PepsiCo will stop covering prescription weight-loss drugs under its company health insurance plans for some employees from October, according to a Bloomberg report citing an internal email sent to staff.
The move highlights the growing cost pressures employers face as demand for newer weight-loss medications increases. According to the email reviewed by Bloomberg, prescription obesity treatments have become one of the fastest-growing expenses within PepsiCo's health plans.
Employees currently using the drugs will still be able to continue treatment, but they will need to pay for the medications outside the company's health insurance coverage, Bloomberg reported.
Rising employer concerns over obesity drug costs
The decision comes as large employers across the United States reassess the financial impact of covering prescription weight-loss treatments.
Demand for obesity medicines has surged in recent years, creating new challenges for employer-sponsored healthcare plans. While the treatments have gained popularity among patients seeking long-term weight management, their cost has become a growing concern for companies funding employee benefits.
According to Bloomberg, PepsiCo informed employees that escalating expenditure linked to these medicines played a central role in the decision to discontinue coverage for some workers.
Employer benefit strategies are shifting
Data from benefits consulting firm Mercer, cited by Bloomberg, suggests PepsiCo is not alone in reviewing coverage policies.
Key findings include:
- 6% of large employers dropped coverage for weight-loss drugs in 2026.
- Another 5% plan to remove coverage in 2027.
- Employers are increasingly weighing healthcare affordability against demand for high-cost treatments.
The figures point to a broader shift in corporate healthcare strategies as businesses seek to manage rising insurance and pharmacy benefit costs.
Cost management remains a priority
The reported policy change reflects a wider debate among employers over how to balance employee wellbeing initiatives with mounting healthcare expenditure.
Weight-loss medications have emerged as a significant category within employer-sponsored health plans, prompting many organisations to reassess long-term affordability and eligibility criteria.
According to Bloomberg, PepsiCo did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the reported change.
What comes next
The policy is expected to take effect in October. The development will be closely watched by employers, healthcare providers and benefits consultants as organisations continue to evaluate the cost implications of covering prescription weight-loss treatments.
As the use of obesity medicines expands, more companies may face difficult decisions over how such therapies fit into future employee healthcare programmes.