The Focus on Weight Care: Why Organizations are Looking Beyond Weight Loss

A profound shift is taking place in the ever-evolving landscape of employee benefits. Research-driven recognition of the interconnectedness of weight and health is changing benefit strategies and expectations related to weight care. Organizations are rethinking everything from how they talk about weight in the workplace to how their benefits offering can better support weight health for all individuals.   

The weight of words

The science-backed recognition of obesity as a chronic condition marks a significant shift away from the belief that obesity is the result of personal choice or a lack of willpower. Still, weight bias and weight stigma are deeply ingrained. Two in five Americans meet the clinical definition of obesity¹ — and 40% have experienced weight-related stigma.²  Nearly two-thirds — 64% — have experienced size- or shape-based teasing or discrimination.³ 

Employers and health plans have a tremendous opportunity to address weight stigma and eliminate bias that can negatively impact employment opportunities, career advancement, and wages for employees with overweight and obesity. It starts with a shift in language. 

Traditional weight-loss programs focused on pounds lost and BMI reduction, which can add to weight stigma. Shifting from weight loss and willpower to weight health and whole-person care changes the focus from pounds to people. 

Addressing weight stigma opens the door to a more personalized, holistic, and compassionate approach to weight care. Within organizations, it also positively impacts morale, culture, and productivity. 

The benefits of weight health strategies

The transition from a weight-loss-centric to a weight-health-focused strategy represents more than just a change in terminology. Shifting the focus to whole-person health makes programs more inclusive and accessible, broadening the potential impact on well-being. 

Individuals with overweight and obesity are more likely to develop weight-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.⁴  Overall, annual healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases driven by the risk factor of obesity and overweight total $480 billion.⁵  

Benefits programs that recognize obesity as a chronic disease and acknowledge the underlying metabolic, genetic, and environmental influences that increase obesity risk are better able to meet diverse needs and improve health outcomes. 

WeightWatchers for Business works closely with employers and health plans to provide full-spectrum weight care. We take a consultative approach aimed at building a long-term partnership with solutions tailored to meet each organization’s unique needs. With our scalable, science-proven behavior change program as the foundation, our full-spectrum weight health program offers treatments for all different acuity levels. Across the spectrum of needs, individuals are empowered to improve their weight health and prevent, treat, and potentially reverse weight-related comorbidities.

From pounds to people: A paradigm shift

Looking forward, as employee benefits continue to evolve to support whole-person health, employers and health plans are poised to reap the benefits of weight care as healthcare, including:

• Reduced stigma: A people-first approach helps reduce the bias and shame often associated with overweight and obesity, enabling organizations to create more supportive and psychologically safe environments.
• Better health outcomes: With full-spectrum weight health programs, organizations are better equipped to address the root causes of weight-related health issues. Tackling the causes produces improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced productivity.
• Inclusivity and engagement: A focus on whole-person health rather than weight loss makes programs more accessible and appealing to a broader range of people. Increased inclusivity can lead to higher participation rates, reduced risk of weight-related chronic conditions, and better overall health.

As your organization’s weight health benefits strategy evolves, look to WeightWatchers for Business as a trusted partner. Reach out for a demo of our full- spectrum weight healthcare platform that spans behavioral, community, and clinical care. 

1 Fryar CD, Carroll MD, Afful J. (2020). Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity among adults aged 20 and over: United States, 1960–1962 through 2017–2018. NCHS Health E-Stats, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

2 Lee, K.M., Hunger, J.M. & Tomiyama, A.J. (2021). Weight stigma and health behaviors: evidence from the Eating in America Study. Int J Obes 45, 1499–1509.

3 Pearl RL, Himmelstein MS, Puhl RM, et al. (2019). Weight bias internalization in a commercial weight management sample: prevalence and correlates. Obes Sci Pract. 5(4):342-53.

4 Fruh S. M. (2017). Obesity: Risk factors, complications, and strategies for sustainable long-term weight management. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(S1), S3–S14.

5 Waters H, Graf M. America’s Obesity Crisis: The Health and Economic Costs of Excess Weight. October 2018. Milken Institute. Accessed June 13, 2024.