City of Lynn, Massachusetts Earns 2026 New England Employee Benefits Council Best Practice Award for Innovative Approach to GLP-1 Coverage and Obesity Management

Award recognizes Healthy Weight and Keep It Off® Program for helping employees achieve lasting results while providing a sustainable model for managing obesity care costs

CRANSTON, R.I., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Lynn, Massachusetts has been named a recipient of the 2026 New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC) Best Practice Award for its Healthy Weight and Keep It Off® Program by Abacus Health Solutions, an innovative obesity management strategy that demonstrates how employers can provide access to GLP-1 medications while managing rising healthcare costs and supporting long-term employee health outcomes.

As demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow, many employers and municipalities face increasing pressure to balance access, affordability, and sustainable outcomes. The City of Lynn's award-winning approach combines evidence-based obesity treatment, personalized coaching, clinical oversight, and structured medication management through a 24-month program that includes up to 12 fills of GLP-1 medication followed by ongoing coaching and support. This approach helps employees achieve meaningful weight loss while building the habits needed to maintain success beyond medication therapy.

By integrating evidence-based clinical care with behavioral support, the City's strategy demonstrates that employers do not have to choose between helping employees improve their health and managing the rising costs of obesity care.

"We didn't want to choose between providing access to medication and managing costs responsibly. This program showed that it's possible to do both," said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, City of Lynn. "What we're most proud of isn't just the numbers. It's hearing employees tell us they feel healthier, more confident, and more in control of their lives. The overwhelming response from participants has reinforced that this approach is making a real difference."

The City's strategy has delivered meaningful results for both employees and the organization. Participants achieve an average of 20% weight loss, with 85% maintaining their results after completing medication therapy, while employers reduce prescription costs by approximately $14,000 per participant and have experienced GLP-1 utilization rates that are 50% lower than peer organizations.

The program's impact extends far beyond the scale. Participants consistently reported an improved quality of life and a renewed belief in their ability to manage their health long-term. Reflecting that positive experience, the Healthy Weight and Keep It Off® Program earned a Net Promoter Score of 81, placing it in the "excellent" category.

Recognized by NEEBC as a Best Practice Award recipient, the City of Lynn's 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.

About the City of Lynn, Massachusetts
First incorporated in 1629, located north of Boston, Lynn is the 9th largest City in Massachusetts. Home to 102,000 people with a municipal health plan with 10,000 covered lives.

About Abacus Health Solutions
Abacus Health Solutions is a pioneer in behaviorally focused disease management, helping employers and health plans improve outcomes while lowering healthcare costs. Since 2008, Abacus has delivered evidence-based programs for diabetes, hypertension, and weight management that drive member engagement, strengthen provider relationships, improve medication adherence, and reduce hospitalizations. Through the use of innovative technology, personalized support, and behavioral incentives, Abacus helps members achieve better health while delivering measurable value for organizations.

Abacus Health Solutions
Adele Huffine
401-408-7265
[email protected]

SOURCE Abacus Health Solutions