Newtopia is thrilled to be sharing the results of a groundbreaking study on metabolic syndrome* risk reduction. The results are based on a year-long randomized control trial (RCT) with Newtopia and Aetna, the leader in medical and disability insurance, and were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM) regarding significant employee healthcare savings using Newtopia’s personalized disease prevention platform.
The Aetna RCT proves this about employers who utilize Newtopia’s highly personalized workplace wellness and disease prevention solution. Employee health risks are reduced. It also demonstrates significant in-year cost savings.
The RCT, which studied employees at increased risk for Metabolic Syndrome, showed yearly cost savings. As a result $1,464 savings per participant in the Newtopia participant group versus a randomized control group.
This is an exciting and important milestone for corporate health and wellness programs. The significant cost savings was in the first year of participation. This has proven an unequivocal return on investment long before the industry standard. Which is around three to five years. More importantly, we have also shown the health benefits of clinically significant body weight reduction for Aetna’s at-risk employees. This was achieved by using our innovative and personalized approach to disease prevention.
According to study authors, corporate health and wellness programs like Newtopia should lead to a downstream reduction in major clinical events. Some examples include type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This is along with their attendant costs.
These results underscore the need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to employee healthcare and wellness. This approach has failed to control the rise of preventable chronic health conditions. By focusing on at-risk individuals and engaging them in a uniquely personalized way, we can inspire them to make healthier lifestyle choices. As a result, clinically significant body weight reduction and increase overall employee health. Add in the in-year costs savings, and it’s a win/win for employee and employer.
The Following Topline Results Were Revealed From The RCT:
- More than three-quarters of participating employees (76 percent) lost an average of 10 lbs (representing an average 5% body weight reduction).
- Average employee healthcare costs were reduced by $122 per participant per month vs the control group, for a total of $1464 per participant per year.
- More than 50 percent of those enrolled remained engaged for 12 months, a significant improvement over the industry average of 15 percent.
- The program also proved to be successful in creating an increased likelihood of long-term engagement, one of the biggest hurdles in traditional corporate health and wellness programs.
- Participants in Newtopia’s health and wellness program improved in several of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, including waist size, triglycerides, and “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels.
More About The Aetna-Newtopia Study
The year-long RCT included 2835 employees at increased risk for Metabolic Syndrome. A cluster of conditions was observed. These often leading to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. A total of 445 employees were enrolled in Newtopia’s health and wellness program. Of which included a limited genetic profile, a traditional psychosocial assessment, and high-intensity coaching. The primary goal of the study was to determine if individuals in the Newtopia workplace wellness program would demonstrate reduced Metabolic Syndrome risk factors. Further, to learn more about possible employee healthcare savings when compared to a control group not invited to the program.
What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic Syndrome is a collection of five risk factors, including: out of range waist circumference, elevated triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and elevated fasting blood sugar levels. Currently, up to 35 percent of the US adult population between the ages of 18-65 (109 million) meet the criteria for Metabolic Syndrome. An adult with Metabolic Syndrome has annual health costs 60% higher than an average healthy employee.
- View the entire study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
- Read the news article from Aetna