Out-of-pocket costs remain a major challenge, especially for patients whose insurance does not fully cover treatment. According to InvestmentNews, users without full coverage spend an average of $203 a month out of pocket, even as many expect to remain on the drugs long term to maintain weight-loss and metabolic benefits.

Yet many users believe the health benefits may outweigh the financial sacrifice. The Nationwide survey found that 88% of current GLP-1 users are more optimistic about their long-term health, while 64% say they may retire later because they feel healthier. Nearly six in 10 respondents said improved health makes them feel less pressure to increase retirement savings.

Financial planners are increasingly grappling with questions that barely existed a few years ago, including whether clients should reduce retirement contributions to afford GLP-1 medications and whether improved health today could offset future healthcare costs. Kristi Martin Rodriguez of the Nationwide Retirement Institute said rising GLP-1 use is creating new financial planning challenges.

"If what you're spending on your health today is competing with what you're saving for tomorrow, that needs to be part of the financial planning conversation," Rodriguez said.

The findings underscore a broader affordability challenge as demand for GLP-1 drugs continues to soar. While insurers and some employers have expanded coverage for obesity and diabetes treatments, many Americans still face substantial out-of-pocket expenses. According to Nationwide, 59% of current users worry about being able to afford GLP-1 medications in retirement, raising the prospect that these drugs could become a major retirement-planning issue in the years ahead.