As of 2023, all U.S. states and territories reported adult obesity rates exceeding 20%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This growing concern has sparked new approaches to obesity treatment, particularly the rise of GLP-1 medications. However, questions still linger about how to provide long-term, effective solutions that balance cost, outcomes, and patient engagement.
One company at the forefront of this change is Calibrate, a leader in metabolic health that pairs evidence-based medications with personalized lifestyle coaching. In a recent interview, Advisory Board spoke with Rob MacNaughton, Board Director at Calibrate, to discuss the evolving landscape of obesity management. MacNaughton has extensive experience in health leadership, with roles at Cambia Health Solutions, Curve Health, and NurseGrid, and as Venture Chair at Redesign Health, where he helped build and expand several health tech companies.
Here, MacNaughton shares insights on employer strategies, the role of GLP-1 medications, and the future of healthcare delivery in addressing obesity.
How has the weight management industry changed in recent years?
The field of obesity management has seen significant transformation in the last five to seven years. Historically, the industry was fragmented, with a blurred distinction between cosmetic concerns and serious health conditions. Today, obesity is increasingly recognized as a critical part of modern healthcare. Breakthrough medications like GLP-1s have played a central role in this evolution, driving both awareness and interest in obesity treatment.
While these drugs offer a powerful tool in managing obesity, MacNaughton emphasizes that they are not a “magic pill.” Their effectiveness, when combined with growing public awareness of obesity as a chronic disease, has spurred significant progress in the field.
What is the impact of obesity in the U.S. workforce on the healthcare system?
Obesity is linked to numerous chronic conditions that contribute to high healthcare costs. It’s not just a standalone issue but a multiplier that exacerbates conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. For employers, who are the largest purchasers of healthcare in the U.S., addressing obesity is both a responsibility and a business priority. Beyond the medical costs, obesity leads to more missed workdays, lower productivity, and increased disability claims, all of which strain both employers and the healthcare system.
As a result, many employers are actively seeking better solutions to reduce these costs while improving employee health and engagement.
How are obesity-related healthcare costs affecting employer-sponsored health plans?
Over the past decade, employers have faced rising premiums, with an increasing portion of the workforce classified as overweight or obese. Given the advancements in weight management, such as medications combined with lifestyle interventions, many employers view these solutions as a way to reduce costs and improve healthcare outcomes.
The most effective approaches, MacNaughton notes, are those that integrate evidence-based strategies and are accountable. Employers should partner with clinical centers of excellence to ensure employees receive the right medication at the right time, resulting in improved outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
How should employers assess the costs and benefits of medications like GLP-1s?
While GLP-1 medications are an effective tool for weight management, MacNaughton stresses that they are not a standalone solution. Sustainable lifestyle changes are necessary to prevent weight from returning once the medication stops. Employers should consider the long-term benefits of these medications, including reduced comorbidities, improved employee productivity, and better retention, which contribute to a strong return on investment (ROI).
The best results come from combining medication with structured support to drive lasting metabolic improvements, which ultimately lowers healthcare costs and enhances productivity.
What challenges do employers face when choosing a weight management program?
Employers often struggle with navigating the complex and evolving obesity management landscape. With medications like GLP-1s gaining attention, employers must contend with rising costs, market noise, and shifting pricing. Additionally, they face challenges in ensuring patient engagement and measuring ROI effectively.
What should employers look for in a weight management program?
When choosing a partner for a weight management program, employers should prioritize clinical credibility, measurable outcomes, and employee engagement. The most effective programs integrate medication with lifestyle changes, offering a holistic approach to obesity treatment that drives long-term benefits like reduced healthcare costs and improved health outcomes.
How does healthcare provider consolidation impact the cost and quality of care?
While consolidation can lead to efficiencies, MacNaughton warns that it may also result in higher costs and reduced access if not managed carefully. For chronic conditions like obesity, overly standardized care can undermine outcomes. Employers must ensure that partnerships with consolidated systems focus on personalization, data sharing, and tracking outcomes to maintain care quality.
How can health plans improve care for chronic conditions amid provider consolidation?
Health plans are increasingly focused on value-based care, where providers are rewarded for outcomes rather than volume. This shift, particularly for chronic conditions like obesity, emphasizes access to multidisciplinary care teams, digital tools for engagement, and treatments like GLP-1s. Customization and flexibility, though costlier, allow plans to deliver more effective solutions.
What trends in obesity management should employers monitor?
The obesity management landscape is continuously evolving. MacNaughton points to advancements in medications, including next-generation GLP-1s and combination therapies, as well as innovations in digital platforms and AI-driven personalization. Technology will play a key role in expanding access to care and improving patient engagement. Employers should also keep an eye on outcome-based pricing and value-based care models, which align incentives across all stakeholders.
As the recognition of obesity as a disease continues to grow, MacNaughton predicts stronger regulatory support, shifting the focus from lifestyle choice to clinical treatment.
About Calibrate
Calibrate is transforming weight management with a clinically proven, outcomes-based program that delivers lasting weight loss and long-term healthcare savings. Unlike traditional GLP-1-only approaches that often result in weight regain, Calibrate integrates medication, expert care, and personalized behavior change for sustained results.
With nationwide access to board-certified obesity medicine physicians, Calibrate helps reduce overall healthcare costs while improving employee health and well-being. By addressing obesity as a root cause of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, Calibrate is helping employers improve health outcomes while reducing long-term costs.
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