The Missing Piece in Medical Weight Loss: Why Behavioral Support Is Crucial for Long-Term Success
- Dennis Nichols
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Discover why behavioral support, nutrition guidance and lifestyle coaching are crucial for long-term success with GLP-1 medical weight loss programs.
(BPT) - GLP-1 medications have been reshaping treatment of obesity and weight management, but health experts agree that these groundbreaking medications alone are not enough for people seeking lasting results. For those who want to achieve and maintain weight loss while transforming their health for the long run, doctors are increasingly encouraging a whole-person approach that also addresses daily habits, routines and behavioral factors.
This is the approach behind the CVS Weight Management program for employers and health plans — a holistic offering that combines GLP-1 medications with support and accountability to help members stay on track with their wellness goals.
The CVS Weight Management program provides one-on-one support from a dedicated registered dietitian in a virtual setting, including personalized nutrition planning based on each person's health needs and cultural and individual preferences, and empowering members to develop sustainable habits for achieving long-term weight loss.
Why is additional support needed?
Despite the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prescription drug label recommending that people take GLP-1s in combination with diet and physical activity, before enrolling in the CVS Weight Management program, 70% of its members were using a weight management drug without any lifestyle or nutrition support.[1]
For many, that meant not achieving the results they wanted or seeing their weight return when they stopped taking the medication.
"The data is clear: GLP-1 weight loss drugs work best when combined with nutrition, lifestyle support and proper dosing,[2]" said Dr. Michelle Gourdine, chief medical officer, CVS Caremark and SVP, CVS Health. "The CVS Weight Management program is a clinically rigorous solution that helps optimize the effectiveness of GLP-1s for weight loss for those that use them. It also supports members in making changes to improve weight and cardiometabolic health without medication."
One personal weight loss journey
Licensed practical nurse and thyroid cancer survivor Mistie Mace has lived with obesity since childhood, reaching 416 pounds before she found sustainable support through the CVS Weight Management program. In just a few months, she's lost over 50 pounds, with a whole-person model that pairs medical therapy with behavioral coaching, nutrition guidance and consistent accountability. She now experiences improved mobility and energy, plus normalized blood sugar levels and meaningful progress toward her long-term health.
"This is the easiest it's ever been for me to lose weight," Mace said. "After decades of struggle, a doctor who listens, a nonjudgmental health coach, a structured approach like CVS Weight Management program and my family's support have made all the difference. For the first time, I feel hopeful, with goals that feel achievable."
Through CVS Weight Management, Mace developed new habits and routines, created a high-protein, low-carb nutrition plan combined with portion control, increased her exercise and developed a new mindset and accountability. She also had support systems that help changes stick, like family encouragement, a health coach and setting realistic goals.
Mace's story highlights why behavior change — not medication alone — is often the strongest predictor of lasting weight loss, showing how support programs are needed to help patients succeed beyond the prescription.
The results show the promise of a holistic approach
So far, the CVS Weight Management program is having a lasting impact, with 92% of participating plan members expressing satisfaction after 6 months in the program.[1]
Apart from the positive health results, members also experience significant cost savings: CVS Caremark clients who adopted the CVS Weight Management program spent up to 26% less on their GLP-1 medications for weight loss compared to those clients who did not adopt the program.[1] These findings are especially compelling when the list price of GLP-1 drugs, set by drug manufacturers, can easily total thousands of dollars per year per member.
The early influx in enrollment in CVS Weight Management speaks to its proven results: optimizing the effectiveness of GLP-1 weight loss drugs while lowering overall plan pharmacy costs. In clinical trials, GLP-1 anti-obesity medications showed the best outcomes when the drug therapy is combined with structured lifestyle support,[2] such as the approach embedded in the CVS Weight Management program.
"Medication alone isn't enough to achieve lasting change," added Gourdine. "It's key to combine medical therapy with behavioral support, coaching and sustainable routines to achieve long-term wellness goals."
Before starting any new wellness program, consider your personal medical history, lifestyle and readiness for change as well as your goals and expectations. Discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives for your weight loss program with your health care provider.
Learn more about CVS Weight Management at CVSHealth.com.
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[1] CVS Health Analytics, 2024. Weight Management Results. Data from August 2023 through September 2024. 265K Total Covered Lives, as of 9/30/24.
[2] Wilding, J. P., et al (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002.
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