The payers’ guide to helping Medicare-eligible population lose weight
It’s no secret that as we age our bodies change. More than 40% of people in the Medicare-eligible population are living with obesity, which can contribute to frailty, cognitive impairment, and other chronic issues associated with aging, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health conditions.
We know that lifestyle interventions are effective for weight loss, but for older adults, a more realistic option is an accessible digital program. However, the efficacy of digital programs for weight loss in this age group is often questioned.
I recently co-led a study, featured in Frontiers in Aging, demonstrating the effectiveness of a more accessible digital intervention for weight loss in older adults. The findings? A proven behavioral-change program, such as Wondr, can help those over 65 years old lose weight, even in the presence of chronic conditions. These findings are significant given the fact that losing as little as 5% of one’s body weight can have substantial benefits on their overall health, such as decreasing hypertension and blood pressure.1
Let’s get into the details:
- The study evaluated 20,443 adults between 65 and 85 years of age with overweight (43.3%) or obesity (46.7%)
- Participants enrolled in Wondr and received access to the skills-based, science-backed curriculum through weekly video lessons in the platform along with weight and physical activity tracking, an online community, a reference library with resources for healthy aging, and coaching support
- Weight was reported across weeks of engagement in the curriculum
The results:
- The average weight loss was statistically significant at nearly 7 pounds at 15.5 weeks
- Male participants lost an average of 8.36 pounds
- Female participants lost an average of 6.33 pounds
- Longer engagement in the program was associated with more pounds lost
The value of this data extends to Medicare Advantage plan sponsors looking to add diverse digital therapy options that meet the new reporting requirements for supplemental benefits for people with chronic conditions. Providing your population with an evidence-based program with meaningful outcomes proves your dedication to improving the health and quality of life for your population, no matter their age or stage of life.