Insights from HLTH EU: Beyond the Hype — Unpacking the Future of GLP-1s

Tackling a Global Health Crisis with a Smart Approach to GLP-1s

More than 5,000 business leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators from over 50 countries and every corner of the healthcare ecosystem recently gathered in Amsterdam for the HLTH Europe 2025 conference. Speakers addressed the unique challenges and opportunities of complex European health markets with an eye toward catalyzing change and transforming health for the better, for everyone.

One of the hot topics at the event was the transformative potential of GLP-1s, looking beyond simple weight loss to long-term population health and economic benefits. WeightWatchers Chief Commercial Officer, Scott Honken, PharmD, was a key voice on an international panel “Shrinking Snobbery: Should Europe be paying more attention to GLP-1s?” The discussion underscored a crucial truth: effectively leveraging GLP-1s for population health while managing costs and ensuring sustainable outcomes requires a robust, integrated wraparound program.

Moderated by Tessy Huss, Director of Community Strategy, HLTH, the panel also included Manuel Nothelfer, Founder & CEO, Wellster Healthtech Group; Ro Huntriss, Chief Nutrition Officer, Simple Life App; and Ihsan Almarzooqi, Co-Founder at GluCare.Health and meta[bolic].health.

Shifting Perceptions: Social Acceptance and a Strategic Imperative

Is it time Europe embraced GLP-1s in the same way they have been across the pond? The efficacy of GLP-1s has driven unprecedented consumer demand in the U.S., where 12% of adults have used GLP-1s for weight loss.¹ Projections suggest that number is set to rise substantially in the coming years.  

Panelists at HLTH shared that although Europeans are known to express caution and hesitation toward weight-loss medications, there is evidence that the tide is turning as the obesity epidemic pushes healthcare and business costs higher. In the UK alone, the cost of obesity has been estimated at £98 billion annually,² which represents around 4% of GDP. Recently, the UK government has partnered with Eli Lilly to provide GLP-1s for obesity to address work absenteeism and unemployment. 

The case for GLP-1s is further supported by growing scientific evidence that obesity is a complex chronic condition, not just a behavioral issue. This understanding is paving the way for society, governments, and institutions to provide greater support for the medical treatment of obesity. In addition, research is demonstrating the health benefits of GLP-1s beyond weight loss. Recent studies show they can reduce cardiovascular events by up to 26%,³ improve blood flow,⁴ and help protect against gastric ulcers.⁵ These documented health benefits fundamentally change the conversation from “if” to “how and when” to use these powerful tools.

The Economic Case: Justifying GLP-1 Investment and Proving ROI

Although the upfront costs of covering GLP-1s may be high, panelists estimated that payers in the U.S. can expect to see the total cost of care decrease within 2–3 years. In Europe, lower drug prices mean a positive ROI is possible within 1–3 years. Experts on the panel agree that time to value is heavily influenced by the programs and services provided alongside GLP-1 therapy. In the near term, a wraparound strategy that promotes adherence, lifestyle change, and enrollment verification is essential for controlling costs.

The Adherence Challenge: Why a Wraparound Program Is Non-Negotiable

Early GLP-1 discontinuation can be a problem, whether due to side effects or patients who begin treatment with a short-term goal. However, a high-quality wraparound program can provide the education to help individuals mitigate side effects and adhere to an ongoing treatment plan. Unfortunately, current payment models in the U.S. (and elsewhere) don’t reimburse providers for behavior change support, so many patients take medication without personalized guidance. While medication is not the right solution for everyone, it is an effective option for the right individuals, along with the right wraparound support. Scott emphasized that without behavior change, weight is likely to return after stopping GLP-1s.  

Backed by science, WeightWatchers’ integrated approach works during and beyond the medical phase of a weight journey. Members taking oral weight-loss medications combined with the WW behavioral program lost 54% more weight compared to individuals taking medications only.⁶ Members not only maintained their weight loss but dropped an additional 1.8% of their body weight after stopping GLP-1s while using the WeightWatchers behavioral program. And no participants experienced weight gain.⁷

Policy and Implementation: Ensuring Success for Your Strategy

​​The panelists​ ​acknowledged​ the practical hurdles of increasing GLP-1 access in various markets around the world. Challenges they cited included persistent social stigma, advertising regulations that limit patient education, healthcare capacity, medication supply, a lack of long-term efficacy data, and the need for evidence-based criteria for prescribing as well as detailed coverage guidelines concerning BMI and comorbidities. They also expressed that simply offering a behavioral program isn’t enough. Engagement must be integrated—or even required—to maintain prescription coverage. 

Participants were asked what policy changes they would like to see implemented right away. ​​​​One answer was to “Cover GLP-1s for anyone with BMI over 35 and ongoing enrollment in a behavioral program where engagement is required to maintain prescription coverage.”

Conclusion: Partnering for a Healthier Future

The panel at HLTH Europe 2025 confirmed that GLP-1s are a game changer, although many markets are at halftime. In the U.S., consumer sentiment and utilization are trending a couple of years ahead of the EU. We’ve learned that the true potential for cost savings, adherence, and outcomes can be unlocked by a comprehensive, integrated wraparound program. WeightWatchers offers a full-spectrum weight management platform backed by science. We partner with employers and health plans to help them navigate the complex GLP-1 landscape and deliver maximum value from their GLP-1 strategy. Talk to us to learn more about our proven behavioral support and comprehensive solutions for employees. 

1.    KFF Health Tracking Poll May 2024: The Public’s Use and Views of GLP-1 Drugs.
2.    Frontier Economics. Unhealthy Numbers: The Rising Cost of Obesity in the UK. November 2023. 
3.    American College of Cardiology. Oral Semaglutide Reduces Cardiovascular Events by 14% at Four Years. March 2025.
4.    Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. [Updated 2024 Feb 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
5.    Chen YC, Ho CC, Yi CH, Liu XZ, Cheng TT, Lam CF. Exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue accelerates healing of chronic gastric ulcer in diabetic rats. PLoS One. 2017 Nov 2;12(11):e0187434. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187434. PMID: 29095895; PMCID: PMC5667749.
6.    Based on an ongoing 12-week WW randomized controlled trial among 101 members. This analysis included 46 members at 8 weeks who were prescribed Naltrexone and Bupropion. Study to be completed in 2025. Apolzan JW, LaRose JG, Anton SD, Beyl RA, Greenway FL, Wickham III EP, Lanoye A, Harris MN, Martin CK, Bullard T, Foster GD. A scalable, virtual weight management program tailored for adults with type 2 diabetes: effects on glycemic control. Nutrition & Diabetes. 2023 Apr 6;13(1):3.
7.    On average, after 13 weeks. Based on observational data from 200 individuals.