Should weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, etc. be covered by your company's insurance?

Poll incoming.

I think so. If weight loss sugery is covered, why shouldn't weight loss tools :) Early intervention of sorts.

If prescribed by a physician.

No, because if that's all it takes to lose weight is to control your eating habits, you're capable of eating less and more nutritious foods without insurance footing the bill. If there is an underlying medical issue that is preventing weight loss, despite the patients efforts, then my response doesn't pertain. (just putting that last bit out there before I get virtually pounded :))

I think so. If weight loss sugery is covered, why shouldn't weight loss tools :) Early intervention of sorts.

I agree.

I don't know if it should or not honestly....but I do think it would be awesome if it was.

If prescribed by a physician.

I agree. As with any weight loss program, it should be discussed with a physician (not talking oh I gained 5 pounds and I need to lose it again type diets). Often times people who have trouble losing weight also have some underlying emotional issue going on and they need to address/change that as well as their weight concerns. Not to mention covering weight loss programs in general would make it too easy/affordable for those with unhealthy body image/ideas abuse a program to the point of becoming quite unhealthy/underweight.

****DISCLAIMER**** I am not saying every overweight person has emotional issues. Not saying every person with emotional issues is overweight.

No, because if that's all it takes to lose weight is to control your eating habits, you're capable of eating less and more nutritious foods without insurance footing the bill. If there is an underlying medical issue that is preventing weight loss, despite the patients efforts, then my response doesn't pertain. (just putting that last bit out there before I get virtually pounded :))

I agree.

Absolutely!

Yea, but I know a few people who have had weight loss surgery who I believe didn't need it or could have modified their eating habits (I'd seen them eat before and knew their personal habits) ... and insurance still paid.

I think thats a great idea.

Regardless of the cause of obesity, once it's there, it's a health issue and taking care of it should be aided by insurance-covered healthcare.

Smoking (which is a choice just like overeating) causes cancer (not ALL cancer, of course, but not all obesity is caused by overeating either), and cancer treatment is covered by health insurance. Why should obesity be any different?

I think weight-loss is the person's responsibility. If they have a weight problem they should be the ones to do something about it. If it is a genetic issue I believe that is covered.

I think if your weight is high enough that it is causing other health issues ( like my mom. She has high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and other health issues), and your doctor says it's medically nessicary to lose weight, then yes, I think it would be great. I don't think they should cover it if you are just mildly overweight and could easily lose weight with a few minor lifestyle changes.

I completely think it should, if prescribed by your physician. I mean, it will cost the insurance A LOT less to pay for preventative measure, than to pay for something as costly as weight loss surgery. It will also cost the insurance company more in the future to pay for your medical bills when you get other illnesses related to being overweight, such as diabetes.

I mean, I don't really think it should be covered nilly willy just for anyone, it should be agreed by your Dr. that you could benefit from a weight loss program.

I voted "other" because I think that they should, but not EVERY diet plan out there. Maybe the ones that are proven to work and have lasting results, like Weight Watchers, etc. It's def to the insurance's advantage to help people lose weight because it will cut down on costs later on.
However, I also know that ignorance and bad habits are not the only causes of American obesity. Poverty is another problem. Cheap food is usually bad food. Just take a look at the dollar menus everywhere, or weight the price of a box of macaroni and cheese against a head of broccoli and a pound of lean chicken.
Another issue is the way our culture views food and mealtimes. We eat to survive, to cure boredom, etc. Not very many people actually sit down and slowly enjoy a meal. Not many people have the luxury of TIME to do this.
But, my main point is that yes, they should cover some, but it really won't solve the whole obesity problem.

I think it should be mandatory before gastric bypass for example..

But it definatly needs to be prescribed by a physician.

No, I don't.

Insurance will often cover a visit with a nutritionist, especially for obesity (as opposed to someone who just wants to lose 10lb). Once you chart a course and diet for yourself, these things can be done on your own - it's just food. So I think insurance should cover one or more visits with a nutritionist who will work with you to develop a weight loss plan in cases of obesity. Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers are just name brands for healthy living. A doctor can and will do the same thing for you when it is absolutely necessary for your health.

I think so. If weight loss sugery is covered, why shouldn't weight loss tools :) Early intervention of sorts.
gotta love insurance. I think it should be.

I think it should be mandatory before gastric bypass for example..

But it definatly needs to be prescribed by a physician.

Agreed. I don't think that just because Jane Doe wants to lose twenty pounds and goes to Weight Watchers that insurance should cover it. However, if Jane Doe is obese and a physician can prescribe this instead of just going right to gastric bypass, they should do that. Sometimes just talking to a nutritionist isn't enough, sometimes people need the support that these kinds of places can offer.

I am gonna go with no.

Nobody made me fat but me. I have poor eating habits and I don't exercise enough. Why should other people have to pay because I don't take care of myself?