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Finding Clarity and Making Choices
It’s not easy. When it comes to achieving a healthy weight, some might say to eat less. Others might say to exercise more. Not to mention all the latest fad diets you may have seen on social media. The fact is there are real and effective approaches to weight management that you should be aware of – choices that are worthy of your time and effort.
Understanding Your Options
There has been much attention on certain prescription medications that help people lose weight (such as GLP-1s). However medications are not intended as the first step in weight management, and not everyone should use them due to possible side effects. Learn more about GLP-1 medications.
- Recognizing the importance of working with your doctor to find the right approach to manage your weight loss goals, Independent Health’s weight loss medication policy requires preauthorization for GLP-1s and other prescription weight loss medications.*
- Before considering these medications, you should participate in an evidence-based lifestyle management program (e.g., WeightWatchers®) for 6 months.* This approach aligns with expert opinions that safer, more affordable strategies proven to achieve and maintain a healthy weight should be tried well before medication therapy.
Fortunately, there are a variety of other natural approaches to consider to help you achieve a healthy weight – without the need for expensive medications.
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are nutrition specialists and can work with you to identify positive, health-promoting food choices to support weight loss and manage blood sugar levels. Many RDs provide consultations at no cost to you.
Independent Health members can search for participating registered dietitians by using our online “Find A Doctor” tool.
Healthy Living Tips available on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website offer a variety of proven and effective tips to help you manage your nutrition, exercise and sleep.
In addition, information on Healthy Diet Counseling as well as Maintaining a Healthy Weight may also help establish a balanced approach toward achieving your goals.
Finally, check out our Healthy Weight Tool Kit. Here you can learn more about exercise, reading food labels, understanding BMI, managing your emotional health, and more.
- Increase your physical activity: Moving your body helps you burn more calories and can improve other aspects of your physical and mental well-being. Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle strengthening activity each week, according to the current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
- Eat healthy foods: On most days, eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products and lean meats. All foods, if eaten in moderation, can be part of healthy eating. Even sweets can be okay.
- Make more homemade meals: Cutting back on ultra-processed foods and takeout can reduce your calorie consumption and intake of added sugar.
- Add more fiber and protein to your diet: Fiber and protein can help decrease blood sugar levels and increase fullness, as foods high in these substances take longer to digest.
- Limit added sugars: Consuming high amounts of added sugar – especially from sugary beverages – can increase blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain. You may want to opt for water or low-calorie beverages more often.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep helps you recover and feel your best, both physically and emotionally, whereas lack of sleep can contribute to less nutritious food choices and a decrease in physical activity.
- Take care of your mental health: Depression and anxiety can be underlying issues for those who are overweight or obese. Talk to your doctor about any ongoing negative feelings and seek help, if needed.
WeightWatchers® behavioral Points® program can help you reach your healthy weight goals by turning small everyday changes into health gains:
- Focus on the overall nutritional quality of a food, not just calories.
- Use the latest nutritional science to simplify complex food label data into one easy-to-use number.
- Nothing is off limits! All food is meant to be enjoyed.
Check out the WeightWatchers website for discounted rates on the Points program, and more. Plus, if your plan includes Health ExtrasSM, you can use your prepaid debit card to help pay for your WeightWatchers membership fees.
Teladoc** can help you work through any of the emotional challenges and feelings you may be experiencing on your path to achieving a healthy weight.
A mental health professional is available to listen and provide you with the advice you need to find balance and motivation – without the need for travel!
Want More Information?
A variety of resources including articles and videos on weight management and healthy living are available in the Healthwise section of our website. Below are a few examples of what you can find:
It’s all part of the RedShirt® Treatment.
*Applies to commercial products only; Medicare Advantage, State program and Self-funded members should check their plan documents to verify coverage and confirm coverage details.
**Check your plan documents to see if you have this benefit and any applicable member cost share associated with your plan. Medicare plan members: Independent Health's telemedicine benefit is provided through Teladoc® as part of the Premier Wellness Package. Benefits vary by plan.