Dive Brief:
- Walmart is expanding its digital health platform to include weight management services as the retail health giant looks to capitalize on consumer interest in GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
- The retailer’s digital health platform, called Better Care Services, can now connect patients to third-party weight management offerings from companies like Aaptiv and Curai Health. The providers can prescribe GLP-1s, while Walmart will handle prescription fulfillment, according to a Thursday press release.
- Walmart said the expansion should bridge the retailer’s pharmacy and digital health services, creating easier access to GLP-1s during a time of surging demand for the weight loss medications.
Dive Insight:
Retail pharmacy chains like Walmart have attempted to cash in on the GLP-1 craze as more Americans seek out access to the popular drugs.
Roughly 1 in 8 adults say they’re taking GLP-1s to manage their weight or treat a chronic condition, according to a poll from health research firm KFF published in November.
However, the drugs carry high list prices — in some cases more than $1,000 a month. Cost, along with uncomfortable side effects like nausea, have caused many patients to discontinue the drugs.
Companies like Walmart are banking that pairing a weight management program with GLP-1 prescriptions may increase adherence — and create a reliable revenue stream.
Walmart will now offer obesity and weight management support services from five companies: Aaptiv, Berry Street, Curai Health, MyCare by Twin Health and Wheel. Several of the services offered are designed to support patients already taking GLP-1s, while others include nutrition therapy, exercise guidance and personal coaching services.
Walmart has also redesigned its “GLP-1 digital destination” webpage, which advertises both GLP-1 medications that customers can fill at a Walmart pharmacy as well as other products the retailer sells, like vitamins and supplements.
The weight management services are offered through Walmart’s Better Care Services, the retailer’s latest foray into digital health. Launched in January, the platform aims to serve as a one-stop hub for consumers who want to access third-party telehealth providers, including urgent care and behavioral health.
The platform also integrates with LillyDirect, a home delivery service for some of pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly’s medications for obesity, diabetes and migraines. Eli Lilly produces many popular GLP-1s, including injectables Zepbound and Mounjaro and oral pill Foundayo.
Customers interested in taking GLP-1s can then fill their prescriptions at Walmart, which operates over 5,000 pharmacies and has been working to beef up its capabilities — including launching same-day delivery for prescription medication in 2024 — as other large retail pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Health downsize their businesses.
Walmart said it will continue expanding its weight management platforms, including by adding more services and providers to Better Care Services.
The retailer is expanding its digital platform after other health initiatives have gone bust. Walmart shut down its virtual care business and network of dozens of health centers, called Walmart Health, in 2024 after failing to make the business profitable. It was a swift turnaround for Walmart, which had invested heavily in the healthcare venture and explored growing its primary care capabilities.
