Costco shoppers have sparked a lively discussion around the store's newly launched weight loss program. The popular bulk retailer teamed up with Sesame Care late last year, aiming to expand its offerings to include various health services for its members.
Now, Costco isn't just a place for stocking up on groceries in bulk; it's also becoming a destination for those seeking support with their health and wellness goals.
Costco's New Health Perk: Affordable Weight Loss
According to Sesame's website, Costco has introduced a weight loss program that lets shoppers choose their health experts starting Tuesday.
People with a Costco membership can get a free Sesame account. With this account, they can join the health company's weight loss program at a lower price.
The program usually costs $195 a year. However, the price drops to $179 for Costco members who choose Sesame. This plan includes personal advice on staying active and eating right.
The cost comes down to about $60 per month for three months.
In partnership with Sesame, Costco has unveiled what they claim to be "the most affordable weight loss program in the United States."
The program offers several benefits, including the chance for Costco members to have clinical consultations with a health expert they choose over three months. The first meeting can even happen via live video call.
According to a blog post about the program, a health professional will assist participants with advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes during this program. Depending on what's available, they might also prescribe medications.
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However, the cost of any medications or lab tests needed isn't included in the program's price. For those who do need medication, the clinicians will help with the pre-authorization process, which could make these medicines cheaper, the company explained to Reuters.
There's been a growing interest in GLP-1 agonists, a group of drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, leading to a sharp increase in prescriptions across the U.S.
Costco's Weight Loss Plan Sparks Debate
Costco's new weight loss program for its members looks simple at first, but some people think the store is just looking out for its own interests.
One customer voiced their opinion on Reddit, suggesting Costco has a strategy. They offer deals on unhealthy food and then partner with a weight loss program, keeping customers returning. "Costco sells lots of yummy dessert food," they pointed out.
Then they noted, "Costco members need to lose weight," calling it a "Self-fulfilling prophecy."
This view isn't alone. Others feel the same way. "This definitely has a' cause the disease and sell the cure' vibe to it," another person said angrily. Someone else joked, "Well, then stop putting heavenly hunks on sale!!!!!" This shows frustration but also highlights how hard it is to resist tempting offers.
Even though some customers have mixed feelings, Sesame's co-founder and CEO, David Goldhill, shared with USA Today that many Costco members are interested in losing weight.
Goldhill revealed that the most common thing Costco members looked for when they wanted health care through Sesame was help with weight loss. "The number one search term of Costco members seeking primary care on Sesame was weight loss," he explained.
Besides the weight loss program, Costco members can also get other health services at low prices. They have access to basic doctor visits for $29, health check-ups for $72, online therapy sessions for $79, and they can save an extra 10% on various other health-related services.
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