Aon's Latest GLP-1 Research Reveals Long-Term Employer Cost Savings and Significant Reductions in Cancer Risk for Women
Aon's Latest GLP-1 Research Reveals Long-Term Employer Cost Savings and Significant Reductions in Cancer Risk for Women |
| [13-January-2026] |
CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released updated findings from its multi-year study of U.S. commercial health claims data, building on its GLP-1 research first released in April 2025. Drawing on medical and pharmacy claims data from over 192,000 GLP-1 users, the study provides evidence of both financial and clinical benefits. Aon observed that sustained use of GLP‑1 therapies can significantly reduce medical cost growth over the long term for employers and improve workforce health outcomes. Notably, female GLP-1 users experienced a 47 percent reduction in hospitalizations for major cardiovascular events, approximately 50 percent lower incidence of ovarian cancer and a 14 percent lower incidence of breast cancer compared to female non-users. These findings highlight the potential of GLP-1 therapies to reduce cancer risk for women, offering important implications for workforce health management, particularly in industries with substantial female participation and high chronic disease risk. "Conditions like obesity, diabetes and cancer are among the most pressing health challenges facing employees, their families and the organizations that support them," said Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer of Aon. "Our research demonstrates the power of GLP-1 therapies to transform health outcomes, with especially promising results for women — including substantial reductions in cancer and heart risks. This progress offers real hope for advancing population health and helping millions of people lead healthier, fuller lives." Key Findings from Multi-Year GLP-1 Study
"These results provide employers a much clearer view of how GLP‑1 therapies can change the trajectory of both health risks and longer-term costs in their workforce," said Farheen Dam, North America Health Solutions leader for Aon. "The real impact comes when employers consider not just coverage, but also how these medications are used, supported and sustained over time. By pairing thoughtful GLP-1 strategies with programs that encourage adherence and total wellbeing, organizations can improve outcomes for their workforce." GLP‑1 therapies sit at the center of an important discussion for employers and health plans as U.S. healthcare costs continue to rise sharply. In 2026, Aon projects the underlying healthcare cost will increase by 9.5 percent for employers in the U.S. Prescription drugs make up around 30 percent of total healthcare costs and are increasing around 13 to 15 percent annually. GLP-1 costs are fueling much of this growth as they currently comprise around 20 percent of total prescription drug costs and total GLP-1 spend increased around 50 percent in 2025 due to heightened utilization, according to Aon data. Cancer has become one of the leading cost drivers, fueled by both rising incidence and more intensive, expensive treatments. At the same time, obesity contributes to more than 60 chronic conditions and results in 66 percent higher annual healthcare costs for affected individuals, costing the U.S. economy up to $1.72 trillion each year. "One of the strengths of this study is the scale and quality of the data behind it," said Laura Rissover, vice president of health analytics for Aon and lead researcher on the statistical analysis. "By analyzing longitudinal medical and pharmacy claims for hundreds of thousands of GLP‑1 users, we are able to observe real-world patterns and track how total medical costs evolve over time. This level of detail helps employers weigh health impact and financial sustainability when making decisions about GLP‑1 coverage and support." Aon will share the highlights of this health claims analysis at the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting later this month, hosting events with clients and partners to discuss the broad impact of GLP-1 therapies on workforce health, cost management and wellbeing. For more about Aon's Health Solutions visit: Health and Benefits | Aon About Aon Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon's newsroom and sign up for news alerts here. Media Contact
SOURCE Aon plc | ||
Company Codes: NYSE:AON |
View original content to download multimedia:
