CVS Health has partnered with drugmaker Novo Nordisk to pilot a nutrition coaching program intended to support people with obesity.
The companies said Sept. 17 that the program will offer expanded education and coaching support for people using anti-obesity medications. The program also includes a personal nutrition assessment; body composition tests; dietician coaching sessions; a coupon for up to 10 free healthy meals; a digital app with shopping lists, recipes and a restaurant guide; and dietician messaging capability.
"Although obesity is a serious chronic disease, it is often misunderstood, underdiagnosed and undertreated. We have been working to change that because people who live with this disease need more care and support," Doug Langa, executive vice president of North America operations and president of Novo Nordisk, said in the news release.
More than 40 percent of the U.S. population has obesity, a chronic disease that is linked to several of the leading causes of premature death, including heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, CVS Health said.
The program will be available in-person in select locations as well as virtually. CVS Health said the program will expand to additional locations later in the year.
"We're evolving our legacy relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers to more fully support patients. This initial pilot with Novo Nordisk recognizes people who struggle with weight loss often face stigma and need personalized support. Our CVS Pharmacy nutrition coaches understand those challenges and can support patients in their customized plans and lifestyle choices," Gary Loeber, executive vice president of pharmaceutical contracting and purchasing at CVS Health, said in the news release.
Read the full news release here.