Many Vermont Families Now Eligible for Weight Loss Program

For Immediate Release: Contact: Leigh Tofferi
September 8, 2004 (802) 371-3205
Many Vermont Families Now Eligible for Weight Loss Program
Berlin, VT Thousands of Vermonters and their families are now eligible for discounts in Vermont on memberships in Weight Watchers®, the leading weight-loss organization, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont announced today.
These discounts are the first of a selection of services in a new non-benefit discount program the states largest health insurer is making available to its members and their families for no additional cost, according to Kevin Goddard, Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs.
Goddard cited numerous studies that state that obesity substantially increases a persons risk of developing many chronic health conditions. The results of these studies, according to Goddard, were the primary motivation for launching the new program partnering with the popular weight loss program.
Approximately 120 million Americans are overweight and obese, according to the Centers of Disease Control, and are therefore at increased risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, and many cancers. Obesity costs the U.S. economy more than tobacco or alcohol - about $117 billion per year - and is a factor in rising health insurance premiums.
Weight Watchers offers a comprehensive weight-loss program that combines a science-based eating, activity, and behavior modification plan with weekly meetings and group support.
How one loses weight directly affects an individual's long-term weight-loss success, and at Weight Watchers, members learn how to eat more healthfully, increase physical activity, and handle all the challenges encountered to achieve and maintain weight loss, said Karen Miller-Kovach, VP, Program Development and Chief Scientific Officer at Weight Watchers International, Inc. Its about losing weight and keeping the weight off for the long term.
Simply showing a BCBSVT identification card at a Weight Watchers site in Vermont will enable members and their families to receive free registration when joining a traditional weekly meeting in most Vermont counties.
Goddard described the health plans new non-benefit discount program, called BlueExtras, as part of a suite of consumer support or empowerment instruments BCBSVT has developed to give individuals the tools they need to improve their health status and remain healthy.
Our members will find this new program helpful for obtaining services not normally covered by their health insurance benefits, Goddard explained. The new BlueExtras program will add even more services in the near future for our members as they try to enhance their lifestyles to include healthy activities. Were pleased to welcome Weight Watchers to this new program.
Weight Watchers is America's trusted name in weight loss and the global leader in weight-loss services, with approximately 46,000 weekly meetings in 30 countries. Weight Watchers mission is to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight. At the heart of Weight Watchers are weekly meetings which provide the coaching and tools to help people make the positive changes required to lose weight and keep it off. To learn more about Weight Watchers services, products and publications, visit WeightWatchers.com. To find the nearest Weight Watchers meeting location, call 1-800-651-6000 or click on the Find a Meeting link at the top of the WeightWatchers.com homepage.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is the states oldest and largest private health insurer, providing coverage for about 180,000 Vermonters. It employs over 350 Vermonters at its headquarters in Berlin and its branch office in Williston, and offers group and individual health plans to Vermonters. More information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is available on the Internet at www.bcbsvt.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent corporation operating under a license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.
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