Economic value of nonsurgical weight loss in adults with obesity

BACKGROUND: Obesity imposes a substantial economic burden on the United States. The short-term value of nonsurgical weight loss (WL) and sustained WL (i.e., not resulting from bariatric surgery) is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To assess (1 year) effect approximately 2 years) per-patient-per-month (PPPM) total all-cause health care costs among adults with obesity in METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data IBM MarketScan Explorys Claims-EMR Data Set January 1, 2012, through June 30, 2018. Adults aged 18-64 years body mass index (BMI) measurement ? 30 kg/m2 date BMI measurements at 12, 24, 36 months were classified into weight-gain (? 3%), no-weight-change (within ± 3%-? 5%, > 5%-? 10%, 10%-? 20%) cohorts based change first to second (baseline), during baseline < 3% gain third measurement. PPPM calculated for baseline, year, year follow-up. Generalized linear models used examine if cost (?PPPM) follow-up differed significantly between WL/sustained cohorts. Analyses stratified by class (class 1: 30- 34.9 kg/m2, 2: 35- 39.9 3: 40 kg/m2). Specific treatments individuals study studied. RESULTS: sample included 20,488 who grouped as follows: (24.8%), (56.6%), 3%- ? 5% (8.2%), 5%- 10% (7.7%), 10%- 20% (2.8%). Compared cohort, adjusted mean ?PPPM was lower all WL: –$57.36, –$135.35 [P 0.05], –$193.54 0.05]). (n = 15,307), (43.4%), (59.4%), (7.3%), (6.3%), (1.8%). Adjusted groups (–$26.38, –$157.41 –$185.41 WL, respectively). Greater generally associated larger reduction costs. Results mixed, due small samples. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial savings observed 1 after (on average obesity, greater savings. Comprehensive solutions chronic management, including improved access antiobesity medications combination lifestyle interventions, could be valuable patients, employers, payers. DISCLOSURES: This sponsored Novo Nordisk, which also purchased data. Blanchette an employee Nordisk. Smolarz Ramasamy are employees Nordisk hold equity Ding, Fan, Weng time conducted. findings previously presented Week 2019; November 3-7, Las Vegas, NV.