Humana, Weight Watchers team to curtail obesity

Humana Inc. on Tuesday said it has partnered with Weight Watchers International Inc. to target employee obesity by providing weight management services to employers insured through Humana’s health care plans.

The program integrates Weight Watchers into Humana’s medical and wellness programs, providing Humana members with the weight-loss program at no cost for the first six months, then at a discount, Louisville, Kentucky-based Humana said in a statement.

Participants will be connected to Weight Watchers through Humana’s disease management programs, health coaches, personal nurses, customer service and the HumanaVitality rewards program.

Humana also said employer can opt to participate in Weight Watchers online or attend meetings for in-person support from a coach and peers.

“We want to help employers find effective ways to battle obesity, improve the overall wellness of their employees and create healthy communities,” Beth Bierbower, president of Humana’s employer group segment, said in the statement. “With that in mind, partnering with Weight Watchers just made sense — it allows us to connect our members with a leading weight loss program so that they can better navigate their wellness journeys.”