The Missing Ingredient in GLP-1 Success: What Employers Should Expect from Lifestyle Support

September 16th, 2026

In this episode of The Pulse in 15, Mary sits down with Dr. Padmaja Patel, President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, to discuss a critical question facing employers today: what does meaningful lifestyle support actually look like in the era of GLP-1 medications? While these medications continue to gain attention for their impact on weight and chronic disease management, clinical guidelines consistently emphasize that they should be used alongside lifestyle interventions. Dr. Patel helps separate evidence-based strategies from marketing claims, explains why sustainable outcomes require more than medication alone, and shares practical guidance for employers evaluating lifestyle management and GLP-1 support programs. Together, they explore the key components of successful programs, how employers should define and measure success, and the growing role of whole-person care in creating lasting health improvements.