CVS Health has announced that its pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Caremark will prioritize Wegovy over Zepbound.
With obesity affecting more than 40 percent of U.S. adults, it plays a significant role in rising healthcare costs and chronic disease. Traditionally, treatment has primarily focused on lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, paired with surgery.
However, new drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists Wegovy and Zepbound are transforming the treatment landscape. Originally, drugmakers developed these medications for diabetes. But now, they’re revolutionizing weight loss management, especially as Caremark will prioritize Wegovy.
Overall, obesity care has just become more accessible and competitive.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone in the gut called glucagon-like peptide-1, which regulates appetite, blood sugar, and insulin response. Specifically, they help patients feel full faster, eat less, and improve their metabolic health.
Popular examples include Wegovy and Ozempic from Novo Nordisk, and Zepbound and Mounjaro from Eli Lilly. Their original FDA approval was for type 2 diabetes. But these drugs now show strong weight-loss results, prompting new FDA approvals for obesity.
Studies have shown that patients often lose 15% or more of their body weight with consistent use. Notably, that level of reduction was previously possible only with bariatric surgery.
The Business of Obesity
The global obesity drug market is booming. In particular, experts project it will surpass $100 billion in revenue by the early 2030s. Currently, two companies dominate the landscape: Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
Novo Nordisk manufactures Wegovy and Ozempic, which have seen surging demand. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly entered the market with Mounjaro, then followed with Zepbound, specifically targeting obesity.
Eli Lilly recently beat earnings expectations, thanks to strong sales of its GLP-1 products. Novo Nordisk, on the other hand, is expanding manufacturing to meet global demand.
Overall, this rivalry is pushing innovation, competition, and access—though not without supply issues and cost concerns.
Caremark & Wegovy
In April 2025, CVS Caremark, the largest U.S. pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), made a major decision. Specifically, it chose Wegovy as the preferred GLP-1 drug for obesity on its template formularies.
This means millions of covered Americans will have easier access to Wegovy through employer and insurer plans on CVS templates. Correspondingly, it will reduce paperwork, lower copays, and eliminate competing drugs from the preferred list.
This decision is a huge win for Novo Nordisk and on the contrary, a serious blow to Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. It reflects the PBM’s confidence in Wegovy’s pricing, supply, and clinical value. Thankfully, patients on Zepbound can switch to Wegovy.
Caremark negotiates discounts with drug manufacturers on behalf of insurance providers. Furthermore, it creates formularies—lists of covered medications—and reimburses pharmacies for prescriptions.
As such, members can avail of cheaper medications, with savings flowing back via savings. This could be in the form of lower copays or lower premiums at pharmacy counters. Caremark will also offer lifestyle support and personalized nutrition plans with Wegovy as part of its CVS Weight Management Program.
“We believe in the unique benefits of Wegovy and the difference this medicine can make for patients seeking treatment,” remarked Dave Moore, Executive Vice President, US Operations and President of Novo Nordisk Inc.
“As the leader in obesity care for more than a decade, it is our responsibility to continue to work with others across the US healthcare system to find innovative opportunities to meet the needs of these patients and connect them with authentic, FDA-approved Wegovy in a convenient and affordable way,” Moore added.
Caremark to Boost Access
The big question is: Will more people actually be able to afford and access these treatments? That depends on several factors.
Even with Caremark formulary inclusion, GLP-1 drugs can cost over $1,000 per month without insurance. Coverage varies widely based on employer decisions, Medicaid rules, and individual insurance plans.
In addition, prior authorization is common. Some plans require patients to try lifestyle changes or other medications before approving GLP-1s. Others cap treatment duration or exclude obesity drugs entirely.
Still, CVS Health’s decision could spark a trend. Other PBMs may follow, especially if pricing and outcomes remain favorable. In time, this could open the door to broader coverage across the market.
Impact of the Caremark Move
If GLP-1 drugs become widely accessible through Caremark, then the impact could be transformative. Correspondingly, patients may avoid future complications like heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues.
Weight loss through these medications reduces strain on healthcare systems. Additionally, it also lowers long-term spending by preventing costly interventions.
Employers benefit too, with healthier workers and lower absenteeism rates. But there are challenges—side effects, long-term adherence, and appropriate prescribing are key concerns.
There’s also debate about how these drugs fit into a broader treatment plan. They should support, not replace, lifestyle changes and holistic care.
Looking Ahead
Research is moving fast. Companies are testing oral GLP-1 pills and dual-action medications that target additional metabolic pathways.
Drugs like retatrutide, a triple-action medication in trials, may deliver even greater weight loss than current options.
As competition heats up, prices may eventually fall. That could make these treatments more accessible to low-income patients and public programs.
The obesity drug race has just begun, and innovation will continue to shape how we treat metabolic disease.
Conclusion
GLP-1 drugs have ushered in a new era of obesity treatment. With Wegovy now preferred by Caremark, access is expanding—though not equally for everyone.
These medications offer hope for millions, but they’re not a silver bullet. Long-term success depends on affordability, responsible use, and broader healthcare reforms.
The good news is that obesity care is finally catching up to the science. Patients and providers now have more tools to tackle one of the biggest health challenges of our time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Wegovy is “preferred” on Caremark’s formulary?
It means Caremark will promote Wegovy over similar drugs for obesity, making it more accessible to insured patients.
Will insurance now cover Wegovy for most people?
Not necessarily. Coverage still depends on your specific plan. CVS’s decision helps, but doesn’t guarantee access.
Are GLP-1 drugs safe for long-term use?
Studies show they are generally safe, though side effects like nausea, vomiting, and gallbladder issues may occur.
Can I take a GLP-1 drug if I don’t have diabetes?
Yes—if you meet obesity criteria and your doctor approves. Some GLP-1 drugs are FDA-approved solely for weight loss.
Can you buy Wegovy over the counter?
Yes, generally, Wegovy is available in pharmacies across the United States. To secure a prescription, contact a prescriber and talk about your health and weight management priorities.
Does CareFirst cover Wegovy?
Yes, CareFirst covers Wegovy, as long as the patient has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher. Alternatively, it also covers those with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 with at least one co-morbidity. These co-morbidities include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.
Which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy?
Overall, Wegovy is more expensive than Ozempic in the U.S. For instance, as of March 2025, a one-month supply of 1 mg-dose Ozempic costs around $900 without insurance. Meanwhile, a one-month supply of 2.4 mg-dose Wegovy costs around $1,350 without insurance.
Nelson R. de Lima Filho, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
