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The path of least resistance: Focusing on what works in the obesity battle

New science is shattering preconceived notions

Last week I had the privilege of moderating an obesity panel at IBI/The Conference Board’s Health and Productivity Forum in Chicago. The ground is clearly shifting in obesity treatment options, and new science is shattering preconceived notions around pharmacotherapy and surgical options. Dr. Rami Bailony, co-founder at Enara Health, and Ted Kyle, Principal at ConscienHealth, both shed light on the need for the removal of the obesity stigma – on many levels – in order treat the disease effectively.

In addition to the latest science, we also discussed the typical Preferred Provider Network, and how these are not set up well for the complex coordination of care for obesity treatment. Narrow, high-performance networks and centers of excellence are a more effective supply side vehicle to treat  obesity – due to its multi-specialty chronic disease profile and complex longitudinal treatment protocols.

One of the most interesting perspectives of the conference—particularly for me in my line of work—came from Tom Sondergeld, VP Global Benefits and Mobility for Walgreens, who  had a particularly powerful message about pushing the edge with coverage/formulary and plan design. His position as both an employer and a participant in the health care supply chain offers him a unique vantage point on what’s working and what’s not. Tom emphasized that HR and Benefit executives must lead by examining data, efficacy and staying current with effective treatments versus sticking with old stigmas/archaic classifications of obesity. Employers need to ask themselves: What does the data tell us about what works,  and how are we amending plan designs and coverages accordingly?

More info on the obesity forum.

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