As we observe National Diabetes Awareness Month this November, it’s crucial to acknowledge the complex connection between weight health and diabetes. More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and with the prevalence of obesity rising, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes has never been greater. As this chronic disease continues to impact millions, employers are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful difference by increasing access to comprehensive diabetes and weight healthcare through fully covered workplace benefits and fostering a culture of health that helps to reduce stigma and bias surrounding these conditions.
The workplace is more than just a place to earn a living. It's where employees can access the critical healthcare benefits they need. With nearly 70% of individuals stating they want their employer to provide weight health benefits, as indicated by new research from WeightWatchers for Business, titled Shifting Perspectives: Weight Health and the Workplace, organizations have a golden opportunity to meet this growing demand and create positive change.
By offering comprehensive weight healthcare benefits, employers can play a crucial role in improving diabetes outcomes. With the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes being three to seven times higher among individuals affected by obesity, tackling obesity as a root health issue can significantly reduce employees’ long-term risk of diabetes and related complications. With this proactive approach, organizations can shift from merely managing diabetes to actively preventing it.
To lead the charge in fostering healthier workplaces and reducing the broader impacts of diabetes-related health challenges, employers should aim to:
The first step in helping employees is ensuring that benefits packages reflect the importance of holistic weight health. WeightWatchers for Business research shows that weight health services are at the top of 61% of employees' benefit wish lists, second only to behavioral and mental health services (67%), followed by child and elder care assistance (37%) and maternal and fertility health services (27%).
Providing access to an evidence-based and comprehensive weight health program with behavioral and lifestyle support is key. A six-month clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of the WeightWatchers Diabetes Program demonstrates just this. Grounded in tailored behavior and nutritional support, the WeightWatchers Diabetes Program has shown statistically significant results, with members experiencing average body weight loss of 5.7%, a 0.75 reduction in HbA1c levels, a 9.8% decrease in diabetes-related stress and a 13.6% improvement of weight on quality of life1.
Employers should also work with their health plans to cover a wide spectrum of treatments for members living with diabetes, pre-diabetes or those at risk. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, especially, are crucial for effective diabetes management. Recognizing their value, WeightWatchers partnered with Abbott to integrate the company’s portfolio of FreeStyle Libre CGM systems* into the WeightWatchers Diabetes Program. This collaboration expands access to CGMs and helps members achieve sustainable weight loss and lower hemoglobin A1c.
Expanding diabetes care beyond traditional management to include preventative measures is equally important. Programs that promote lifestyle changes can help reduce the progression of diabetes and help employees to better manage their conditions, ultimately lowering the risk of complications and reducing healthcare costs.
Even the best healthcare benefits are only effective if employees can easily access them. Employers should focus on reducing both financial and logistical barriers that often prevent employees from taking advantage of diabetes and weight health programs. Per WeightWatchers for Business’ Shifting Perspectives: Weight Health and the Workplace research, 1 in 5 survey respondents reported they have limited or no access to weight healthcare and obesity specialists, and another 44% were unsure about the availability of specialized care. Meanwhile, 51% cited cost as a major factor limiting their ability to access care.
Employers can help reduce these barriers by partnering with their health plans to lower out-of-pocket costs for diabetes and weight health programs and medications, making these services more affordable and accessible to those in need. Additionally, coaching and community support are crucial elements in improving diabetes care, as they offer personalized guidance, encouragement and a sense of belonging for individuals managing their condition. By addressing multiple aspects of diabetes and weight health care, employers can help employees make lasting behavioral changes and empower them to take an active role in managing their health, ultimately improving their quality of life and diabetes outcomes.
A supportive workplace culture is essential for long-term health and wellness. Employers who prioritize diabetes and weight health education in the workplace, coupled with access to effective solutions like weight management programs, diabetes prevention tools and weight loss medications, show their employees that their well-being is a top priority.
Implementing education programs that focus on behavior change and emphasize the role of nutrition in managing diabetes as part of broader wellness initiatives can be highly effective, as this type of support can provide employees with practical tools to make healthier choices and manage their condition more effectively.
Addressing the stigma and bias surrounding diabetes and other weight health issues is also critical to ensuring employees feel empowered to manage their health and access the care they need without shame. Many individuals hesitate to seek care or discuss their diagnosis openly due to misconceptions about diabetes and weight health, which only worsens the challenge of managing these conditions. It's equally important to recognize that people living with Type 1 diabetes also need robust support in managing their health. Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong management, and those affected often face similar barriers of stigma and misinformation.
Building a culture where employees feel encouraged to pursue their health goals, both individually and collectively, will help move the needle in driving healthier workforces and better health outcomes.
As National Diabetes Awareness Month reminds us of the ongoing impact of living with diabetes, employers have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on their employees’ lives. By expanding access to weight healthcare benefits, reducing barriers to care and fostering a culture of health that prioritizes education and connection and combats stigma, employers can build a healthier, happier, more productive workforce.
WeightWatchers for Business is a trusted partner that can provide integrated, whole-person weight healthcare across the full spectrum of behavioral, community, and clinical care to prevent and treat obesity, plus other cardiometabolic conditions including diabetes. Let’s talk about how we can partner with you to help lead the shift in diabetes and weight healthcare.
1. Apolzan JW, LaRose JG, Anton SD, Beyl RA, Greenway FL, Wickham III EP, Lanoye A, Harris MN, Martin CK, Bullard T, Foster GD. A scalable, virtual weight management program tailored for adults with type 2 diabetes: effects on glycemic control. Nutrition & Diabetes. 2023 Apr 6;13(1):3.
*Abbott FreeStyle Libre CGM systems are only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our compatibility guide for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 app requires registration with LibreView. Use of the FreeStyle LibreLink app requires registration with LibreView.The user's device must have internet connectivity for glucose data to be shared with the WW app. The app can capture data from the sensor when it is within close proximity of the sensor. The proximity and orientation of the antenna in phones varies and the phone will have to be moved around to find the best position for scanning the sensor.