What Consultants Should Watch in 2026: Growing Demand for Transparent Offerings in the Face of Growing Cardiometabolic & GLP-1 Trends

The rapid, widespread adoption of GLP-1 medications is making incredible clinical outcomes possible for conditions like obesity and Type 2 diabetes, with a pipeline of expanded indications expected over the upcoming years. But this has created a challenge for plan sponsors: how do you manage high-cost medication while ensuring patients receive safe, effective, and sustainable cardiometabolic care?

For consultants, the conversation is shifting from simply managing costs to managing a demand for more transparent offerings. This means clarity on pricing, access to data, and focus on value-based outcomes. Consultants are shifting their focus to provide clients an integrated, transparent, whole-person cardiometabolic care strategy.

Industry Challenges

A Rise in Demand for GLP-1 Medications 

The growth in demand for GLP-1s (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists) is truly unprecedented, driven by incredible success in managing blood sugar and helping patients achieve significant weight loss. This success has increased demand for GLP-1 prescriptions for patients ages 18 to 39 by 587% between 2019 and 2024. 

Additionally, prescriptions for GLP-1-based medications rose by 364% between 2019 and 2024. Analysts now project the global GLP-1 market to grow by over $150 billion by 2030 and utilization for weight loss alone is projected to increase by 73.1% by the end of 2025.

High Monthly Costs

With a typical monthly medication cost exceeding $1,000, this high price tag presents a financial challenge for employers and patients alike. The high cost of GLP-1s, coupled with the complexity of chronic condition management, makes transparency critical for both financial and clinical protection.

Confusion Over Coverage 

Coverage for GLP-1s varies widely, and patients often face confusion about eligibility, limits, and out-of-pocket costs. This lack of clarity can lead to delays in care and create administrative challenges for benefits teams and insurers. Mercer recently reported that 59% of employers plan to take some cost-cutting measures in their 2026 plan design. Some employers are increasing cost-sharing to offset rising premiums, shifting the financial burden to employees to achieve their cost-cutting goals. 

Risks from Counterfeit and Compounded Drugs

Supply shortages of name-brand GLP-1s have driven many patients to seek cheaper, compounded versions, which are often sold through online websites that often overstate benefits and downplay risks of the medications. However, the use of compounded GLP-1s was intended to bridge the gap during critical shortages and was not meant as a long-term solution. The FDA has issued letters to organizations that distribute and illegally market GLP-1s. There is a risk to members who take unapproved versions of the drug, as they have not undergone the FDA approval process.  

The Need for Comprehensive, Long-Term Care

Successful GLP-1 treatment is a journey, not a short course of medication. Optimal results depend on lifestyle changes, side effect management, and continuous adherence, often lasting for years. Patients who stop treatment early or without the appropriate supplemental support often regain weight and don't achieve the intended outcomes. Care coordination and support services are essential for ensuring long-term value. Employers are implementing mandatory digital GLP-1 companions that support members alongside their medication to maximize their investment and long-term health outcomes. 

How the Industry is Responding

The rise in demand for GLP-1s and the care complexities that have come along with it has called for more transparent cardiometabolic solutions designed to simplify the patient experience and reduce financial burden for both payers and members.

Clearer Pricing and Payment Models 

Patients and plan sponsors are demanding clarity on price before they commit. This is causing a shift toward simpler payment structures:

• Pay-Per-Refill Models: Some providers are offering transparent, pay-per-refill models with no long-term monthly service commitments.
• Upfront Direct-Pay Pricing: Telehealth companies are increasingly providing clear, up-front pricing for direct-pay patients, including the cost of consultations and medication.
• Defined Contributions: Some employers are electing to contribute a clear, defined amount toward GLP-1s for weight loss to offset employees' out-of-pocket costs, but not to cover the drug under the plan. 

Enhanced Coverage and Financial Reporting

Employers and payers are working to gain more visibility into the true cost drivers of their pharmacy spend. This has included:

• Demand for Data Analytics: Advanced data analytics are being used to track GLP-1 utilization and spending patterns, helping health plans and employers flag potential misuse, assess member adherence, and benchmark trends.
• Rebate Transparency: Many consultants and plan sponsors are advocating for product-level rebate transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to better understand the true financial impact and ensure that rebates are fully passed through.

Increased Patient and Provider Education

In a digital-first world where misinformation spreads quickly, transparent, high-quality education is needed for both safety and adherence.

• Addressing Counterfeit Risks: Advocacy groups and regulatory agencies are publishing warnings to educate the public about the severe risks associated with counterfeit and unregulated compounded drugs.
• Pharmacist-Led Support: Pharmacist-led support services are expanding to provide patient counseling on potential side effects, adherence protocols, and proper administration.
• Digital Health Programs: Provide member-level education tailored to their condition to ensure the information they receive is accurate, understandable, and accessible to members regardless of location. 

Improved Clinical Coordination

Medication works best when it's integrated with lifestyle change. Employers are realizing that without proper support and care, there is no return on investment. 

• Mandated Care Coordination: Health plans and employers are increasingly requiring care coordination services for GLP-1 users, often involving pharmacists, healthcare providers, or third-party vendors, like those who offer GLP-1 companions.
• Focus on Long-Term Outcomes: Coordination ensures patients receive counseling and side-effect management, which have been proven to improve adherence and overall health outcomes.

Transparency in Action

Transparency isn’t about saying "no" to GLP-1s; it's about providing verifiable value and accountability.

Redesign Benefits for Clarity

Help your clients move away from confusing benefit structures and instead restructure pharmacy benefits to provide transparent information on costs, coverage, and utilization management upfront. 

Prioritize Integrated Cardiometabolic Care

Look for providers and partners that integrate pharmacy services, member-centered education, and lifestyle coaching. This treats the whole person, not just their conditions.

Demand Data-Driven Accountability

Real-world data on adherence, side effects, and patient outcomes is crucial for giving patients, providers, and plan sponsors a clearer picture of long-term expectations and ensuring the high spend is justified. 

The Future of Benefits

The number one priority should be finding a single, integrated digital health platform that connects medication management, clinical coaching, and lifestyle support into a cohesive member experience. This unified approach is the essential companion to GLP-1s, helping protect plan budgets by ensuring the high investment in medication is always paired with the long-term support needed for lasting results. The future of benefits strategy is built on integrated care models that deliver verifiable results and a transparent cost structure, providing a truly value-based benefits offering.

How Lark Can Help

GLP-1s are a powerful therapy, but they're only one part of cardiometabolic care. For the long-term, you need a transparent, integrated program that supports the whole member. Lark offers that support by empowering members with the tools to improve their health, manage side effects, and establish habits that create sustainable change using 24/7 access to support, nutrition and physical activity coaching, and habit tracking through the Lark app.

Click here to see how Lark can support your clients in building a comprehensive GLP-1 and cardiometabolic strategy.