Wellness Options for Patients on GLP-1 for Weight Loss

1/10/2025

While GLP-1’s may offer pharmaceutical support for those seeking weight loss, the FDA approval indicates that they should be prescribed in conjunction with modification (or “attention”) to nutrition habits and increased physical activity, which is often the most challenging part of maintaining weight loss.

While we know lifestyle change is a key long term success indicator for patients who are taking GLP-1s, supportive programming can be difficult to find. The information below is for providers regarding programs available to VMC patients through Lifestyle Medicine and YMCA that can provide support for patients taking GLP-1s for weight loss.

Prescriptive programs at Valley Medical Center to support patients on GLP-1

At VMC, options include prescribed exercise programs and nutrition counseling that allow for 1:1 education and support for patients. Depending on your patients’ specific support needs, you can place a referral to the following:

Nutrition Services
Diabetes Education
Lifestyle Medicine (if you aren’t sure which program is best, refer to Lifestyle Medicine and a referral coordinator will work with the patient to determine the best program for them)

YMCA Wellness for Life for GLP-1 Users Program

This program has been specially designed to support those who are taking GLP-1s in creating lifestyle changes to support their long-term health and wellness journey. Providers should consider referring patients who are age 18+ and prescribed GLP-1 medications.

In a virtual setting, a trained wellness coach will facilitate a small group of participants in a 16-week healthy lifestyle program on sustainable ways to eat healthier, increase physical activity and achieve wellness for life. There will not be any clinical or pharmaceutical guidance provided as part of this program. Participants should consult with their primary care physician for any medical questions.

Program	Start Date	End Date	Day	Time	Location	Language
W4L GLP-1	3/5/2025	6/18/2025	Wednesdays	12pm	Virtual / Zoom	English

Program is offered to:

Y Members and Community Members; YMCA membership is NOT required for program participation, 18yrs+ and currently taking a GLP-1 medication. Adults not currently taking a GLP-1 medication should be referred to the traditional Wellness for Life program.

Program Registration:

Providers can send an electronic external referral order to YMCA health programs via Epic
Interested participants can call the Centralized Whole Person Health Enrollment Team: 206-432-8904 Or click on this link to Schedule an Enrollment Phone call and we will contact participant at that time. Or email ChronicDiseasePrevention@seattleymca.org

Program Fee:

$240 for Y members; $365 for community members.

Cost includes $50 non-refundable enrollment fee, a Participant Program Journal and Physical Activity Guide.
Financial Assistance and payment plans are available. Reimbursements can be submitted to use Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts. Cost will be discussed during program registration.

For more information about this program, see this flyer: