The buzz around GLP-1s at HLTH further confirmed that these medications are here to stay. As organizations make benefits and coverage decisions, it’s imperative to look beyond the immediate weight loss results of GLP-1s and recognize the expanding application and impact on a growing list of chronic conditions like heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
While the clinical efficacy of GLP-1s is clear, the challenge of balancing the financial reality of these costly medications with the greatest return on investment remains. Long-term success hinges on strategically expanding access while managing costs by integrating GLP-1 coverage with comprehensive behavior change support. This wraparound approach helps to drive adherence and maximize impact, supporting sustainable lifestyle change and lasting results.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept; it is actively reshaping the value delivered to employees and members today. Advancements in AI tools are moving weight health away from “one-size-fits-all” generic advice toward personalized, data-driven experiences that keep the individual at the center.
This means that members can receive real-time coaching, intuitive food tracking, and fitness recommendations tailored to their unique biology and lifestyle, which in turn improves motivation, engagement, and adherence. The result is a more effective and sustainable path to weight health, which translates directly into lower long-term claims costs and a healthier, more productive workforce.
For employers and health plans, the greatest investment is in helping people live longer, healthier lives. This requires a shift from reactive care to proactive, preventive medicine that targets the root cause of chronic illness. Prioritizing comprehensive weight health and sustainable behavior change helps to create a powerful ripple effect that limits the progression of costly co-morbidities.
Dr. Kim Boyd, WeightWatchers Chief Medical Officer, spoke about this at HLTH during the “Longevity Wonder Drugs” session. The panel of experts discussed how GLP-1s could not only help us live longer, but also live healthier lives.
“GLP-1s are absolutely game-changing medications,” she told the audience. “They allow us to treat obesity from a root-cause, biological way that wasn't possible before—delivering results comparable to bariatric surgery.” She noted how GLP-1 medications also touch the biology of aging itself, impacting inflammation, the microbiome, nutrient sensing, mitochondrial function, and more.
Overweight and obesity are linked to a number of other chronic conditions – from diabetes to hypertension and a number of cancers. Implementing solutions that drive behavioral and lifestyle change is an effective lever for extending the healthy lifespans and ensuring the long-term sustainability of benefit spending. Starting with effective weight management is an impactful way to prevent further disease progression, reduce claims volume, and lower the impact of chronic conditions across your population.
In an era of rapid health tech innovation, cost remains a top concern for consumers, employers, and the entire healthcare ecosystem. And point solution fatigue is a top priority. Effective solutions must integrate seamlessly within your existing benefits ecosystem and demonstrate a clear path to ROI.
Minimizing administrative burden and friction during implementation is the key to a cost-effective solution rollout. Organizations should look for partners with a collaborative and straightforward approach to integration and implementation to help support enrollment and drive engagement quickly and efficiently.
In case you missed it, the biggest news from HLTH cemented WeightWatchers’ position as the essential strategic partner for organizations looking to invest in long-term employee health and see a tangible impact on their benefits spend:
GLP-1s, cost, and expanding access with the WeightWatchers RxFlexFund™
WeightWatchers launched the RxFlexFund™, a new employer model designed to help solve the critical GLP-1 challenge of access versus cost. This innovative solution combines pharma-direct pricing for GLP-1s with flexible employer subsidies paired with proven comprehensive clinical weight management through WeightWatchers Clinic. This offers a predictable, cost-effective, and fully supported pathway to provide this essential care without the budgetary uncertainty of traditional coverage models.
Innovation, convenience, and scalability
We announced a major collaboration with Amazon Pharmacy to significantly increase medication delivery speed, convenience, and savings for our WeightWatchers Clinic members. Members can now benefit from real-time medication availability checks, the automatic application of manufacturer savings at checkout, and enhanced delivery options, including free two-day shipping for Prime members. This partnership drastically improves the member experience and the operational efficiency of medication fulfillment.
Proven results and ROI
The latest Annual Results Report confirms our clinical superiority and the economic value of our program. The data shows WeightWatchers Clinic members lost an average of 19.4% of their body weight at 12 months with medications. The program also generated measurable health improvements, including a nearly one-point (0.9) HbA1c reduction with continuous glucose monitoring for members living with diabetes, and an 84% rate of normal blood pressure achieved by WeightWatchers Clinic members with high blood pressure. These clinical outcomes translate directly into improved work-related quality of life and potential cost savings of up to $2,363 per person annually for employers, modeling a powerful return on investment.
HLTH 2025 confirmed that the future of weight health is integrated, personalized, innovative, and driven by clinical outcomes. Developing an effective strategy for GLP-1s, leveraging AI for personalized health, investing in innovative solutions to help employees live longer, healthier lives, all while creatively and effectively managing costs is not an impossible feat with the right partner.
As organizations finalize benefit strategies and prepare for 2026 and beyond, WeightWatchers stands ready to partner, offering clinically proven solutions built on behavior change science that deliver long-term value for your employees and your organization.
Download the 2025 Buyer’s Guide to help cut through the noise of selecting a long-term strategic partner for weight management.