GLP-1 drugs reduce sick leave

A new economic study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in July 2026 found that GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are associated with a 17% reduction in long-term sick leave among workers in Denmark. The study analyzed Danish administrative data linking employment records with prescription drug use. Researchers defined long-term sick leave as illness-related absences lasting more than 30 days. The reduction in absences translated into savings of up to 1.5% of an individual's annual salary, or about $866 on average. The savings accrue to employers for short-term absences and to the government for long-term absences under Denmark's sick leave system. Study co-author Jonathan Cran of Duke University noted that the findings could have implications for the U.S. labor market, where limited paid sick leave leads to presenteeism. The study adds to evidence that GLP-1 drugs may deliver broader economic benefits beyond health improvements.