WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee, Inc. is rolling out a new GLP-1 wellness program aimed at helping patients on the popular weight-loss and diabetes medications get more out of their treatment through better nutrition and side-effect management, the grocery chain announced Monday.
The six-week, self-guided online program is set to begin in mid-July and is open to adults 18 and older. Participants will get three one-on-one check-ins with a Hy-Vee registered dietitian, available in person or online, along with 10 video modules covering topics such as managing side effects, meeting protein needs, hydration, meal prep, fiber intake, smart snacking and resistance training to preserve muscle mass.
The program normally costs $49, but Hy-Vee is waiving the fee for the first 1,000 people who pre-register online using the code GLP1FREE at checkout. Customers can also pay using HSA or FSA funds.
The launch comes as GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound have surged in popularity for weight management, prompting retailers and health systems to build out support services around the medications, which can carry side effects like nausea and muscle loss if not paired with adequate nutrition.
Hy-Vee's push follows the start of the federal government's Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which took effect nationwide on July 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2027. That program gives eligible Medicare patients access to certain GLP-1 medications for $50 a month at pharmacies nationwide, including Hy-Vee's more than 270 pharmacy locations.
The Medicare pricing applies only to patients prescribed a GLP-1 solely for weight loss or weight management. Patients using the drugs to treat other conditions, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, do not qualify for the discounted rate. Hy-Vee said individuals should check with their provider or pharmacist to determine eligibility.
Pre-registration for Hy-Vee's wellness program is open now online.
