City of Lynn Wins Best Practice Award for Innovative Obesity Management Program

CRANSTON, R.I., Oct. 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The City of Lynn, Massachusetts, has been recognized with the 2026 New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC) Best Practice Award for its innovative Healthy Weight and Keep It Off® Program. This program, developed in collaboration with Abacus Health Solutions, offers a comprehensive approach to obesity management that not only helps employees achieve lasting weight loss but also provides a sustainable model for managing healthcare costs.

The Healthy Weight and Keep It Off® Program combines evidence-based obesity treatment with personalized coaching, clinical oversight, and structured medication management. Participants are enrolled in a 24-month program that includes up to 12 fills of GLP-1 medication, followed by ongoing coaching and support. This approach has proven effective, with participants achieving an average of 20% weight loss and maintaining their results after completing the medication therapy.

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson of the City of Lynn emphasized the importance of balancing access to medication with responsible cost management.

The program has delivered significant results for both employees and the organization. Participants have reported an improved quality of life and a renewed belief in their ability to manage their health long-term. The Healthy Weight and Keep It Off® Program earned a Net Promoter Score of 81, placing it in the "excellent" category. Additionally, the program has helped the City of Lynn reduce prescription costs by approximately $14,000 per participant and has experienced GLP-1 utilization rates that are 50% lower than peer organizations.

The City of Lynn, first incorporated in 1629 and located north of Boston, is the 9th largest city in Massachusetts, home to 102,000 people with a municipal health plan covering 10,000 lives. The Healthy Weight and Keep It Off® Program is a testament to the City's commitment to improving the health outcomes of its residents while managing the long-term cost of obesity care.

Abacus Health Solutions, a pioneer in behaviorally focused disease management, has been instrumental in delivering evidence-based programs for diabetes, hypertension, and weight management. Since 2008, Abacus has helped employers and health plans improve outcomes while lowering healthcare costs through innovative technology, personalized support, and behavioral incentives.

The Healthy Weight and Keep It Off® Program is helping redefine what employer-sponsored obesity care can look like. By combining responsible medication access with comprehensive behavioral and clinical support, the program offers a proven model for municipalities and employers seeking to improve health outcomes while managing the long-term cost of obesity care.