Managing obesity care for employees is an increasingly complex challenge—especially with the rising costs of GLP-1 and other weight loss medications. In a recent webinar titled Comprehensive Obesity Care: GLP-1 and Beyond, experts from Noom and Accolade came together to discuss how their innovative partnership addresses this issue. Combining personalized healthcare navigation with behavior change science, this collaboration offers a comprehensive solution to help employers manage costs while improving employee well-being.

Read on for key takeaways from the event and information on how to catch a replay.

Tackling Obesity: The challenges and solutions

The rising cost of GLP-1 medications is a pressing issue for many employers, particularly those offering comprehensive health benefits. In fact, around 80% of Accolade’s large employers offer GLP-1s for weight loss, leading to a significant 15-20% increase in pharmacy spending from 2022 to 2023, with nearly 60% of that increase attributed to these medications.*

For HR benefits leaders, this presents a dual challenge: managing the high cost of medications while ensuring employees receive the best care for sustainable weight loss. The recent addition of Noom to Accolade's Trusted Partner Ecosystem (Noom joins Virta Health in the diabetes/weight management category) provides Accolade customers with an attractive option for weight loss and metabolic health support, a comprehensive program rooted in behavior science and evidence-based medicine.

Transforming employee health with Noom and Accolade

Accolade offers clinical expertise and personalized healthcare navigation. It supports employees by offering access to virtual primary care, mental health services, second opinions, and more. Employees can engage with Accolade’s Care Team through an app or a phone call to get answers to any healthcare or benefits-related questions, simplifying their healthcare journey.

On the other hand, Noom is renowned for its behavior change programs, which have been helping people achieve lasting weight loss and better health outcomes for over 15 years. Their psychology-based approach focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes and weight management through coaching, digital support, and comprehensive health programs. 

Together, Accolade and Noom provide a powerful combination of services that enable employees to receive tailored obesity care, including appropriate use of GLP-1 medications when necessary. This partnership ensures that employees get not just a prescription but also the support needed to achieve long-term success.

Clinical rigor and behavioral support for GLP-1 medications

One of the core strengths of this partnership is the thoughtful integration of clinical care and behavioral support. GLP-1 medications are highly effective for weight loss, but without proper management, they can lead to challenges like muscle loss instead of fat loss or quick weight regain after discontinuation. The Noom and Accolade partnership addresses this by offering a holistic program that integrates behavioral change strategies, such as improved nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep optimization, to ensure sustainable results.

Accolade’s clinical experts carefully evaluate each employee's medical condition to ensure that GLP-1 medications are prescribed only when appropriate. They also provide ongoing care to help employees maintain their progress. By combining Accolade’s clinical rigor with Noom’s behavior change support, employees are set up for long-term success, even after tapering off medication.

During the webinar, speakers emphasized that this holistic care is essential for preventing the “yo-yo effect” of weight loss and gain, which is common when medication use isn’t supported by lifestyle changes. Through this partnership, employees not only lose weight but also maintain improved metabolic health and prevent future chronic conditions.

Real member experiences and success stories

Noom members are experiencing transformative changes in their health journeys. Participants have shared impressive results, including significant weight loss, improved metabolic health, and a renewed sense of control over their well-being.

For example, one member reported finding new ways to enjoy eating healthy, while another stated they felt empowered to finally win the battle against obesity. Both individuals attributed their success to the support they received from the combined efforts of Noom’s behavioral science and personalized guidance.  

Why HR benefits leaders should care

The Noom and Accolade partnership doesn’t just benefit employees—it also provides significant value to employers. By reducing reliance on costly medications and offering employees the tools they need for long-term success, this partnership helps lower overall healthcare costs and improves employee well-being. The return on investment is clear: better health outcomes for employees lead to reduced medical expenses, fewer chronic conditions, and a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Watch the webinar to learn more

The Noom and Accolade partnership offers a comprehensive solution to the growing challenge of obesity care and the high cost of GLP-1 medications. By combining personalized healthcare navigation with evidence-based behavior change programs, this collaboration provides employers with a powerful tool to help their employees achieve long-term success in weight management.

If you’re an HR leader looking for effective strategies to improve employee health while managing costs, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear directly from Accolade and Noom clinicians and leaders. Watch the full webinar and learn more about how the Noom and Accolade partnership can benefit your organization today.

*Accolade internal data