Over 650 million adults worldwide are living with obesity, it’s impact on health and productivity is undeniable.
One potential solution gaining traction is the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, often referred to as GLP-1 medications. These medications work by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
While GLP-1 medications have shown promise in promoting weight loss, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before considering them for your employee wellness programme.
Benefits:
- Effective weight loss: Studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can lead to significant weight loss compared to a placebo
- Improved metabolic health: These medications can help manage blood sugar levels, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Reduced healthcare costs: By promoting a healthier workforce, you may see a decrease in healthcare costs associated with obesity-related conditions
Considerations:
- Cost: GLP-1 medications are typically expensive, which could be a significant financial commitment for your organisation
- Eligibility: These medications are not suitable for everyone and may have certain prescribing restrictions in the UK and Europe
- Long-term effects: More research is needed to understand the long-term safety and efficacy of GLP-1 medications
Beyond GLP-1 medication: A holistic approach
While GLP-1 medications can be a valuable tool for some individuals, it’s important to remember that they are not magic. And there isn’t a lot of research (at the time of writing) that shows what happens when an individual stops taking the medication.
- Create a supportive environment: Foster a culture that encourages healthy habits and provides resources to help employees achieve their goals
- Offer comprehensive wellness programmes: Provide a variety of programmes, including exercise classes, nutrition counselling, and stress management workshops
- Encourage healthy eating habits: Promote healthy eating habits by offering nutritious food options or for remote workers, supermarket vouchers
- Provide opportunities for physical activity: Create a work environment that encourages movement, such as standing desks or on-site fitness facilities
- Address underlying factors: Recognise that weight management can be influenced by various factors, such as stress, mental health, and medical issues
- Consider personalised approaches: Offer personalised support and resources to meet the unique needs of your employees. Individuals with issues like: PCOS, Diabetes, Chronic Stress, or Depression will all need different types of care when it comes to weight loss management
Personify Health can help you create a comprehensive employee wellness programme that empowers your employees to make sustainable lifestyle changes and achieve their weight management goals.