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GLP-1 drugs linked to 17% drop in worker sick leave, new economic study finds
CBS News • • health
Key Points:
- A new economic study finds that GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, reduce long-term sick leave by 17% among users, potentially leading to cost savings for workers and employers.
- The study, based on data from Denmark, shows that reduced absences translate to savings of about 1.5% of an individual's salary, or roughly $866 on average.
- GLP-1 drugs improve health outcomes for people with diabetes or obesity, lowering the risk of major cardiovascular events that often cause extended work absences.
- Due to Denmark's sick leave policies, cost savings from reduced long-term sick leave primarily benefit the government, while reductions in short-term absences save employers money.
- Researchers suggest the findings could apply to the U.S., where less generous sick leave policies may lead to reduced productivity and increased "presenteeism," and GLP-1 drugs could improve worker productivity and career advancement opportunities.
