From fragmented to integrated: Reimagining GLP-1 care delivery in primary care
A path forward for more coordinated, connected care
At least 40% of adults in the US are affected by obesity. Many people try to lose weight but struggle, often because of a complex combination of genetic, biological, and lifestyle factors.
There's a need for more personalized programs that support people on their weight loss journey while caring for their whole health — especially in employer-sponsored care models, where access, consistency, and outcomes matter. Given the rise in popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, could these programs be part of the solution? When can they help, and when do they have the best chance of succeeding?
Busting the myths: What and who are GLP-1s for?
GLP-1s — short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists — are medications that mimic our natural gut hormones and their effects on blood sugar, metabolism, and hunger. They’ve been used to treat diabetes for about two decades, but are now rising in popularity for weight loss. For employers navigating coverage decisions and increasing interest from employees, separating fact from fiction is vital.
To clear up a few misconceptions: GLP-1s are not a one-size-fits-all remedy for weight loss, nor are they a quick fix or so-called easy way out. Successful GLP-1 treatment does not just amount to getting a prescription and going it alone. With personalized, continuous care, patients can find safe, holistic weight management and comprehensive care with GLP-1s for diabetes and other chronic cardiometabolic conditions — including secondary prevention of heart disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
As Dr. Hemalee Patel, DO, Senior Medical Director of Cardiometabolic Health at One Medical, shared, “Many patients walk through our doors with these diagnoses and are candidates for GLP-1 therapy, but appropriate prescribing goes far beyond writing a prescription. It requires thorough screening for contraindications, identifying disordered eating patterns, and recognizing other conditions that may need ongoing monitoring along with potential medication adjustments.”
Comprehensive GLP-1 management, like One Medical’s GLP-1 Weight Loss Pathway, means care teams can assess a patient’s comprehensive health history and help them attain the full spectrum of care.
Patient outcomes improve with comprehensive GLP-1 management
Two recent patient success stories highlight the importance of a coordinated care team.
A patient referred by their primary care provider to One Medical’s Impact program received health and wellness coaching and found the service invaluable. Over the course of the program, the patient lost 50 pounds and 25% of their initial body weight.
Another One Medical patient with diabetes worked with their primary care provider and a One Medical clinical pharmacist to find the best-fit GLP-1 treatment and monitoring of the other medications they take for diabetes. With personalized care that led to a change in medication and close monitoring from the PCP, the patient went from an A1C of 10.9% to an A1C of 5.7%.
4 key elements for GLP-1 success
Dr. Patel highlighted that GLP-1 treatment plans tend to succeed when four key elements come together:
1. Patient’s motivation and readiness for change.
When people are genuinely interested in making meaningful lifestyle modifications to their diet, physical activity, and behavioral patterns, medication becomes a powerful tool rather than a standalone solution.
2. Regular engagement with their care team.
“We consistently see the best outcomes in patients who maintain regular follow-up appointments with their primary care provider and broader care team,” Dr. Patel shared. This ongoing connection creates accountability, allows for proactive adjustments, and provides continuous support as patients navigate their health transformation.
3. Realistic expectations and education.
Patients who understand that GLP-1 medications work best as part of a comprehensive approach to their health, not just a quick fix, see more long-term success and make the behavioral and lifestyle modifications that support their overall health.
4. Personalized care planning tailored for the individual.
When a plan is created specifically for an individual, taking into account their medical history, strategies they've tried in the past, social circumstances, and personal goals, providers do more than just adjust medications. “We recognize when additional support strategies can make a difference and tailor personalized care with tools that lay the foundation for sustainable, long-term success,” Dr. Patel said.
When GLP-1 treatment succeeds: The advantage of primary care
To succeed with GLP-1s, patients need close monitoring throughout their treatment journey. “This is where the primary care relationship becomes invaluable,” Dr. Patel emphasized.
The longitudinal nature of primary care allows for comprehensive assessment and truly integrated care that brings together all the pieces of a patient's health story. “This continuity sets patients up for long-term success when it comes to weight management treatment,” said Dr. Patel.
With a comprehensive program like One Medical’s GLP-1 Weight Loss Pathway, patients have access to:
- Individualized assessments with their primary care provider
- Personalized treatment plans
- Access to Impact by One Medical, a virtual multidisciplinary team that includes health and wellness coaches, pharmacists, and specialized providers when needed
- GLP-1 treatment that’s covered by most insurance plans
- FDA-approved GLP-1 medications when appropriate
- App-based progress tracking for easy management
Keeping GLP-1 management within primary care, where providers are looking at the comprehensive health of a patient, can lead to better outcomes and lower costs. This is an important consideration for employers looking to offer easier-to-navigate, coordinated care for their workforce.
Making GLP-1 care easier to manage
For people interested in exploring GLP-1 treatment, accessing it in a primary care setting, like the pathway we offer at One Medical, offers several advantages. Working with our specially trained providers, patients get personalized treatment plans for GLP-1 medications that include in-person and remote support between primary care visits. With app-based education and progress tracking tools, patients find our Medication Assisted (GLP-1) Weight Loss Pathway supportive, accessible, and easy to use.
Now available nationwide, we’re here to support employers in offering employees ongoing, connected care — every step of the way.
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Learn more about how One Medical can help your employees to stay healthy here.