Weight management is a journey, not a destination. The Ohio State University (OSU) offers a variety of programs and resources to support individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals. Whether you're looking for personalized guidance, virtual support, or family-based programs, OSU provides a comprehensive approach to weight management.
Understanding the Need for Weight Management
In recent times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have experienced weight gain. Shedding these extra pounds and regaining motivation can be challenging. It's crucial to prioritize self-care and seek effective strategies for weight management. Everyone can benefit from weight management, even if they don't think they need to lose weight.
Assessing Body Weight and BMI
Assessing body weight can be somewhat tricky. Body mass index (BMI) is a tool commonly used to evaluate health risk. A BMI from 18.5 up to 25 is associated with a healthy weight. A BMI of 30 is an indication of overweight. However, it's important to note that BMI has limitations. Some individuals may be healthy and yet their weight may not be a health risk. Individuals with a high amount of muscle mass are good examples of such individuals. Others may have a BMI within the desired range, but a large percent of their body weight is fat.
Ohio State's Comprehensive Weight Management Program
For over 20 years, the Comprehensive Weight Management Program at Ohio State has been producing results that surpass the National Institutes of Health expected weight-loss average. This program helps individuals select the most appropriate strategy based on their unique needs and goals.
Nonsurgical Weight Loss Programs
Ohio State offers a range of nonsurgical weight loss programs, including:
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- Living Well Phase 2: This six-month program is a continuation of the first Living Well program with progressively less structure. Designed for those who are self-motivated and looking for personalized guidance in achieving better health, this program is ideal for participants with a BMI under 35 and focuses on the basics of weight loss.
The OSU Health Plan and Weight Management Resources
The OSU Health Plan (OSUHP) is committed to helping you improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Ohio State University Health Plan offers additional weight management resources through Your Plan for Health (YP4H).
Coverage of GLP-1 Medications
Coverage of certain medications used for weight-loss; Wegovy, Zepbound and Saxenda, will continue through December 31, 2025. These medications require participation in Omada, a virtual health program, administered through Express Scripts’ EncircleRx as well as meeting certain coverage requirements.
Starting January 1, 2026, GLP-1 medications will only be covered by The Ohio State University Faculty and Staff Health Plan when they are prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; GLP-1 coverage for any other uses will be discontinued. These medications and their generic equivalents include, but are not limited to, Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide) and Zepbound (trizepatide).
There is a 30-day supply limit for GLP-1 medications used for weight loss.
If all the requirements are not met, the Plan will not cover any portion of the cost of GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
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Omada: A Virtual Health Program
Omada has partnered with Express Scripts, Ohio State’s prescription drug vendor, to provide virtual programs that help provide support for health conditions. The health coaches available to you through their program are experts in weight-loss and obesity disease management, and through the program, you have access to tools and support resources to help manage weight and achieve additional health benefits. Omada can help you build healthy routines around what you like to do and where you need the most support.
Active engagement is defined as four weigh-ins and four app engagements per month. App engagements are not restrictive or specifically defined because everyone’s journey is unique and different. An engagement can be a completed lesson, a conversation with your health coach, meal tracking, adding to a peer group conversation, completing an exercise goal or many of the other activities offered by Omada. A weigh-in simply requires stepping on your scale each week and allowing it to record your weight for the day.
Why the Change in GLP-1 Coverage?
After a thorough analysis, it was determined that continuing to cover medications for weight loss is not sustainable for all enrolled members who are required to share in the total plan cost. Maintaining coverage would have required significantly raising costs for all employees. The change in GLP-1 coverage enables the university to minimize employee contribution increases and preserve other medical benefit coverage in 2026. Plan coverage for GLP-1 medications will continue when prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and the Plan’s medical criteria has been met.
If you are currently using a GLP-1 medication for any indication other than type 2 diabetes, speak with your health care provider to explore alternative options and determine the best path forward for your health.
Cost of Medications
The price of different types and forms of medications for weight management varies depending on pharmacy, location and available discount programs. Pharmaceutical companies offer discounts for certain medications through self-pay savings programs.
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Weight Management Principles: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
Weight management should be viewed as an on-going process. A realistic weight loss goal also needs a realistic time frame. Weight loss is slow, not more than 1/2 to 2 pounds per week.
Healthy Eating
The first component of weight management deals with healthy eating. There is nothing magical and no specific food must be included or avoided. The key is to follow the guidelines set forth by the USDA MyPlate Plan. A modest reduction in calorie intake may be recommended for weight loss. However, severely restricting calories can be counter productive. The goal is adequate nutrition without being excessive. One pound of body fat is equivalent to 3500 calories; therefore, to lose one pound, you must consume 3500 calories less than your calorie expenditure. Lowering calorie intake does not mean restricting food intake. Another way to lower calories is to adjust portion size.
Physical Activity
The second component of weight management is to increase physical activity. Increasing aerobic activity is one of the best ways to increase physical activity. Activities such as walking, running, and swimming are higher intensity, but performed for a shorter period of time. Lower intensity exercises are lower intensity, but performed for a longer period of time. Physical activity also provides psychological advantages. It helps you feel and look healthy and thus can improve self-esteem.
The Benefits of Muscle Mass
Muscle mass is important because muscles burn more calories than fat. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories they will burn throughout the day. This may not show as a rapid change in weight, but it is a more healthy change.
Weight Management for Children and Families
The Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition offers a comprehensive approach to weight management for children 2 years and older. The Center’s mission is to empower children and families to build a foundation for healthy lifestyles through clinical care, education, research, community engagement, and advocacy. We offer family-based weight management programs through medicine and surgery.
The Center provides a versatile team approach when caring for your child. Our team is made up of pediatric physicians, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, physical therapists, psychologists, nurses, and a social worker. They all specialize in weight management and give the highest level of care to ensure your child and family’s success.
Family-Based Medical Weight Management Programs
The family-based medical weight management programs are designed for children 2 years of age and older. The Center works to prevent childhood obesity and improve care for children with obesity by training health care providers through Project ECHO. We’re also committed to improving the health and well-being of our community.
Bariatric Surgery for Teens
In our series of short videos, Marc Michalsky, MD, discusses the three types of weight loss surgery available for teens to combat obesity and the benefits, risks, advantages and disadvantages of each.
Strategies for Successful Weight Management
- Patience: Remember slow gradual change will provide the results that last.
- Apply the “90% Rule:” Make the right choices most of the time. Eat the right foods and do the right amount of physical activity.
- Avoid going “on” or “off” a diet: Weight management is an on-going process, not one that is started or stopped.