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 Implications: Payers and Health Plans May Benefit from Targeted Weight Management When comorbidities complicate obesity, health plans should consider the potential benefits of an integrated weight-control program – a program that focuses on long-term weight management to achieve a healthy weight.49,50 Such a program would work to optimize weight and improve or eliminate comorbidities by effecting long-term lifestyle changes in patient patterns of physical activity and diet. Improved care and patient health status resulting from such care could be expected to impact favorably on patient satisfaction, NCQA accreditation and overall plan performance. Reducing Health Risks of Obesity The explosive growth in the prevalence of obesity-related, resource-draining comorbidities will affect every managed care organization. The potential magnitude of the problem should prompt health plans to develop strategies and programs for long-term weight control to prevent the development or worsening of comorbidities. Improving Quality of Care Treating obese patients who have comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia with long-term weight management presents an unparalleled opportunity for managed care organizations to improve overall plan performance. Controlling weight in those who are overweight and have comorbidities can improve patient health status and satisfaction with plan offerings. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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