Weight management is a multifaceted process, and finding the right support system is crucial for success. Everlywell's Weight Care+ program offers a modern solution by combining virtual care with personalized treatment plans, potentially making weight loss more accessible and manageable. This article delves into the Everlywell Weight Care+ program, exploring its features, benefits, and how it can help individuals achieve their weight management goals.
Understanding Weight Management
Weight management involves reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight through sustainable lifestyle habits. It is not limited to individuals with obesity; many people can benefit from strategies that promote healthy eating, regular physical activity, and overall well-being. Obesity is a complex disease influenced by various internal and external factors, including genetics, medical conditions, stress, and environmental factors.
Factors Affecting Weight Management
- Genetics: Research suggests that genes can influence appetite and metabolism, making weight management more challenging for some individuals.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and medications can affect weight, either by impairing physical activity or altering metabolism.
- Hormones: Hormones like insulin and thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolism and can impact weight management efforts.
- Stress: Stress can lead to mindless eating and the production of hormones like cortisol, which can increase appetite and contribute to weight gain.
- Environment: Access to healthy food options and supportive social environments can significantly impact weight management.
The Everlywell Weight Care+ Program
Everlywell's Weight Care+ program is designed to provide customized care plans based on individual weight goals. It offers access to virtual care visits with certified clinicians, personalized lifestyle recommendations, and the potential for GLP-1 prescriptions, if appropriate.
How Everlywell Weight Care+ Works
- Virtual Consultation: The program begins with a virtual consultation with a licensed clinician to discuss weight goals and medical history. The provider will evaluate medical history, including any appropriate lab testing that may be relevant to determining if weight loss medication may be for you. Your provider will discuss your personal health and weight-related goals, and help you design a personalized care plan.
- Personalized Care Plan: Based on the consultation, the clinician creates a personalized care plan that may include lifestyle recommendations and a prescription for weight loss medication, such as a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Regular Check-ins: Patients have regular virtual check-ins with their clinician to monitor progress, adjust medication if needed, and receive ongoing support.
- Lab Testing: While not mandatory before prescribing GLP-1 medications, lab testing is recommended. Recommended labs include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), hemoglobin A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and a lipid panel.
Components of the Program
- Virtual Care Visits: Access to certified clinicians for personalized consultations and ongoing support.
- GLP-1 Medication (If Appropriate): GLP-1 medications may be prescribed to help regulate appetite and reduce food intake.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Customized guidance on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors to support weight management.
- Insurance Navigation: Assistance with navigating insurance coverage for medications and lab tests.
- At-home lab tests: As part of the program, users outside of NY can get an included at-home lab test each quarter (Heart Health, Cholesterol & Lipids, HbA1c). At-home lab tests are not available to NY residents due to state regulation of laboratory testing.
Cost and Commitment
The Weight Care+ program costs $99 a month with an initial 12-month commitment or $139 a month with an initial 3-month commitment. The membership fee is not covered by insurance. However, lab tests and medications may be covered depending on your insurance plan. If you are uninsured, underinsured, or if the medication is not covered by your insurance, your provider may be able to help you find a prescription discount card. If you are unable to use insurance or a discount card, GLP-1 prescription medication costs may range from $900 to $1,400 for a one-month supply. The Everlywell Weight Care+ program requires a 3-month or 12-month commitment, depending on your plan.
GLP-1 Medications and Zepbound®
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by stimulating the GLP-1 hormone, which leads to the secretion of insulin and slows the emptying of the stomach. This helps people feel full longer and can aid in weight loss. Zepbound® is one of the GLP-1 medications available through the Everlywell Weight Care+ program.
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Benefits of Zepbound®
When combined with healthy lifestyle changes, Zepbound® has been shown to support weight loss. In one study, adults taking Zepbound® for 72 weeks lost an average of 34 to 48 lbs, depending on dosage. In addition to weight loss, taking Zepbound® resulted in improved cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, and improved glycemic control.
Side Effects of Zepbound®
There are some side effects associated with Zepbound®, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort, injection site reactions, fatigue, allergic reactions, burping, hair loss, and gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux). Zepbound® causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats; however, no studies have observed this effect in humans as of yet.
Alternative Medications
If you are denied prior authorization for GLP-1s or are otherwise ineligible, you may be eligible for alternate medications such as naltrexone;bupropion, orlistat, or metformin.
Is Everlywell Weight Care+ Right for You?
The Everlywell Weight Care+ program may be a good fit for individuals who:
- Have struggled with weight management through traditional means.
- Are looking for a convenient and accessible way to connect with healthcare professionals.
- Want a personalized care plan tailored to their individual needs.
- Are interested in exploring GLP-1 medication as a potential weight loss option.
- Desire support for other weight-related conditions, such as prediabetes or high cholesterol.
The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
It's important to note that medication is just one component of a successful weight management plan. Lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, are essential for long-term weight management.
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Strategies for Weight Management
- Set SMART Goals: Setting specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound goals can make the weight management process more manageable.
- Exercise Frequently: Finding an exercise you enjoy is important for weight management.
- Eat Whole Foods: Eating a variety of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, can help manage weight.
- Eat Mindfully: Planning your meals, including portion sizes and timing, are ways to eat mindfully.
Telehealth Weight Management: A Modern Approach
Telehealth weight management programs offer a structured, supportive approach to weight loss, all from the convenience of your home. They typically follow a phased approach, starting with assessments and personalized plan creation, followed by ongoing support and adjustments as you progress.
Benefits of Telehealth Weight Management
- Convenience: Telehealth eliminates the need for commuting and rigid scheduling, making it easier to fit appointments into a busy lifestyle.
- Personalized Care: Telehealth programs offer customized plans based on individual needs, preferences, and health data.
- Accountability: Consistent support and accountability through regular virtual check-ins, messaging, and online resources.
- Privacy: The privacy and comfort of managing your weight loss journey from home.
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