A recent economic study found that workers taking GLP-1 medications had 17% fewer long-term sickness absences compared to those not taking the medications.

Study Findings

The study, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, examined the relationship between GLP-1 use and workplace absences using data from Denmark. Researchers defined long-term sick leave as an illness-related absence lasting more than 30 days.

The reduction in long-term sickness leave is consistent with improvements in underlying cardiometabolic health, according to the researchers. The findings suggest that improved health among people using GLP-1 medications could have broader economic effects by reducing time away from work.

GLP-1 drugs were originally developed to treat diabetes but have also been shown to support substantial weight loss. Medications in the class work by helping regulate blood sugar, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite.

While the study was based on Danish employment and health data, the findings add to a growing body of research examining how GLP-1 medications may affect not only individual health but also broader workplace and economic trends as their use continues to increase.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.