Obesity is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, with nearly 74 percent of U.S. adults classified as overweight or obese. The implications for employers are significant: skyrocketing healthcare costs, declining productivity, and the erosion of overall employee well-being.
While many employers recognize the importance of covering weight loss medications like GLP-1s, the financial burden is often unsustainable. This has led to a growing interest in point solutions that can offset these costs while expanding the reach of weight management programs. However, not all corporate medical weight loss solutions are created equal.
A truly sustainable solution includes several key building blocks that drive effectiveness and long-term success. Here are the critical components you should look for:
1. A Holistic Approach
Many programs only offer an either/or model. They may offer access to GLP-1 therapies only – with zero clinical oversight and care management. Or they only offer care management and lifestyle modification components. An effective solution combines both.
2. Cost Control Levers
By focusing on cost control, employers can make weight management programs more accessible and financially viable for their organizations. For GLP-1 medications, this can be accomplished by offering brand-name therapies as well as high-quality compounded options. Not only does this approach lead to significantly lower costs for employers and employees, but it also supports unique budget needs and helps ensure patients have uninterrupted access to safe, effective therapies despite brand manufacturer shortages.
3. Expert Clinical Care and Personalized Treatment Plans
Access to expert clinical care is the cornerstone of a successful weight management program. Clinicians should be certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) and offer evidence-based treatments and personalized guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. Their expertise helps patients navigate their weight loss journey with confidence and care, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
Successful weight management is also about recognizing that everyone’s weight loss journey is unique, which means moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Personalized care plans that address specific needs and goals are essential. An effective program will integrate the following elements to provide comprehensive, individualized support:
- Convenient Access to Care: Telehealth and mobile apps simplify weight loss by providing convenient, real-time access to ABOM-certified experts and personalized tracking tools. They enable users to manage their weight loss journey on their terms by seamlessly fitting into daily routines, providing continuous monitoring and feedback, and making it easier for clinicians to adjust plans as needed.
- Supportive Online Community: Having a support system is crucial for anyone on a weight loss journey. In today’s social media world, having a strong, supportive online community – composed of others facing similar challenges – has been shown to improve motivation, encouragement, and accountability.
4. Choice and Flexibility in Program Design
Employers must have the flexibility to design a weight management program that fits their budget while still providing high-quality care. This involves offering a range of options that can be tailored to different financial constraints without compromising the effectiveness of the program. For example, can you choose between brand-name and compounded options? Are there employee cost share options to balance the cost to the plan? Flexibility also allows for adjustments as organizational needs and resources evolve.
5. Greater Control Over Future Benefit Costs
The ideal program will help address current plan needs and provide control over future benefit costs. For example, structured, safe weight loss programs reduce the inappropriate use of diabetes programs and mitigate the risk of escalating healthcare expenses, ensuring long-term health benefits and financial stability.
6. Real-Time Insight into Program Performance
Automated analytics and reporting tools let you track key metrics such as member compliance, cost reductions, and overall health outcomes. By leveraging real-time analytics, companies can swiftly identify trends, make data-driven adjustments, and ensure that the program delivers on its promises. This level of visibility and responsiveness not only enhances program effectiveness but also helps in demonstrating the tangible benefits of investing in employee health and well-being.
Evaluate Your Medical Weight Loss Program: Key Questions to Consider
Watch this video to learn some essential questions you should ask to determine if your medical weight loss program addresses the critical building blocks for success.
Putting It All Together: The Right Solution for Your Organization
Building a sustainable weight management program requires careful consideration of the key components outlined above. However, choosing the right partner to implement these strategies is equally important.
That’s where Ivím at Work with Xevant comes in. Our program offers a comprehensive approach that checks all the boxes, combining flexible plan and employee cost-share options, convenient access to affordable GLP-1 therapies, and top-tier care management and clinical oversight. By partnering with us, you can enhance employee health, well-being, and satisfaction while positively impacting your bottom line and laying the foundation for long-term success.
Are you ready to build a sustainable medical weight management program for your employees? Let us help.
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