Losing weight is not just about eating healthy and exercising
We understand. Losing weight can be tough. Keeping it off? That can be even harder. That’s why Medical Weight Loss (MWL), a virtual care program, was created for eligible UnitedHealth Group enterprise employees and their spouse or domestic partner.
If losing weight was simple, more than sixty percent of adults in the United States wouldn’t have excess weight.1 Our MWL program is virtual and tailored to your unique needs, including underlying conditions, medications, lifestyle and behaviors.
You won’t be doing it alone. You’ll receive regular one-on-one support from health care professionals to help you achieve your health goals. The program continues to support you as you transition into weight maintenance and beyond.
It works. Medical Weight Loss patients feel heard and understood, are losing weight and are maintaining their weight loss.
1. Obesity Action Coalition. “Benefits of 5-10 Percent Weight Loss.” Accessed December 7, 2022.
Why our program is different
Whole person care
We take a whole-person approach that includes medical, nutritional, emotional and movement support while taking into consideration culture, family and values.
Personalized
We develop a personalized care plan centered around unique health and wellness needs that may include various tools for weight loss support — from labs and vitals monitoring to therapeutic lifestyle changes, prescription medications and more.
Low-cost
As a member of an eligible medical plan, you have access to a care team of specially trained medical professionals including a doctor or licensed clinical practitioner, a registered dietitian, a case manager and a care navigator all at an affordable cost.*
Access to other resources for support
Additional resources can meet you where you’re at throughout the Medical Weight Loss program and on your journey, including United Well-being, Real Appeal, Self Care, EAP and more.
Bariatric Resource Services
If surgery is the right option, we can connect you with Optum Bariatric Resource Services (BRS) to provide care guidance and offer support before and after surgery.
*Program costs may be subject to applicable coinsurance/copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. See your plan’s Summary Plan Description (SPD) for details.
How it works
Prior to your first appointment, you will need to fill out an intake form and complete labs.
The Medical Weight Loss team will get to know you, your lifestyle, health and weight loss history and more. They will work with you to develop a care plan focusing on medical, nutrition, movement and emotional health. To help you stay on track, you’ll have ongoing one-on-one support from the care team. They will work with you to adjust your care plan as you progress through the program and may prescribe medication if it is right for your needs. They may also need help from your primary care provider to carry out your plan.
Living your healthiest life possible takes a lifelong commitment. You’re not alone, because you have a trusting partner to help you navigate the ups and downs of life.
Benefits of weight loss
Even a modest weight loss between 5%-10% can significantly lower your risk for many diseases.
Losing weight can help improve or reduce your risk of developing:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated blood sugar and diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea