Members using weight loss pathway and medications are losing 9.3% of their body weight within the first three-months, according to Vitality.
Earlier this year, it became the first health insurer to introduce weight-management medication as a core feature of its private medical insurance and has now published initial results from its membership.
Additional findings from a survey last month highlighted that almost half (45%) of those taking, or considering taking, weight loss medication wanted to lose weight to improve their health, alongside wanting to maintain a healthy weight (48%).
The provider’s claims data from 2021 to 2024 also highlighted that members living with obesity were:
- 35% more likely to be hospitalised for any condition, compared to those with a healthy BMI,
- 70% more likely to be hospitalised for a musculoskeletal condition – in terms of relative in-hospital claims rate per 1,000 lives,
- 123% more likely to be hospitalised for a cardiac condition.
Dr Katie Tryon, chief commercial director at VitalityHealth (centre right), said: “This early indication of weight-loss success for those members on our medicated weight management pathway is really encouraging.
“While weight management medications are not a universal solution, they can be a useful tool helping to improve health for those who are eligible, especially when coupled with wider lifestyle changes and the establishment of long-term healthy habits; which in turn has the potential to help prevent associated conditions and hospitalisations.”