DALLAS, Texas, July 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A recent survey conducted by Wondr Health, an industry leader in behavior change programs for weight and obesity management, highlighted lifestyle modification support as the top factor individuals consider when taking a weight loss medication. While consumer demand for GLP-1 medications remains a hot topic, these findings are especially important for employers evaluating 2025 health benefits that are cost-effective, deliver measurable results and meet the diverse needs of their employees.
Wondr Health conducted a survey in June, asking participants to identify and select multiple answers to the most important factors to consider when taking a weight-loss medication. 775 Wondr Health participants across more than 50 employer and health plan clients responded, ranking the following factors in order of importance:
Support for lifestyle changes – 77.9% Doctor supervision – 69.9% Overall effectiveness – 69.3% Potential side effects – 69.2% Loss of muscle tissue – 63.5% Cost – 57.3% Possibility of weight regain – 54.7% Mental health support – 54.5%FDA approved – 38.6% Effects of long-term use – 34.3%
“In terms of engagement and outcomes, the findings support our published research showing that participants who use the Wondr program consistently over a 12-month period can achieve and maintain clinically significant weight loss,” said Tim Church, MD, MPH, PhD, chief medical officer at Wondr Health. “When people have access to lifestyle change support that’s customized to their individual needs, they’re more likely to put in the effort to lose weight and improve their health.”
Regardless of how employers choose to cover GLP-1 medications, behavior change is the foundation for improving and maintaining health outcomes. Today, more than 1,000 employers and 80 health plans have added Wondr behavior change programs to their benefit plans for 10 million employees. In 2023, Wondr expanded its capabilities to provide clinical support, customized medication management, and prescriptions to employers who cover GLP-1 and other weight loss medications.
“Employers have options beyond just covering GLP-1 for the treatment of obesity,” said Scott Paddock, CEO of Wondr Health. “With our proven behavior change program alone, employers can significantly improve the health of their employees and expect a 2.1x ROI from Wondr.”
To learn more about how Wondr works for employers, visit https://wondrhealth.com/partners/employers/ .
About Wonder Health
Wondr Health improves access to digital, evidence-based behavioral support for holistic weight and obesity management. Founded in employee benefits more than 15 years ago, Wondr is a clinically proven behavior change program that treats the root causes of chronic metabolic disease to improve quality of life and health outcomes, and prevent and reduce costs. Leveraging data-driven engagement expertise and personalized programming, supported by expert content and coaching, Wondr helps everyone lose weight long-term, improve movement, reduce stress and anxiety, build healthy eating habits, and improve sleep. A flexible and scalable program, Wondr is the foundation for organizations with advanced clinical capabilities, including customized prescriptions and medication management, for weight loss medications. Learn more at www.wondrhealth.com.
###