In the world of employer-sponsored weight loss benefits, the rise of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound has changed everything. These drugs are effective — but they’re also expensive, and when used without structure, they rarely lead to lasting results.
At Embla, we’ve developed a different model — one that delivers the weight loss outcomes people want, while drastically reducing long-term medication use. We combine expert coaching, smart clinical oversight, and a deep understanding of human behavior to create a program that works in the real world.
Here’s how we help members lose more weight with fewer side effects, lower costs, and far better sustainability.
We start with behavior — not just biology
At Embla, everything we do centers around long-term weight loss — not short-term fixes. That’s why our model leads with behavior change, supported by medication only when clinically appropriate.
Every member begins with a 1:1 coaching relationship that runs throughout the entire journey. Our coaches are trained in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), a proven psychological framework that helps people work with difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors — not against them.
This coaching focuses on the five key domains that drive sustained change:
- Nutrition habits
- Movement and activity
- Sleep
- Stress
- Emotional and automatic eating triggers
Instead of prescribing a one-size-fits-all meal plan or tracking macros, we help members build sustainable routines rooted in their real lives.
A clinical strategy designed for durability
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are powerful — but only when used strategically. At Embla, medication is never the main event. It's a temporary support to help members create space for change.
Our medical team uses a "lowest effective dose" model:
- We start every member at the lowest clinically appropriate dose
- We only escalate if progress stalls and all behavioral strategies have been exhausted
- We monitor for side effects continuously and reduce doses when appropriate
A 2021 study in JAMA found that most patients regain lost weight within 12 months of stopping GLP-1s without behavioral support. (source)
This philosophy helps members stay engaged and avoid side-effect-related dropout. And it works:
Across thousands of members, Embla delivers 16.7% average weight loss at 12 months, while using 66% less GLP-1 medication than standard escalation models.
What happens after the weight comes off
Stopping medication is often the most vulnerable part of the journey. But with Embla, members never face that transition alone.
Our team supports members through a structured tapering process that includes:
- Gradual dose reductions over time
- Close clinical supervision
- Continued weekly coaching to reinforce skills and routines
Most importantly, we teach members how to navigate appetite, hunger cues, and emotional eating without the medication.
8 in 10 members successfully taper off GLP-1s without regaining weight — because they’ve built the psychological and behavioral foundation to stay on track.
Coaching that's built to fit real life
Unlike traditional programs, Embla coaching doesn’t ask members to upend their lives. Instead, it’s personalized, flexible, and highly relevant to the barriers that matter most. Common coaching focus areas include:
- Managing stress eating at work
- Breaking perfectionist cycles around food and exercise
- Building consistent movement habits (even with low time or motivation)
- Learning how to feel and respond to hunger without fear
The result is real-world progress — not just good intentions. We’ve built Embla to help members succeed even when life is messy, busy, and unpredictable.
What this means for employers
Self-funded employers are facing pressure to cover GLP-1s — but without smart management, costs can spiral fast.
Embla offers a turnkey alternative:
- 100% digital program that launches in 1–2 weeks
- Clinical oversight to prevent unnecessary dose escalation
- Coaching-first model that reduces long-term medication dependency
- Support through initiation, dose changes, and tapering
According to the IFEBP, GLP-1s can increase plan costs by up to 9% if even 10% of members enroll — without the right oversight. (source)
This approach doesn’t just deliver better outcomes — it protects your pharmacy budget and improves workforce resilience.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to max out medication to get real, lasting weight loss. What you need is a model that puts people first — that understands weight loss is not just about biology, but behavior, psychology, and environment.
Embla’s approach is designed to address the full picture. We help members make real changes that last — and we help employers offer a solution that actually works.
With the right support, long-term outcomes are not just possible — they’re predictable.
With Embla, you can:
- Help employees lose more weight
- Cut GLP-1 spend by up to two-thirds
- Reduce long-term dependency on medication
- Improve morale, energy, and overall health across your population
Interested in hearing how we could roll-out Embla for your employees? Schedule a meeting here.