NationsBenefits® Reinforces Nutrition-First Approach to GLP-1 Support During National Nutrition Month
As National Nutrition Month brings attention to the critical role of healthy eating in disease prevention and overall wellness, NationsBenefits® is reaffirming its commitment to nutrition-first healthcare solutions. Through its innovative program, NationsNutrition™, the company provides tailored support for individuals before, during, and after GLP-1 medication use, as well as those managing chronic, nutrition-responsive conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. By prioritizing medically guided nutrition and behavioral support, NationsBenefits is transforming how health plans approach chronic disease management and sustainable weight loss.
Addressing the Gaps in GLP-1 Support
While NationsBenefits does not prescribe GLP-1 medications, the company plays a pivotal role in ensuring that individuals prescribed these treatments receive the proper nutrition, guidance, and lifestyle support necessary to achieve optimal results. Recent internal data from NationsBenefits highlights a significant gap in structured GLP-1 education and nutrition counseling. The findings reveal that over 50% of members who initiated GLP-1 medications discontinued use within the first six months. This high dropout rate is primarily attributed to a lack of understanding about potential side effects, risks, and the essential diet and exercise modifications required for medication effectiveness.
Without proper education and support, many individuals experience little to no benefit from GLP-1 medications, leading to substantial healthcare costs with minimal measurable improvement in outcomes. Recognizing this, NationsBenefits has developed an outcomes-driven approach that combines behavioral coaching, clinical oversight, and personalized nutrition solutions to enhance the success of individuals on GLP-1 therapy.
“NationsBenefits is helping redefine how health plans approach nutrition, chronic disease management, and sustainable weight loss, ensuring that members on GLP-1s have a structured, outcomes-driven program,” said Glenn Parker, MD, Co-CEO of NationsBenefits. “Food is medicine, and when combined with behavioral coaching, clinical oversight, and personalized meal solutions, members not only achieve results but sustain them for the long term.”
The Importance of Nutrition in GLP-1 Therapy
Research has consistently shown that GLP-1 medications are most effective when paired with structured nutrition and lifestyle changes. However, many individuals lack access to clinically guided nutrition counseling or the necessary resources to make sustainable dietary adjustments. NationsBenefits’ medically tailored nutrition programs aim to bridge this gap, offering comprehensive support that extends beyond medication use.
Participants enrolled in these structured programs have demonstrated significant health improvements, including:
- An average 6% weight loss
- A 1.5-point reduction in A1c levels
- 68% of health plan members who received medically tailored groceries improved or maintained blood pressure levels
- Stage 2 hypertension participants experienced notable reductions in blood pressure, with a 10.6% decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 13.4% decrease in diastolic blood pressure
By addressing both nutritional and behavioral aspects, NationsBenefits ensures that members maximize their health outcomes while mitigating common challenges associated with GLP-1 use.
Comprehensive Nutrition Support for GLP-1 Success
NationsBenefits provides a structured, multi-phase approach to nutrition support for individuals taking GLP-1 medications. This approach includes:
1. Preparation: Setting the Foundation for Success
Many individuals benefit from structured nutrition education before starting GLP-1 therapy. Preparing for treatment by learning how to fuel their bodies properly, manage potential side effects, and establish sustainable eating habits enhances long-term success.
2. Active Support: Optimizing Outcomes During Treatment
While using GLP-1s, individuals must make dietary adjustments to maximize the medication’s benefits. This includes incorporating high-quality proteins, fiber-rich foods, and balanced meals to mitigate side effects like nausea while enhancing metabolic efficiency. NationsBenefits offers personalized meal planning tools, grocery guidance, and access to nutrition counseling to support members in making informed dietary choices.
3. Tapering & Maintenance: Sustaining Long-Term Health Improvements
As individuals achieve their weight loss goals and begin reducing medication use, ongoing lifestyle support becomes even more crucial. Learning to maintain results through balanced nutrition, behavioral reinforcement, and continued access to healthy food options ensures lasting progress beyond medication reliance.
By providing individualized support at each stage, NationsBenefits empowers members to navigate their GLP-1 journey with confidence and develop lifelong healthy habits.
Leveraging Technology for Personalized Nutrition & Better Outcomes
The integration of advanced technology with personalized nutrition is redefining how individuals achieve sustainable weight management and improved health outcomes while on GLP-1 medications. NationsBenefits leverages a range of technological tools to enhance adherence and long-term success.
1. Real-Time Progress Tracking
Connected devices, such as smart scales and health monitoring tools, keep individuals engaged by providing immediate feedback on weight trends and metabolic changes. This data allows for real-time treatment adjustments and encourages continued adherence to lifestyle modifications.
2. Personalized Nutrition Guidance
Instead of generic diet plans, NationsBenefits utilizes AI-driven recommendations and registered dietitian counseling to deliver personalized meal planning and grocery guidance. This tailored approach ensures that members receive nutrition plans aligned with their health status and treatment goals.
3. Access to Healthy Foods
Many individuals face barriers to proper nutrition due to cost, convenience, or a lack of knowledge about the best dietary choices for their condition. NationsBenefits integrates food-as-medicine strategies, including medically tailored meals and fresh produce access, to help members sustain healthy eating habits beyond their time on GLP-1s.
4. Seamless Benefit Utilization
Simplified payment solutions and benefit integration enable members to effortlessly access nutrition resources, wellness products, and essential care without administrative burdens. By removing barriers to access, NationsBenefits ensures that members fully utilize available health benefits.
A Game-Changer for Health Plans & Member Engagement
With partnerships spanning hundreds of health plans, NationsBenefits is at the forefront of a holistic, food-first approach to weight management and chronic disease care. By integrating nutrition, behavioral coaching, and fintech-powered benefit access, NationsBenefits is making healthcare more proactive, personalized, and effective. The company’s vertically integrated model ensures that members receive the right support, at the right time, with the right tools to achieve better health outcomes without unnecessary barriers.
“NationsBenefits is helping health plans reimagine member engagement by addressing social determinants of health (SDoH), food insecurity, and chronic disease management in a way that drives real outcomes,” added Parker. “As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, our focus remains on empowering members with the nutrition, technology, and support they need to take control of their health.”
