Obesity is a significant health concern in the United States, with an estimated one in three American adults classified as obese. This chronic disease not only impacts individual well-being but also contributes to a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system, costing nearly $173 billion annually. Recognizing the far-reaching implications of obesity, many employers are now offering weight loss programs as part of their employee wellness initiatives. These programs aim to support employees in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, leading to improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced employee productivity and satisfaction.
The Prevalence and Impact of Obesity
The statistics surrounding obesity are alarming. Forty-two percent of American adults are considered obese, increasing their risk of developing other chronic comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In fact, individuals with obesity are six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. These conditions not only diminish quality of life but also contribute to increased healthcare expenses and decreased productivity in the workplace.
Marathon Health coaches Jamie Leslie and Austen Gross both say managing weight is one of the No. 1 goals members have when visiting the employer health centers.
Goals of Employee Weight Loss Programs
The primary goal of employee weight loss programs is to improve the overall health of employees. For weight management programs, this means helping employees achieve and maintain a healthy weight, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In particular, wellness programs that focus on metabolic health may improve outcomes in the top four out of the ten most prevalent and costly conditions in the United States, per the CDC: obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease.
Key Components of Effective Weight Loss Programs
Effective employee weight loss programs incorporate a variety of strategies to address the multifaceted nature of weight management. These programs often include:
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- Education: Providing employees with information on nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits.
- Coaching: Offering personalized support and guidance from health coaches or registered dietitians. Live 1:1 and/or group coaching, providing members with personalized support and expert guidance.
- Group Support: Creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where participants can share experiences and encourage one another. Group meetings, similar to popular programs like WeightWatchers, offer a supportive, judgment-free environment for participants.
- Access to Resources: Providing tools and resources such as meal plans, recipes, and fitness trackers. Robust library of recipes, meal plans and tools for meal selection.
- Medication Support: For some individuals, weight-loss medications may be an appropriate option. Real Appeal Rx® provides whole-person support addressing medication adherence, nutrition, physical activity and the emotional and social experiences of the GLP-1 weight loss medication journey.
Lauren Hutchens, National Director of Health Coaching at Marathon Health says, “When we run a program, we always look for a way to incorporate more than education. If someone wants to know how to lose weight, they can Google it. Our goal is to support patients in understanding how they can make the changes to support a healthy lifestyle that works for them."
Specific Examples of Employee Weight Loss Programs
Several companies offer weight loss programs designed specifically for employees. These programs vary in their approach and features, but all share the common goal of helping employees achieve a healthier weight. Some notable examples include:
- WeightWatchers for Business: This program offers flexible, self-directed methods for achieving weight loss goals and provides access to online communities for support.
- Weight Management Program by Livongo: Eligible members can receive a digital scale and ongoing support to manage their weight and improve their health.
- CVS Weight Management program: The CVS Weight Management program is a clinically rigorous solution that helps optimize the effectiveness of GLP-1s for weight loss for those that use them.
Financial Incentives and Coverage
To encourage participation and support employees in their weight loss journey, some employers offer financial incentives or cover the costs of weight loss programs and medications. For example:
- As a commitment to an employee's overall wellness, eligible plan participants are entitled to receive a rebate towards the cost of an approved Weight-Loss Program. The maximum rebate is $200 once every three plan years. The weight-loss benefit is available only to active employees who are enrolled in a State of Illinois employee health plan.
- FEP Blue Focus® members can get rewarded for having their annual physical every year.
- Many FDA-approved weight-loss medications can help reduce weight by at least 5%. Weight-loss drug prescriptions to treat obesity are covered for Service Benefit Plan members who meet eligibility criteria and get prior approval. FEP also covers procedures to treat morbid obesity. Note: Prior approval is required for surgery for morbid obesity.
Benefits for Employers
Investing in employee weight loss programs offers numerous benefits for employers, including:
Reducing Healthcare Costs
Healthier employees mean fewer medical claims and lower healthcare costs for the organization. Weight management programs can significantly reduce expenses related to obesity-related conditions. A 2023 study found that, for individuals who successfully reduced their weight (the study cohort reduced their BMI by an average of 23%), there was a substantial reduction in group health insurance payments: Where group insurance payments were similar at baseline, the study cohort had a 33% payment reduction at one year compared with only a 10% reduction in the control group.
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Enhancing Employee Productivity and Satisfaction
Healthier employees are generally happier and more productive. Multiple studies back up this claim, including a frequently-cited 2005 report that found that obesity results in substantial increases in medical costs and, more impactfully, absenteeism among full-time employees-the latter accounting for 30% of the total costs. By investing in weight management programs, companies can boost both employee morale and productivity, leading to a more engaged workforce.
Improving Health Outcomes
The primary goal of any wellness program is to improve the overall health of employees. For weight management programs, this means helping employees achieve and maintain a healthy weight, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In particular, wellness programs that focus on metabolic health may improve outcomes in the top four out of the ten most prevalent and costly conditions in the United States, per the CDC: obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease.
The Role of GLP-1 Medications
Pharmaceuticals like GLP-1s are one option for treating obesity which have also long been approved for treating type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Michelle Gourdine, Chief Medical Officer, CVS Caremark said, “The data are clear: GLP-1 weight-loss drugs work best when combined with nutrition, lifestyle support and proper dosing. The CVS Weight Management program is a clinically rigorous solution that helps optimize the effectiveness of GLP-1s for weight loss for those that use them."
Overcoming Challenges and Roadblocks
The path to begin a weight loss journey can often be full of roadblocks and challenges. On top of that, 42% of American adults2 are considered obese, a costly chronic disease that can lead to additional chronic comorbidities, like diabetes and heart disease.
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“Many adults say will power alone is not enough for successful weight loss, yet employers can often struggle with how to offer support,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial business.