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Weight

Programs and resources to help you manage your weight and understand how it impacts your health.

Understand Your Weight

Managing your weight is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, along with proper nutrition, physical activity and optimal sleep.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Your BMI compares your weight in relation to your height to determine if it’s within a healthy range.

 

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Healthy weight: BMI 18.5 to 25
  • Overweight: BMI 25 to 30
  • Obese: BMI 30 or higher

 

Obesity impacts our nation’s health and economy

1 in 3 adults & 1 in 5 children are obese

$147 billion spent annually on obesity-related care

Health Risks

Despite being so common in the U.S., having a BMI 30 or higher poses some serious health risks that take a toll on your whole body.

A BMI of 18.5 to 25 decreases your risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Cancer

A healthy weight affects your day-to-day life:

  • Less stress on your joints & organs
  • Easier breathing 
  • Better sleep
  • More energy

Manage Your Weight

If your BMI is 30 or higher, losing just 3% to 5% of your total weight is enough to start to see positive health changes.

Healthy Eating

  • Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits & vegetables, whole grains, fiber, healthy fats, smaller portions and no sugary drinks
  • Aim to stop eating when you feel full instead of cleaning your plate each time
  • Practice mindful eating compared to eating in front of a TV or while on a phone

 

 

Physical Activity

  • Talk to your doctor about an exercise routine that makes sense for your health
  • At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week is recommended
  • Your doctor may start you with a more simple routine like taking walks once a day

Positive Attitude

  • Instead of being critical about your weight, encourage any healthy behaviors and the things you are doing right
     
     

Helpful Programs

These programs can help you manage your weight.

Wellness Incentive Program 

Get a personalized action plan and track progress toward your health goals. Eligible FEP Blue Standard™ and FEP Blue Basic™ members* can earn up to $170 after completing their Blue Health Assessment and three goals with Daily Habits.

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Routine Annual Physical Incentive Program

FEP Blue Focus® members can get rewarded for having their annual physical every year. Choose from several rewards like a four-month gym membership, a personalized nutrition plan and more.

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Blue365® Discounts

Get access to handpicked deals on your favorite national health and wellness brands. Save on everything from gym memberships to exercise apparel and family care to nutrition. 

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Nutritional Counseling

Connect with a registered dietician who can evaluate your nutritional needs and help you develop personalized meal plans—all from your phone or computer. These virtual visits are covered in full for all Service Benefit Plan members.

 

Find Out More

 

 

*You must be the contract holder or spouse, 18 or older, and enrolled in FEP Blue Standard or FEP Blue Basic to earn incentive rewards. 

Enjoy low-cost gym memberships nationwide

With Blue365®, you can achieve your personal fitness goals on your budget. Pay a discounted membership rate at thousands of participating fitness locations across the U.S.

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Weight-loss drug coverage

In addition to good nutrition and physical activity, many FDA-approved weight-loss medications can help reduce weight by at least 5%. We cover weight-loss drug prescriptions to treat obesity for Service Benefit Plan members who meet eligibility criteria and get prior approval. Covered weight-loss prescription drugs are listed in our formularies.

Surgical treatment of morbid obesity

FEP also covers procedures to treat morbid obesity. For members 18 and over with a BMI 40 or higher or a BMI 35 or higher with one or more comorbidities, benefits are available for the following procedures:

  • Roux-en-Y
  • Gastric bypass
  • Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
  • Sleeve gastrectomy
  • Biliopancreatic bypass with duodenal switch

 

Note: Prior approval is required for surgery for morbid obesity. Please review our plan brochures for more information.