Reducing Metabolic Syndrome Risk Using a Personalized Wellness Program. Issue 12 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steinberg, Gregory; Scott, Adam; Honcz, Joseph; Spettell, Claire; Pradhan, Susil
• Is Part Of: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 57:Issue 12(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Aetna -- biometric screening -- blood pressure -- DRD2 -- engagement -- fasting blood sugar -- FTO -- genetic -- high-density lipoprotein -- inpatient -- lifestyle -- MC4R -- medical costs -- metabolic -- metabolic syndrome -- Newtopia -- outpatient -- personal -- personalize -- risk -- triglyceride -- waist -- waist circumference -- weight -- weight loss -- wellness; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Occupational Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental Medicine -- Periodicals; Environmental health; Medicine, Industrial; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000582
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-2752

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a targeted, personalized wellness program on reducing employees' future risk of metabolic syndrome. Methods: Aetna piloted a year-long program that included a limited genetic profile, a traditional psychosocial assessment, and high-intensity coaching in a randomized controlled study of Aetna employees with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome. Results: Sustained employee engagement of 50% over the course of 1 year; 76% of participating employees lost an average of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) ( P < 0.001 vs baseline weight), and there were trends in improved clinical outcomes relative to three of five metabolic factors. Average health care costs were reduced by $122 per participant per month, resulting in a positive return on investment in the program's first year. Conclusions: At scale, such programs would be expected to lead to significant downstream reduction in major clinical events and costs.