In a pilot program, a large New York State health insurer is providing the BMIQ program to 2,000 of its beneficiaries who are overweight and have type 2 diabetes. Data indicate that programs like this help patients lose weight, reduce medication costs, and can save over $1,000 per person, and "we’re hopeful that we will be able to show the insurer that they can save money," said Dr. Aronne, who believes that insurers and employers will pay for the program once they see that it’s an efficient model of delivering this service. The program is available to people now, at a cost of $300, at BMIQ.com.
Dr. Youdim had no disclosures. Dr. Aronne said he has been involved in studies of more than 20 weight-loss drugs, including the three reviewed by the FDA panel last year, and has served as a consultant to Vivus and Orexigen; he also developed the BMIQ program. Dr. Rodbard has received research grants and served as a consultant to, adviser to, and/or speaker for Amylin, Astra-Zeneca, Biodel, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Mannkind, Merck, Roche, and Sanofi-Aventis.