May 28, 2025
Beyond the prescription: how movement anchors GLP-1 success and saves employers millions
GLP-1 medications are transforming obesity care. Without addressing inactivity and muscle loss, employers risk a new wave of MSK claims. Up to 70% of GLP-1 users discontinue within a year1, and many regain weight after treatment ends.
GLP-1s can cost employers up to $10,000 per member annually2, yet many of these dollars are going to members without long-term habit change.
Leading employers are solving for this risk by adding structured movement plans to support GLP-1 use and protect lean muscle mass.
In this exclusive white paper, Sword Health explores how Sword Move complements GLP-1 strategies by reinforcing sustainable physical activity. If your organization is investing in GLP-1s, this is essential reading.
39%
of lean body mass is lost during GLP-1 usage³
69%
of active and insufficiently active members members reach active or healthy active status within 10 weeks⁴
Muscle retention is an ROI-protector for GLP-1 care plans
- Up to 39% of lean body mass is lost during GLP-1 use5
- 1 in 4 Americans engage in regular physical activity6
- Inactivity contributes to 27% of total employee medical spend7
- Sarcopenia contributes nearly $900 in excess healthcare costs per employee each year8
- 78% of Move users report feeling moderately better or much better9
- 69% of active and insufficiently active members members reach active or healthy active status within 10 weeks10
Contributors to White Paper

Sword Team
Experts in pain, movement, and digital health
Footnotes
Met-min analysis, Move Members 2024, over 500 MET-minutes per week
Elgaddal N, Kramarow EA, Reuben C. Physical activity among adults aged 18 and over: United States, 2020. NCHS Data Brief, no 443. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2022. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:120213
Duijvestijn M, de Wit GA, van Gils PF, Wendel-Vos GCW. Impact of physical activity on healthcare costs: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2023 Jun 3;23(1):572. doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09556-8. PMID: 37268930; PMCID: PMC10239135
Members with 5 activities or more,Members that scored 5+ on the Patient Global Impression of Change. Sword member base, 2023-2024 data
Met-min analysis, Move Members 2024, over 500 MET-minutes per week