A retrospective observational study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism indicates that adults over 55 using Eli Lilly’s Zepbound experience significant reductions in healthcare costs compared with untreated peers.
The analysis, based on 15,843 anonymized Medicare claims, tracked patients who initiated Zepbound between November 2023 and September 2025. Each user was matched with a control group that did not receive GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies. Researchers employed matched analysis and Inverse Probability of Censoring Weighting to assess outcomes.
At six months, healthcare costs for Zepbound users were up to 15% lower, equating to savings of up to $181 per patient per month, excluding the drug’s cost. By 12 months, the cost advantage widened to 38%, translating to savings of up to $607 per patient monthly. The study noted that starting at six months, these savings nearly offset the $195 monthly cost of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, while at 12 months, the net savings surpassed the treatment expense.
Beyond cost reductions, Zepbound users exhibited lower rates of hospital admissions and emergency room visits across all follow-up periods. Outpatient and routine doctor visits were numerically higher among treated patients.
Zepbound, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, is approved for adults with obesity or overweight individuals with at least one weight-related health condition.
