Improve GLP-1 ROI with movement-based care

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® and Ozempic® are reshaping obesity and diabetes care, but without the right support, results may plateau and costs can surge.

In this webinar, Dr. Vijay Yanamadala, Sword Health’s chief medical officer, joins physical therapist Ellie Smith to explain how evidence-based movement can improve outcomes, preserve muscle, and increase the long-term value of your GLP-1 investment.

You’ll learn how Sword's Move helps members build lasting behavior change — and how employers are pairing it with GLP-1s to lower downstream spend, reduce MSK risk, and sustain weight loss.

Key takeaways

Why muscle loss matters, and how movement protects long-term GLP-1 results
How Sword Move drives behavior change and amplifies GLP-1 ROI
Real-world examples of employers improving outcomes with movement and medication

Webinar Hosts

Dr. Vijay Yanamadala

Chief Medical Officer at Sword Health

Ellie Smith

Senior Clinical Specialist

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Hosts

Meet your hosts

Learn from Sword’s clinical experts as they share insights on GLP-1 strategy, behavior change, and long-term health outcomes.

Vijay Yanamadala
Chief Medical Officer at Sword Health
Dr. Vijay Yanamadala, Chief Medical Officer at Sword Health, is a spinal surgeon with decades of experience leading clinical strategy and translating medical best practice into a commercial setting.
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Dr. Vijay Yanamadala
Ellie Smith
Senior Clinical Specialist
Ellie combines her experience as a physical therapist and researcher to help deliver compassionate, evidence-based digital care for Sword Health members.
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Ellie Smith

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GLP-1 strategy insights and employer resources

Movement and GLP-1

GLP-1 medications are transforming obesity care. Without addressing inactivity and muscle loss, employers risk a new wave of MSK claims. Up to 70% of GLP-1 users discontinue use within a year1, and many regain weight after treatment ends. Movement is the missing link to lasting results, improved quality of life, and sustainable cost control. GLP-1s can cost employers up to $10,000 per member annually2, yet many of these dollars are going to members without long-term habit change. Leading employers are solving for this risk by adding structured movement plans to support GLP-1 use and protect lean muscle mass.

GLP-1 employer healthcare costs: lower spend with better outcomes

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are transforming how employers approach obesity care. Once reserved for diabetes patients, these drugs are now widely prescribed for weight loss. GLP-1 drugs do deliver on their promise of improved cardiometabolic outcomes. Simply, these medications do help users lose weight. But for health plans and employers, the real challenge goes beyond pharmacy claims. The bigger risk is in the hidden costs that accumulate over time when GLP-1 treatment is not paired with sustainable lifestyle changes. Without movement programs to protect lean muscle and build healthy habits, employers may face a second wave of musculoskeletal (MSK) claims, re-prescriptions, and long-term disability costs. GLP-1 users often don’t develop the behaviour change needed to sustain weight loss over time. Also, lean muscle mass is often lost during GLP-1 use which leaves people at increased risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) issues as a result of lower strength and stability levels.

GLP-1 preauthorization: Using movement plans for sustained weight loss

GLP-1 medications have redefined obesity care for employers and health plans. These powerful drugs support members at high metabolic risk with significant short-term weight loss. But without behavior change and muscle preservation, long-term success can become more elusive. Many patients on GLP-1s experience rebound weight gain and muscle deterioration, which presents an increased risk of musculoskeletal conditions and downstream costs₁³. Employers and health plans have a promising treatment that is effective in supporting fast weight loss. However, without positive behavior change to accompany a GLP-1 prescription, the healthy habit of regular physical activity is missing.