PepsiCo has reportedly decided to end coverage of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss for some employees beginning in October. These medications are science-based treatments for obesity, a complex, chronic disease, with weight loss being one outcome of treatment. Restricting coverage threatens access to medically necessary obesity care. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is calling on PepsiCo to reverse that decision.

Reports indicate PepsiCo says the change is necessary to keep healthcare sustainable and affordable for all employees. But employees living with obesity are part of all employees. Removing access to treatment for one chronic disease does not make healthcare more equitable. It creates another barrier for employees living with obesity.

“If PepsiCo is committed to protecting healthcare for all employees, that must include employees living with obesity,” said OAC President and CEO Joe Nadglowski. “Obesity is a chronic disease, and its treatment should not be singled out for exclusion.”

Self-Pay Is Not Affordable Access

Employees may instead be directed to manufacturer self-pay programs. While those programs may lower the price of some medications, asking employees to pay $300 to $500 every month is not affordable for many individuals and families. If these medications can be offered at prices low enough for employees to self-pay, why aren’t those same prices low enough for employers to continue providing coverage?

Insurance plans cover medications at many different price points because people living with chronic diseases need access to appropriate treatment. Obesity should be treated no differently. A medication does not become less medically necessary simply because it is prescribed to treat obesity.

PepsiCo Is Investing in GLP-1 Consumers

This decision is even more concerning when compared with PepsiCo’s own business strategy. The company is developing products with added protein and fiber with GLP-1 consumers in mind, including Propel Clear Protein. PepsiCo recognizes that people using GLP-1 medications are an important consumer audience. Those same individuals should not face greater barriers to treatment when they are PepsiCo employees. If people using GLP-1s are worth investing in as consumers, that same investment should extend to the health and well-being of employees who rely on obesity treatment.

Tell PepsiCo to Keep Obesity Care Covered

OAC is urging PepsiCo to reconsider this decision and protect access to obesity treatment for its employees. Take action and tell PepsiCo that employees living with obesity deserve equitable access to healthcare. If the company is committed to providing healthcare for all employees, obesity care must be included.