Maximizing GLP-1 Investment: The Secret Sauce of Wraparound Programs
You know that a GLP-1 wraparound program is crucial for meaningful, long-term weight loss and maintenance. But what’s the secret sauce of successful...
Maximizing GLP-1 Investment: The Secret Sauce of Wraparound Programs
You know that a GLP-1 wraparound program is crucial for meaningful, long-term weight loss and maintenance. But what’s the secret sauce of successful program? A support system of expert coaches and a judgment-free community of other members on similar weight health journeys.
It’s now clear that GLP-1s are effective in treating overweight and obesity, and even more so with behavioral support. We also know that feeling connected to community can enhance and increase engagement. Greater engagement translates into better program and medication adherence, which means better outcomes — even after discontinuing medication.
The secret sauce? Community
Weight Watchers offers a judgment-free community where members can connect with other members on similar weight health journeys, take part in virtual and in-person workshops, and rely on a support system of expert coaches. The community aspect of the program helps counter the social isolation that some GLP-1 users experience.
In addition, the WW app features a members-only social network called “Connect,” which includes affinity groups based on shared backgrounds and experiences. Members can find new connections who are on a similar weight health journey, in the same stage of life, with shared interests, or with relatable lived experiences. These groups provide a space for members to interact with like-minded individuals, share their wins, discuss struggles, and build supportive relationships. Members can create their profiles, add their own posts and follow other members within the Connect social network.
Multiply the power of GLP-1s with a highly effective wraparound program
While GLP-1 medications are effective, integrating them with a comprehensive wraparound program can significantly enhance results and maximize ROI. In fact, Weight Watchers Med+ members prescribed a GLP-1 medication who engaged regularly with the GLP-1 Success Program lost 29.1% more body weight at 12 months, on average, than those who did not engage in behavioral support.1
Adherence is key to successful weight loss with GLP-1s. A wraparound program improves medication adherence by providing added support and motivation. When employees face challenges like navigating side effects or out-of-pocket costs, a wraparound program can provide ongoing education and encouragement to help them stay motivated and committed to their weight health goals.
Wraparound programs go beyond the medication itself to address lifestyle factors, which can enhance weight loss and increase metabolic impact. Programs designed to support GLP-1 effectiveness can lead to lower overall healthcare costs for employers, maximizing the employer’s investment in GLP-1 coverage.
We’ve held the key to weight management all along
Lifestyle change remains the foundation for all weight loss. By fostering adherence and engagement, wraparound programs aim to help individuals maintain their progress even after they stop taking the medication, if deemed clinically appropriate. These programs demonstrate a commitment to employee health and well-being, meeting each member where they are on their weight management journey.
Weight Watchers is known for their experience in providing personalized weight management programs, including the GLP-1 Success Program for GLP-1 users. For employers not currently covering GLP-1s, a behavioral weight management program is still a worthwhile investment and can provide support to employees across their weight health journey, including those prescribed GLP-1s by their primary care provider. In these cases, Weight Watchers offers clinically effective weight management programs that can help improve the health of a population to help drive down the surround medical costs.
Weight Watchers is a trusted leader in weight management, combining science and community, and helping our millions of members live their healthiest lives. We can design a program for each population and build a deployment strategy designed to support goals for cost containment, weight management, and results beyond the scale. We can also work in concert with an employer’s own clinic, PBM, and health plan to make the member experience more seamless.
Employers who are looking for ways to balance GLP-1 access with responsible use can leverage Weight Watchers' expertise to optimize their GLP-1 and weight management strategies. Our full-spectrum program supports GLP-1 medication adherence for improved health outcomes and cost savings. Contact us with your questions about implementing a wraparound program that kicks it up a notch with the secret sauce for success.
1 Based on an internal analysis of 3,325 members who requested at least 1 GLP-1 medication refill through Weight Watchers Med+ and self-reported both a starting weight and weight at week 52. On average, members who logged in to the GLP-1 Success Program at least 4 days each week (n=376) lost 22.20% body weight, and members who never logged in to the app (n=2,949) lost 17.20% body weight in 52 weeks. Not a randomized, controlled clinical trial.
