The High Cost of Not Addressing Obesity

To attract and retain employees, employers need to provide competitive benefits and demonstrate an organizational commitment to improving access to healthcare and support for employee health and well-being. 

Obesity and overweight conditions are a significant driver of cost for employers and employees. And employees are increasingly coming to expect that their employer will offer benefits that cover obesity treatment.

Employers are facing increasing pressures and costs associated with covering weight loss medications.

The high cost of obesity is further amplified by emerging GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) obesity and weight loss medications.

What are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 agonists are medications that help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. There are many different types. And they’re just one part of an individual’s treatment plan for Type 2 diabetes or obesity. Newer weight loss drugs have turned their attention to gut hormones which are involved in appetite and weight regulation. The newest anti-obesity medication approved by the FDA is Tirzepatide, which is known as Zepbound (approved in 2023). This is a higher dose of the diabetes medication Mounjaro (approved in 2022).

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology guidelines recommend that medications in conjunction with lifestyle modifications be considered for all patients with a BMI of at least 27 if lifestyle change alone fails to halt weight gain.

According to the American Medical Association, anti-obesity medication and weight loss require a team-based care approach in addition to consulting with a physician, which includes Registered Dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and other health professionals who can help to support the optimum outcome of the medications through lifestyle modification.

Source: American Medical Association

Transforming the Approach to Weight Management

At Ramp Health, we understand that the journey to effective weight management and obesity control is multifaceted, requiring a blend of expertise, compassionate care, and innovative solutions. Our approach is designed to empower organizations to not only manage but also significantly reduce healthcare costs associated with obesity and overweight conditions, ensuring a healthier, more productive workforce.

A Uniquely Personalized Approach to Addressing Obesity and Weight Management in the Workplace

Ramp Health’s approach to obesity and weight management is pioneering and holistic, designed to tackle the complex challenges of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle in today’s fast-paced world. By combining the expertise of Health and Wellness Coaches and Registered Dietitians with cutting-edge digital health technology, Ramp Health addresses the fundamental aspects of lifestyle modification—physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and the reduction of alcohol and tobacco use. This comprehensive strategy is not just about losing weight; it’s about fostering lasting changes that promote overall health and prevent chronic conditions.

At the heart of Ramp Health’s methodology is the utilization of health data, including biometric screenings, physician forms, Health Risk Assessments (HRAs), and metrics gathered by health professionals. This data is crucial for stratifying risk among individuals, allowing for a personalized entry point into the program based on one’s risk level, specific health conditions, and, if applicable, the use of GLP-1 medications. From there, individuals are thoughtfully connected to Registered Dietitians (RDs) and/or Health and Wellness Coaches, integrating them into peer-based support groups for mutual encouragement and accountability.

Registered Dietitians (RDs) at Ramp Health play a pivotal role by delivering Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), which tailors nutrition plans to each individual’s needs, a critical factor in effective weight loss and obesity management. This personalized approach is complemented by the holistic support from Health and Wellness Coaches, who guide individuals in adopting comprehensive lifestyle changes. These changes include becoming more physically active, enhancing sleep quality and duration, building resilience to manage stress, and addressing the impact of tobacco and alcohol use on weight management.

Ramp Health offers an onsite deployment option for organizations looking to implement this program at the workplace. This approach brings Coaches and RDs directly to the worksite, enhancing visibility and accessibility of the program and encouraging proactive participation and healthy behavior change among employees. Ramp Health works closely with employers to tailor our onsite engagement strategies to meet the specific needs of their workforce and worksite, ensuring a customized and systematic approach to health improvement.

The inclusion of Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) in the program underscores Ramp Health’s commitment to effective medication management

A distinctive feature of Ramp Health’s program is its capacity to support participants who are medically advised to take GLP-1 drugs, ensuring they receive the necessary support to effectively manage their weight and associated health risks over time. These specialists play a crucial role in guiding participants in the use of GLP-1 drugs under the direction of their physician, enhancing the safety and efficacy of treatment. This specialized support is particularly valuable for employers, as it helps manage the costs associated with obesity and GLP-1 drug therapies by ensuring participants achieve long-lasting results.

Maximizing Engagement and Outcomes
Source: Aggregate reporting from Ramp Health coaching clients (1,000 employee locations and 400,000 employees)

The Program is Amplified through an Engaging and Innovative Digital Health Experience

Ramp Health’s digital health platform leverages technology to enhance access and engagement in a way that traditional methods cannot. Our innovative platform, accessible via both desktop and mobile app, is designed to maximize the impact of interactions with Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Health and Wellness Coaches. It provides a personalized and interactive experience that begins with a detailed walkthrough tutorial, guiding participants through their personalized platform experience and introducing them to the Living Health Risk Assessment (HRA).

Completion of the Living HRA and participation in periodic check-in questions throughout the platform initiate personalized content recommendations and actionable insights tailored to each participant’s unique health risks, needs, or interests, all aimed at achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. This approach ensures that participants receive the most relevant and effective advice and strategies to support their weight management journey.

Integration with wearable devices, such as physical activity trackers and Bluetooth-enabled scales, allows for the seamless transfer of personal health data to an individual’s profile, enabling precise tracking and measurement of progress toward their health goals. The data collected from these devices enriches the consultation sessions with RDs and Coaches, allowing for data-informed health interventions precisely when participants need them most.

Choose Ramp Health for a Healthier Tomorrow

The combined expertise of our Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Health and Wellness Coaches, integrated with a unique digital health experience, maximizes participant engagement and outcomes. This innovative approach addresses the challenges associated with GLP-1 use and costs and offers a timely and effective solution for individuals and organizations alike. By focusing on personalized, holistic care and leveraging the latest in digital health technology, Ramp Health delivers a superior weight management program that goes beyond temporary fixes to foster enduring health and well-being.

Ramp Health’s model is a testament to the power of combining professional medical guidance with a supportive community and innovative technology. It’s an approach that aims to manage obesity and transform lives through sustainable lifestyle changes, marking a significant leap forward in holistic health management.

Contact us today
to learn more about how our innovative solutions can support your goals in managing and reducing the costs associated with obesity and weight management.