Remote patient monitoring allows for successful telehealth interventions for patients with obesity lose weight. Telehealth interventions provide a safe, remote alternative and may expand treatment access to hard-to-reach populations.

Overweight & Obesity 

Approximately 75% of Americans 20 years or older are overweight or obese. Obesity is considered a chronic disease that increases a person’s risk for health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal problems. A person having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 is within the overweight range, and BMI between 30 and 39.9 is within the obese range. 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], (2022), the estimated annual medical costs of obesity in the U.S. was nearly $173 billion in 2019.  Studies also indicate that medical expenses for out-patient and in-patient services are higher for obesity compared to those within a healthy BMI range between 18.5 and 24.9. Losing just 5-7 percent of a person’s body weight produces significant health benefits in lowering blood pressure and preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. So why are people still struggling to lose weight? 

 

Weight Loss 

The components of weight loss are multi-faceted, and research supports the best weight loss program focuses on helping others make sustainable lifestyle changes. Self-management support is essential for patients to extend health care outside of clinical walls and into their daily routines. 

Community Wellness, Technology (CWC) Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) program offers weight loss support using evidence-based FDA-approved blue-tooth devices and resources. A clinical team of physicians and clinical health coaches utilizes technology-supported daily monitoring and coaching to help adults lose weight and sustain weight loss by building healthier habits. 

Health coaches provide behavioral and self-management support to lose weight using virtual 1:1 coaching 20-30 min monthly coaching sessions. The integral component to helping a patient lose weight is the collaboration and trust between a patient and health coach. The daily weight readings within the CWC app also provide feedback for both the patient and coach in measuring progress towards reaching a patient’s weight-loss goal.  The app records weight, activity, SMART goals, and personalized check-ins and messaging. 

Technology combined with personalized health coaching provides science-based resources and tools for successful patient engagement and self-management. 

Benefits of RPM & Health Coaching Include:  

  • Provides the latest information on weight loss
  • Teaches disease-specific skills 
  • Promotes behavior change 
  • Builds confidence and motivation 
  • Encourages and supports change
  • Provides accountability  
  • Tracks and records changes in weight and BMI 

 

Stronger Together On-Line Community Platform

Patients also learn skills around losing weight and building healthy routines using the Stronger Together (ST) online community platform.  Coaches share resources and information on healthy eating, exercise, managing stress, and other health-related topics. The Stronger Together platform is a space where patients can support each other experiencing similar weight-loss challenges.  Coaches are available to answer questions and provide tips on weight-loss strategies. 

 

Summary 

CWC partners with hospitals, primary care providers, and other healthcare organizations to assist patients in losing weight and improve health-related outcomes. RPM combined with 1:1 health coaching sessions helps patients lose weight and improve their overall health.  CWC offers personalized weight-loss support where patients can talk with their coaches in the privacy of their own homes telephonically or virtually. Patients feel supported throughout the weight-loss journey by the CWC clinical team and patient enrollment and support staff. 

 

Reference: CDC- Adult Obesity Facts https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html. May 26, 2022