By Lew Kizer — 2026-10-29 — Health & Nutrition
The short answer
On Oct. 29, 2026, Eli Lilly reported third-quarter revenue up 39% to $24.4 billion, driven by Mounjaro and Zepbound. Volume rose 53% while realized prices fell 15% worldwide (7% in the U.S., mainly Zepbound). A day earlier, WTW's 2026 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey of 471 employers found GLP-1 coverage for weight loss fell from 57% to 53%, and 30% of employers still covering it are considering dropping it, mostly over cost.
Key facts
- Lilly Q3 2026 revenue: $24.4 billion, up 39%, released Oct. 29, 2026 at 6:45 a.m. ET.
- Worldwide volume up 53%; realized prices down 15%. In the U.S., volume up 41% and prices down 7%, mainly tied to Zepbound.
- Zepbound U.S. revenue: $5.3 billion, up 48%. Mounjaro worldwide: $10.7 billion, up 65%. Foundayo (oral orforglipron): $184 million.
- Lilly raised its 2026 revenue guidance to $91 billion to $92 billion, from $85 billion to $87 billion.
- WTW survey (Oct. 28, 2026): 471 U.S. employers with 100+ workers, covering 7 million people.
- Employer GLP-1 coverage for weight loss fell from 57% to 53%, the first drop in three years.
- 30% of employers that still cover GLP-1s for weight loss are considering eliminating it; 91% of those dropping or weighing it cite cost.
- Some headlines say 16%. That is the same finding measured against all employers surveyed (30% of 53% is about 16%).
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Oct. 29, 2026 — Eli Lilly said Thursday morning that it sold far more of its GLP-1 medicines last quarter at lower average prices. The report landed one day after a major employer survey found fewer job-based health plans covering these drugs for weight loss. Put together, the two reports show GLP-1 use is still growing fast while the question of who pays keeps shifting.
This article reports business and benefits news and is not medical, insurance or financial advice. Talk with your prescriber and your benefits office before you change a medicine or a plan.
What Lilly reported
| Q3 2026 | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total revenue | $24.4 billion, up 39% |
| Worldwide volume / realized price | Volume up 53%, price down 15% |
| U.S. volume / realized price | Volume up 41%, price down 7% (mainly Zepbound) |
| Zepbound (U.S.) | $5.3 billion, up 48% |
| Mounjaro (worldwide) | $10.7 billion, up 65% |
| Foundayo (oral orforglipron) | $184 million |
Lilly also raised its 2026 revenue forecast to $91 billion to $92 billion. Outside the U.S., prices fell 29%, mainly because Mounjaro was added to China's national reimbursement list, according to the company release.
"Realized price" is what Lilly collects on average after rebates and discounts. A lower realized price does not tell you what you will pay at the pharmacy. That depends on your coverage, Medicare or a cash-pay program.
What employers said a day earlier
WTW's 2026 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey, released Oct. 28, polled 471 U.S. employers with at least 100 workers, together covering about 7 million people.
- GLP-1 coverage for weight loss fell from 57% to 53% of employers, the first decline in three years.
- Of employers that still cover them, 30% are considering eliminating that coverage.
- Among employers that have dropped coverage or are weighing it, 91% cite cost.
- Employers project health costs rising 11.1% in 2027 before plan changes, and 9.7% after.
Why the 16% vs. 30% headlines? Some outlets reported that 16% of employers are thinking about cutting coverage. That is the same finding measured a different way: 30% of the 53% that still cover the drugs is about 16% of all employers surveyed.
If your coverage changes in 2027
- Read your open-enrollment packet. Look for changes to weight-loss drug coverage, prior authorization or required lifestyle programs.
- Ask about other routes. Medicare beneficiaries can read our Medicare open enrollment and GLP-1 guide. Your prescriber can talk through options if a plan stops paying.
- Plan the food before the last dose. Appetite and food noise often return after stopping. Our GLP-1 maintenance meals page covers eating after a medicine ends.
The plate stays the same
Whatever happens with prices and benefits, the food basics for people on a GLP-1 do not change: enough protein to help protect muscle, portions that fit a smaller appetite, and meals you can trust. Our GLP-1 meal planning guide covers protein-first eating, and the 7-day GLP-1 meal plan is an illustrative week, not a prescription. On Zepbound now? See our Zepbound meal plan. On semaglutide? See the Wegovy meal plan.
“When you're on a GLP-1 medication, what you eat matters more, not less. You need high-protein, portion-controlled, nutrient-dense food — and you need to know it's safe. That's exactly what we do.” — Lew Kizer, Founder, SmashMeals
Pick up locally or order for shipping; checkout confirms timing. See this week's meals.
Commentary, not medical advice
The SmashMeals perspective
Medicine prices and job benefits change every year. What does not change is that a smaller appetite still needs real protein and real meals. Whether you are on brand-name medicine, switching plans or coming off a GLP-1 because coverage ended, the food plan should not have to start over. That is the part we can help with.
Frequently asked questions
Did Zepbound get cheaper?
Lilly reported that U.S. realized prices fell 7% in the third quarter of 2026, mainly tied to Zepbound. Realized price is what Lilly collects on average after discounts and rebates. It is not the same as what any one person pays, which depends on insurance, Medicare or a cash-pay program.
Are employers dropping GLP-1 coverage for 2027?
Some are. WTW's October 2026 survey found 53% of employers cover GLP-1s for weight loss, down from 57%, and 30% of those are considering eliminating it. Check your 2027 open-enrollment materials or ask your benefits office.
Why do some reports say 16% and others say 30%?
Both describe the same WTW finding. 30% is the share of employers that still cover GLP-1s for weight loss. Because 53% of employers cover them, that works out to about 16% of all employers surveyed.
What happens to my eating if I lose coverage and stop my GLP-1?
Appetite often returns after stopping. Many people plan regular, portioned meals with steady protein before the last dose. Talk with your prescriber before stopping any medicine.
Does this affect diabetes coverage of Mounjaro or Ozempic?
The WTW figures cited here are about coverage for weight loss. Employers have generally covered GLP-1s for type 2 diabetes separately. Your plan documents are the final word.
Sources and credits
Follow the original sources for context and verification. A reference is not an endorsement of SmashMeals.
- Lilly reports third-quarter 2026 financial results, raises full-year guidance and highlights regulatory progress across the portfolio (opens in a new tab)
Eli Lilly and Company (PR Newswire)
Why it matters: The primary release for revenue, volume, price and product figures.
- WTW 2026 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey: U.S. employer healthcare costs set to rise at fastest pace in more than two decades (opens in a new tab)
WTW (GlobeNewswire release, via StockTitan)
Why it matters: The employer coverage figures and survey method.
- 16% of Employers Are Thinking About Cutting Weight-Loss Drug Coverage (opens in a new tab)
24/7 Wall St.
Why it matters: Example of coverage using the all-employer 16% framing.