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One thing is the same as new GLP-1 medications enter the U.S. marketplace and Medicare’s landmark coverage begins: most employers are still not covering these drugs for weight-loss.
Many insurance plans have found ways to get around this.
Justin Held, the director of education programs for International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans said, “It is a struggle to reduce costs.” It seems that they are not offering weight loss coverage, but instead they focus on the health of all their employees.
This survey was conducted in June on almost 300 employer health plans across the U.S. The survey was carried out in June, and covered almost 300 U.S. employer health plans.
The survey found that 36% of employers provide GLP-1s to treat both diabetes and obesity, a similar percentage as in 2025, and a slight increase from 34% of employers who responded to the survey in 2024.
60 % of employers now only cover diabetes, up from 55 % in 2025, and 57 % in 2024. About 45% of insurance plans cover GLP-1s to treat other conditions such as heart disease and obstructive sleeping apnea.
It is not surprising that the amount of coverage by employers for weight loss has remained flat in comparison to last year.
Plans have been hesitant to cover GLP-1 medications from Eli Lilly or Novo Nordisk because of the costs.
Held stated that cost is the primary factor in determining employer coverage of GLP-1. Respondents said that in 2026 the drugs would account for 11,4% of all claims. This is up from 6,9% in 2023.
Employers are now finding alternative ways to help workers who wish to take these drugs.
Held stated that “the cost burden was so high, they were saying there are other ways to do it while still wanting those benefits for recruiting and retaining those people.”
About 27% of companies encourage their employees to purchase GLP-1s via a direct to consumer platform. Meanwhile, 21% push workers to pay for treatments with FSAs, HSAs, or integrated HRAs.
Hold said that as the costs increase, employers have a great opportunity to share what they already offer in this area.
For instance, 74% said that they provide disease and chronic management. 61% also offer nutritional counseling. Another 61% offers bariatric surgeries. The employers also said that they cover lifestyle modification programs and other non-GLP-1 medications, as well as medication-free weight loss interventions.
What will it take to get more employers on board with GLP-1s and pay for them?
According to Held, evidence that the drugs are covered reduces overall costs. This could be reflected in fewer bariatric and knee surgeries, or better productivity and wellness outcomes.
He said that if these things were happening, they would probably say it was worth offering full coverage of weight loss, as the positive impact it has on other aspects of the organization. But we haven’t yet seen it.”
Although some studies suggest that GLP-1 can offset high health care costs, real world data has not yet been used to prove this.
After a recently launched 18-month Medicare program, which allows GLP-1s to be covered for the very first time for obesity.
Around 9% of companies are currently considering GLP-1s as a treatment for obesity. Watching to see if that changes over time is what we’ll be doing.

Local officials urge residents in Southern California to be vigilant against mosquitoes that carry the deadly West Nile virus.
Federal officials have warned that the virus has already made its first appearance in America in 20 years. This includes the Southland.
According to the California Department of Public Health, West Nile virus can cause death in humans and certain wildlife.
According to Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, in Los Angeles County cases started to appear in May. It’s now up to 27 cases within the coverage area.
Gleichzeitig, the number of mosquitos that carry the virus is increasing.
Caroline Gongora is the public information coordinator of the district’s vector control. She said that the average number of West Nile virus-positive samples in our service area over the past five years at this time during the season was four. This year we detected 38 positive samples of mosquitoes, which is a marked increase compared to previous years.
Newport Beach, Orange County’s vector control district, reported the first mosquitoes carrying disease in Newport Beach June 2, 2002. In 10 California cities, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes have now been discovered. The latest are Fullerton and Anaheim.
The authorities test for West Nile by testing and capturing mosquitoes that are in small groups (10 to 50) called a “mosquitopool”.
Orange County vector control discovered West Nile in four mosquito pools last year. In 2024, it detected the virus in four mosquito pools and in only one pool in 2023.
This year it was found that West Nile Virus is present in 38 mosquito ponds.
Miquel Jacobs is the director of communication for the Vector Control District. He said, “We’re above average for this time of year.”
According to Mayo Clinic, there were at least 48 cases of human disease nationwide as of June 30. This includes 38 cases of severe Neuroinvasive Disease, which can cause the brain to become inflamed, and may even lead to death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is the most human disease cases that have been reported in the middle of the year since 2004.
In California, there has been only one human infection this year. A Long Beach resident was hospitalized for a neuroinvasive disease.
West Nile is not treated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in more serious cases people might need hospitalization for supportive care such as intravenous fluids, pain control and nursing.
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 10 patients who suffer from severe West Nile disease affecting their brain or nervous system will die.
West Nile virus symptoms and who is at risk
Everyone is susceptible to the virus. However, people with pre-existing conditions and over 50 are at a higher risk for serious illnesses and long term health issues.
The majority of those who are infected by the virus do not show any symptoms.
Around 20% of people infected will experience mild symptoms, such as body aches, nausea and fever. These symptoms begin 3-14 days after the bite. Mild symptoms usually go away on their own within a couple of days.
In severe cases of the disease, you may experience a high fever, a headache, stiff neck, loss of vision, paralysis, and even coma. The more serious symptoms can last for several weeks, and may cause permanent brain damage and nerve system damage.
According to the American Medical Association, 1% of people will experience a neuroinvasive condition. The virus can affect the nervous system or brain in these cases. It can also cause meningitis or encephalitis, which may result in infection of brain tissue or the surrounding tissues.
What to do to prevent a mosquito bite
Avoid getting bitten by mosquitos and stop them from breeding in your house.
Protect yourself from harm by following these steps:
Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin. It should have at least one active ingredient: DEET or IR3535.
When it’s dawn or dusk, wear long sleeves and pants.
The mosquitoes which spread West Nile Virus are active between dawn and dusk.
Eliminate all containers and stagnant water from around your home.
Change or empty the water in birdbaths, pet bowls and outdoor containers every week.
Repair or replace door and window screens.
Report neglected pools, breeding grounds for mosquitoes or abnormally high mosquito numbers to the Vector Control District.
Report any dead birds at the Vector Control District.
Cities in Greater Los Angeles County where West Nile virus carrying mosquitoes have been detected
Pico Rivera
Long Beach
Cerritos
Hawaiian Gardens
Sunland
Montebello
Signal Hill
Winnetka
Atwater Village
Boyle Heights
East Los Angeles
Paramount
Northridge
Valley Glen
Carson
Artesia
Bellflower
Downey
Norwalk
Rowland Heights
Santa Fe Springs
Whittier
Woodland Hills
Canoga Park
Lakewood
Porter Ranch
Tarzana
Orange County Cities where West Nile virus carrying mosquitoes have been detected

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A study suggests that Creatine, best known for its ability to improve strength in athletes, could help combat cancer.
Scientists at UCLA claim that the cost-effective supplement boosts not only athletic performance, but also activates and prepares the body for fighting cancer.
In previous studies, creatine was found to power killer T-cells in mice. These white blood cells help destroy viruses and cancerous cells. The team discovered the creatine fuels dendritic cell, which captures tumour fragments, and then directs killer T-cells into attack.
The majority of immunotherapies target killer T-cells. However, fewer than 50% of patients show any response. Scientists have proposed that creatine could boost treatment by affecting dendritic cell.
Lili Yang, senior author of the UCLA study and professor of molecular, microbiology, and immunology genetics, stated: “Immunotherapy is a promising treatment, but only for certain patients.”
This study reveals that creatine not only helps T cells fight cancer, but also the infrastructure which supports and guides these cells. This makes creatine an effective supplement for supporting the modern immune therapies that rely on it.
Researchers tested daily creatine injections in mice models of melanoma to see if they could slow down tumour growth. The study was published in the journal iScience.
The researchers found that the treatment not only reduced tumour growth, but it also increased dendritic cell activity. Dendritic cell treatment also increased the levels of chemicals that attract additional immune cells to tumours.
Researchers also discovered that supplementing with creatine increased the energy level in dendritic cell.
Researchers compared the role of creatine to that played by a battery. It allows dendritic cell to store energy and then release it as required, while still competing for nutrients with tumour cells growing rapidly.
James Elsten Brown, co-first-author and graduate student at Prof Yang’s laboratory, stated: “We see the potential here that creatine can be used in complementary ways. As a supplement, it could enhance the immune response in patients who are already receiving immunotherapy. And as a tool, it could improve the quality before the vaccines are administered.
Creatine could potentially be used to strengthen the immune system’s response against cancer. The study, which was done on cells and mice instead of patients, should not be used to make any dietary or health recommendations.
Researchers warn that even though the supplement is used since decades and considered to be safe, cancer patients should still consult with their doctors before adding it to their treatments.

Mineral water and other alkaline drinks can alter the way some medications are released into the body.
The majority of labels did not provide information on the interactions between different beverages and medications.
All medications should be taken with bottled or plain water, according to experts.
It’s very easy to swallow a pill with any beverage you can find, but not all drinks are the same.
Researchers conducted a study to determine how beverages affect pills. They were particularly interested in how these drinks interact with the pills’ enteric or gastro-resistant coatings. These coatings are designed to slow down the release of medication or prevent the pills from dissolving. They are used in many medications, such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, and proton-pump inhibitors like Prilosec.
Researchers have identified two popular drinks that can affect the coatings in a significant way. A pharmacist and gastroenterologist comment on these findings.
Meet the Experts:Christine D. Sommer, Pharm.D., clinical informatics pharmacist with First Databank, Inc.; and Edmundo Rodriguez-Frias, M.D., double-board-certified gastroenterologist with Full of Life, a recovery center in Marlton, New Jersey.
What was the result of your study?
Scientists reviewed 103 enteric or gastro-resistant medications for the study published in Pharmaceutics. Researchers tested the release of active ingredients from these drugs when they were mixed with different beverages, such as Coke Zero, which has a pH level between 2.82 and 8.57. Apple juice (pH 3.26) was also tested, as were milk (pH 6.74) black tea (pH 7.19) and tap water (7.62). Mineral water, which has a high pH level, was found to have an adverse effect on the coating of pills.
Researchers also looked at the labeling of the drugs to determine if there were any instructions on the best way to take the pill. The researchers found that detailed instructions were rare on the subject.
The study found that certain beverages, like mineral water, that tends to have a higher alkaline content than plain tap water or bottled water, could affect the speed at which gastro-resistant dose forms released medication. Christine D. Sommer, Pharm.D., is a clinical informatics pharmacy with First Databank, Inc.
How pH can affect the absorption of medication
Some medications are destroyed by stomach acid. Sommer said that these medications come in gastro-resistant form, which has a coating designed to dissolve more slowly in an acidic environment (such as in the stomach), and faster in an alkaline one (such as in the small intestine). The gastro-resistant coating can dissolve prematurely if taken with alkaline beverages, like mineral water. This will release the medication too early into the digestive system. The medicine will break down and not be able to absorb by the body.
The study was done in a laboratory, so it cannot fully represent how the medications and drinks interact with each other in the human body. More trials in humans are required to understand this phenomenon. Sommer advises that it is best to always take medications with still water, or tap water to prevent any negative interactions or interference.
Plain water also “provides minimal risk of interfering with either dissolution or absorption,” adds Edmundo Rodriguez-Frias, M.D., a double-board-certified gastroenterologist with Full of Life, a recovery center in Marlton, New Jersey. It’s the most reliable and safest option, except if the label of the medicine recommends otherwise. For best results, always follow instructions on the label of your medications.
Bottom line
Sommer advises that unless otherwise instructed, you should always take your medication with water (particularly delayed-release medications).
Ask your pharmacist about the best way to take your medications or any other drug-related questions.
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Colon cancer statistics and rectal numbers — which are often combined to form colorectal carcinoma — can be frightening and should not be ignored. Colon cancer, for example is the 4th most common form of cancer in America and second-leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal Cancer rates are also increasing in youth, and have nearly doubled since 1995.
Many signs of colorectal carcinoma — like constipation and diarrhea — can be easily overlooked. They might be mistaken for irritable-bowel syndrome or a reaction to food.
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This highlights the need to identify colorectal symptoms as soon as possible. A colorectal doctor will tell that prevention and early detection are the key. This can include learning about your family’s history, having regular screenings, and being aware of symptoms.
In that vein, doctors will want you to be aware of bowel incontinence. It may be embarrassing, but we must talk about it. Here, the doctors will explain what colorectal carcinoma is, how to prevent it, and provide treatment. The more you know, the better you will be prepared.
Bowel incontinence as a Sign of Colorectal cancer
This sign, for what it is worth, is not very common. That can both be good and bad.
The American Board of Urology-certified urologist Dr. Jason B. Carter said that fecal leakage (also known as bowel leakage) is not something patients with colorectal carcinoma experience. However, it may occur in cancers of the rectum.
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This is a great reminder to see a doctor even if a certain symptom doesn’t appear on any website or is not common.
According to Dr. Ketan Thanksi, who is a colorectal specialist at the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute in Long Beach Medical Center, California, and specializes in malignant and benign disease of the colon rectum, and the anus, there are several possible reasons why colorectal carcinoma causes bowel leakage.
The rectum can be affected by cancer and lose its ability to detect and accept stool.
The anal sphincter can be affected by a cancerous tumor that invades the bowel and disrupts or weakens the nerve signals. This reduces your ability to keep stools in place.
The mucus secreted by cancers of the colon and rectal can cause diarrhea. This is more difficult to control than solid stools.
The narrowing can be caused by colon and rectal tumors. Solid stools cannot pass through, but liquid stools are squeezed and may cause an unexpected leakage.
This is not the first time you will experience this.
Carter explained that “most patients with rectal or colon cancer first present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or blood in their stool, undiagnosed weight loss or anemia, or persistent fatigue.”
This symptom could indicate an advanced form of cancer.
The symptoms of fecal impaction often appear later on in the progression of colorectal carcinoma because an obstruction occurs when a tumor becomes large enough that it physically blocks passage of formed stools, said Dr. Nikiya Asomoah, gastroenterologist, and specialist in inflammatory bowel diseases in Washington, D.C.
This symptom does not mean that cancer is present.
Carter explained that the most common cause of bowel leakage was non-cancerous causes. Carter cited aging, pelvic dysfunction, chronic diarrhea and childbirth-related injuries as common contributors.
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Colorectal Cancer: Other Signs
Other symptoms (that typically show up sooner) of colorectal carcinoma include:
Blood clots in the rectum
Blood in the stool
Consistent changes to bowel habits
Constipation
Diarrhea
The sizing of the stool
Pain in the abdomen
Unexpected weight loss
Unexplained iron deficiency Anemia
Fatigue excessive
Feeling of an incomplete bowel motion after a bowel move
Stools that are pencil-thin or suddenly change size
Colorectal Cancer can occur without these symptoms.
Carter said that many patients were surprised to discover colorectal carcinoma can exist for a long time before symptoms are apparent. This is why screening is important.
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Thank you. He said that right-sided colorectal (farthest away from anus) cancer often causes no symptoms at all and only manifests as weight loss or fatigue. This is why it’s important to start screening at age 45, even if you are feeling fine.
Colorectal Cancer: How to Prevent or Treat it
Asamoah stated that the American Cancer Society identified several lifestyle choices which could increase an individual’s colorectal risk, such as alcohol or tobacco consumption. In general, gastroenterologists advise people to avoid processed food, limit their consumption of excessive red meat, consume more dietary fibre and stay physically active in order to prevent colorectal carcinoma.
She added that if you are at higher risk of colorectal disease or have family history then a regular colonoscopy is an effective prevention method.
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Thank you for agreeing that the best way to prevent cancer is by eating healthy foods, exercising and having regular, early screenings.
Thanki added: “There have never been so many effective treatments available for colorectal carcinoma as there are today.” Early-stage colorectal cancer is often surgically treated.
In addition to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or targeted immune therapies may be needed if the cancer has spread or is advanced.
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He added that “usually, a combination of these treatments is tailored to the patient’s individual cancer and needs.”
Colorectal cancer: When to consult a doctor
Early detection of cancer is important, and it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Thanki Asamoah recommends making an appointment if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.
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Thanki advised that if you feel something is wrong with your GI system and digestion, and it doesn’t improve within a couple of weeks, then go to a doctor. The last thing that you would want to do, is to ignore changes in your bowel movements for several months or even years only to discover later on that it was a cancerous condition.
He continued that even if the condition is not cancerous, there could still be other conditions which, if untreated, could have long-term negative effects.