DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Naturally Slim®, a digital behavioral health company focused on metabolic syndrome (MetS) reversal, diabetes prevention and weight management within the employer-sponsored space, today announced compelling study results which were recently published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The study, entitled, The Efficacy of Repeated Corporate Sponsored Commercial Weight Loss Programming, found that employers can help employees lose weight and keep it off long-term when they offer repeat or on-going access to employer-sponsored weight loss programs.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force reports that behavioral weight loss interventions are effective and can lead to clinically significant health improvements, based on programs that include ongoing behavioral support for participants year after year. However, weight loss interventions offered by employers are typically limited to one and done programs, restricting employees to one-time participation in a short-term program during their tenure with a company.
This study tracked the weight loss and health improvements of 11,825 employees from two different companies as they participated in the Naturally Slim weight loss program multiple times. The employees lost weight the first time they completed Naturally Slim but on-average experienced some weight regain after completing the program. After choosing to participate in the program again and brush up on the skills they learned, participants lost more weight, leading to an average long-term weight loss of approximately 4.5% of their initial body weight. And as reported by the National Institutes of Health, by losing as little as three percent of their body weight, they likely decreased their chances of developing costly diseases, like diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.
“While the holidays shine a spotlight on employee health and well-being, the truth of the matter is our program must be a year-round, ongoing approach to clinical weight loss and emotional well-being to enhance participants’ quality of life while also saving employers money,” said Rob Butler, CEO of Naturally Slim. “That’s why the entire Naturally Slim experience, including the digital curriculum, online dashboard, mobile app, social community, coaching support and more, is focused on helping participants change behavior and build new skills to develop a healthier relationship with food, physical activity and mental health. We plan to continue to expand our vision of a holistic well-being ecosystem for individuals in 2020.”
Naturally Slim also shared weight management and emotional well-being tips to help employers and plan sponsors better support their employees during the busy holiday season as well as throughout the year. The company, which manages over two million eligible participant lives and is the largest weight management company in the employer-sponsored space, offers an online program that teaches participants simple, repeatable skills to lose weight, move more, sleep better and stress less. It has helped hundreds of thousands of people learn the skills they need to lose weight, maintain that weight loss long term, and improve their overall quality of life.
The holidays can be a wonderful time to connect with family and friends and enjoy the fun and festivities, but they can also bring on unintended consequences for some, such as weight gain and feelings of sadness, grief, loss and loneliness. Planning out a strategy to better navigate an enticing buffet table, indulge in that special holiday cocktail, have a difficult conversation with a family member, or manage holiday stress can help employees’ overall well-being during the season. Naturally Slim highlights several tips compiled by its team of health professionals, including:
- ‘The Rule of Three’—Before filling your plate, look over the buffet line to see all your options. Pick the three foods you are most excited about, make a plate of those foods and slowly eat them and truly savor the flavors. By enjoying your favorites first, many people find they get more satisfaction from the meal and have less temptation to overeat.
- One-to-One: Cocktail-to-Water—Follow each cocktail with a glass of water to ensure proper hydration and mitigate the likelihood of consuming too much added sugar.
- Pay Attention to Your Feelings—Sadness, grief and loneliness are not uncommon emotions during the holidays so acknowledge these feelings and allow for them to happen.
- Say No and Take a Break—Manage expectations of others as well as yourself. Saying no to sending holiday cards and declining to attend multiple holiday parties can help to reduce some of the stress around this time of year.
- Seek Help—Pursue professional help and support if needed to manage intense feelings and emotions.
For more information, tips and best practices about employee weight management and well-being during the holidays and year round, visit the Naturally Slim blog at www.naturallyslim.com/the-skinny or to read Naturally Slim’s recently published article in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine click here.
For 15 years, Naturally Slim has helped hundreds of employers and plan sponsors—including American Airlines, The University of Texas System, Brinker International, The Hartford, Michaels, Baylor University, Genesis Health System, Oklahoma State University and many others—combat obesity and reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors that can lead to serious health conditions.
About Naturally Slim
Naturally Slim is the leading digital behavioral counseling program focused on metabolic syndrome (MetS) reversal, diabetes prevention and weight management in employee and health plan populations. The program has helped hundreds of thousands of people learn the skills they need to lose weight and maintain that weight loss long term. The online program teaches participants simple, repeatable skills to lose weight, move more, sleep better and stress less. Naturally Slim unites the common goals of companies and individuals—lowering healthcare spend and improving health outcomes. Without the hefty price tag associated with traditional behavioral coaching, Naturally Slim is the single most cost-effective way to reduce obesity-related disease in populations, helping employers and health plans do the most good for the most people. Designed and administered by experienced medical professionals and based on the most effective clinical weight loss programs, more than 50 percent of participants with metabolic syndrome reverse their condition, and 55 percent of participants reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes. To learn more, visit www.naturallyslim.com.
