectiveness in managing weight loss and diabetes. Originally developed for diabetic patients, these prescription medications have proven beneficial in treating a range of conditions, leading to their increased mainstream use. In response to this trend, pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly have introduced platforms that enable employers to offer more affordable access to weight-loss medications for their employees.
Last November, a KFF poll revealed that one in eight adults were using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, diabetes, or other health issues. In December, the Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy in pill form, making the drug more accessible to a wider audience. As a result, the demand for GLP-1 coverage in the workplace has grown, with the majority of ZipHealth survey respondents advocating for it to be considered a standard benefit.
A 2025 survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found that 55% of employers already provide coverage for GLP-1 drugs, primarily for the treatment of diabetes. However, as the demand for these medications expands to address weight loss and other conditions, it is likely that more companies will recognize the value of offering GLP-1 coverage as part of their employee benefits package.
The shift in priorities among Gen Z workers underscores a broader trend in the job market, where employees are increasingly valuing health and wellness benefits. As GLP-1 drugs continue to gain popularity and become more accessible, it is expected that their inclusion in job packages will become even more prevalent. Employers who prioritize the health and well-being of their workforce may find that offering GLP-1 coverage can be a significant differentiator in the competitive job market of today.
