Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being, and TRICARE offers several resources to help beneficiaries achieve their health goals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of TRICARE coverage for dietitian services, weight management programs, and other related resources, ensuring you have the information needed to access the support you deserve.
TRICARE and Weight Management
Many adults face challenges with weight management, and TRICARE recognizes the importance of addressing these issues. According to Air Force Lt. Col. Heidi Clark, chief of the Nutritional Medicine Clinical Support Service at the Defense Health Agency, being overweight or obese can lead to serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, lower back pain, depression, and fatigue. TRICARE offers various services to help service members, retirees, and family members manage their weight effectively.
Coverage for Obesity Treatment
TRICARE covers intensive, multicomponent behavioral interventions for obesity if specific conditions are met. These interventions aim to promote sustained weight loss through a series of sessions, typically ranging from 12 to 26 sessions within a year. For TRICARE to cover these weight loss services, they must be provided by a TRICARE-authorized provider, such as a physician or a registered dietitian working under the supervision of a physician.
For non-active duty service members, TRICARE also covers surgical obesity treatments, including gastric bypass surgery and other weight loss surgeries, provided certain medical conditions are met. Detailed information on covered services and medical conditions can be found on the Bariatric Surgery page.
Accessing Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Services
TRICARE covers medically necessary services and supplies from registered dietitians and nutritionists who are licensed in the state where care is received and are working under the supervision of a physician. More information about accessing these services can be found on the Nutritionist or Dietitian Services page.
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It's important to note the distinction between dietitians and nutritionists. All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the nutrition experts, holding a bachelor's degree (or higher) in nutrition, completing an accredited internship, passing the national RD exam, and engaging in continuing education annually.
Tips for a Healthy Diet and Active Lifestyle
Preventing health issues through a balanced diet and regular physical activity is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy weight. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises healthy adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, estimating that adequate physical activity could prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths.
Incorporating physical activity into daily routines can be as simple as finding enjoyable activities, making exercise a family event, or working out with friends. For service members, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for mission performance and readiness, and each military service has specific requirements for fitness and body composition.
Madigan Nutrition Clinic
The Madigan Nutrition Clinic offers a broad range of nutritional services designed to deliver patient-centered healthcare to Joint Base Lewis-McChord active duty service members, families, and retirees. The clinic has a team of Registered Dietitians on staff who can assist patients with various health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, renal disease, eating disorders, prediabetes, weight management, and pediatric nutrition.
Services Offered at Madigan Nutrition Clinic
- Performance Nutrition Appointments: These appointments include Metabolic Testing using Indirect Calorimetry to test your Resting Metabolic Rate.
- Fit for Performance (FFP): This program supports active-duty Soldiers in meeting the Army Body Composition Program standards described in AR 600-9. Flagged Soldiers receive a memorandum signed by the dietitian upon completion of the class.
- Bariatric Pathway Nutrition Classes: For patients considering bariatric surgery, the clinic offers two pre-op nutrition classes and one post-op class.
- Heart Healthy Nutrition Classes: These classes are designed for patients with elevated Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels, providing education on healthy lifestyle and nutrition choices.
- Pre-Diabetes Nutrition Classes: Patients diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes can learn about the condition and how to manage it through nutrition and lifestyle choices.
- Pregnancy Nutrition Class: Expecting mothers can benefit from this class tailored to their nutritional needs.
- Total Joint Pathway: This program provides pre- and post-op nutrition guidance for patients undergoing total joint surgery.
Most individual and group appointments at the Nutrition Clinic do not require a referral from the patient's primary care provider.
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Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Nutrition Clinic
The Nutrition Clinic at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and its outlying clinics offers Medical Nutrition Therapy for both inpatients and outpatients. TRICARE beneficiaries can access the Nutrition Clinic for an initial appointment or class with a referral from a medical provider. Active duty service members can self-refer for general nutrition or weight information.
Dietary counseling from a Registered Dietitian can be accessed for free at the Naval Hospital, a service that could potentially cost hundreds of dollars per hour if not covered by TRICARE or other health insurance. The clinic addresses a wide range of nutrition-related concerns, from cholesterol management to headaches and digestive problems. Whether you aim to lose weight, address a picky eater, or manage blood sugar levels, a referral to the Nutrition Clinic can provide valuable support.
Weight Loss Medications and TRICARE Coverage
TRICARE covers weight loss medications, including GLP-1s, when specific criteria are met, based on diagnosis, medical necessity, and the beneficiary's TRICARE plan.
Important Information Regarding GLP-1 Medications
The Defense Health Agency is implementing regulatory controls on weight loss medication coverage, effective Aug. 31, 2025. While TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select may still cover these medications under certain circumstances, approved prior authorizations for weight loss drugs may no longer be valid.
If a weight loss drug is not covered, beneficiaries should consult with their provider to explore alternative options. TRICARE covers Trulicity, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Victoza for treating type 2 diabetes. The TRICARE Formulary Search Tool can be used to check drug coverage and costs.
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Key Considerations
- GLP-1s for the treatment of diabetes continue to be covered for all patients with a diagnosis of diabetes when medically necessary and when prior authorization requirements are met.
- Forming healthy habits is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight, regardless of medication use.
Accessing Care and Additional Resources
To access dietitian services or weight management programs, TRICARE beneficiaries should consult with their primary care provider. They can provide referrals and guidance on available resources.
Finding a Provider
- Use the TRICARE Formulary Search Tool to check drug coverage and costs.
- Contact your primary care provider for referrals to registered dietitians or nutritionists.
- Explore the Madigan Nutrition Clinic and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Nutrition Clinic for specialized services.