FitBlue: A multidimensional weight management initiative

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has developed an integrated program to help control obesity that customizes interventions according to member need. Our FitBlue's Go Walking! and Blue Health Coach programs identify members through claims, pharmacy, and personal health assessment (PHA) data that indicate potential issues with obesity. Telephonic and Internet-based member interventions are targeted according to body mass index (BMI) and member readiness for lifestyle change. Results from Go Walking! have shown average BMI reductions over 60 days from 0.46 to 0.64 correlated with the number of program components used by members. The majority of participants adopted healthier behaviors. Improvements ranging from 10 to 30 percentage point increases were reported in regularity of exercise, fitness level, stamina, energy, strength, and healthy food choices. The Blue Health Coach aspect resulted in an average BMI reduction of 1.8 for those with moderate obesity (BMI 35-39.9) and 1.2 for those with severe obesity (BMI 40 and above) over a 6-month period. Weight loss was correlated with length of time participating in the program.