JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The Noom Weight program is a smartphone-based weight management program that utilizes cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to motivate users to achieve weight loss through a comprehensive lifestyle intervention.

Objective:

This retrospective database analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of Noom Weight use on healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and healthcare costs among overweight and obese patients.

Methods:

Electronic health records (EHR) data, claims data, and Noom program data were used to conduct the analysis. The study included 43,047 Noom Weight users and 14,555 non-Noom users aged 18-80 with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² and residing in the U.S. The index date was defined as the first day of a 3-month treatment window during which Noom Weight was used at least once per week, on average. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance sociodemographic covariates between the two cohorts. HRU and costs for inpatient visits, outpatient visits, telehealth visits, surgeries, and prescriptions were analyzed.

Results:

Within 12 months post-index, Noom Weight users had, on average, $20.10 less inpatient costs (95% CI: -$30.08, -$10.12), $124.33 less outpatient costs (95% CI: -$159.76, -$88.89), $313.82 less overall prescription costs (95% CI: -$565.42, -$62.21), and $450.39 less overall healthcare costs (95% CI: -$706.28, -$194.50) per user compared to non-Noom users. In terms of HRU, Noom Weight users had, on average, -0.03 fewer inpatient visits (95% CI: -0.04, -0.03), -0.78 fewer outpatient visits (95% CI: -0.93, -0.62), -0.01 fewer surgeries (95% CI: -0.01, 0.00), and 1.39 fewer prescriptions (95% CI: -1.76, -1.03) per user compared to non-Noom users. Among a subset of individuals with 24-month follow-up data, Noom Weight users incurred lower overall prescription costs ($1,139.52 less per user (95% CI: -$1,972.21, -$306.83)) and overall healthcare costs ($1,219.06 less per user (95% CI: -$2,061.56, -$376.55)) than non-Noom users. The key differences were associated with reduced prescription use.

Conclusions:

Noom Weight use is associated with lower HRU and costs compared to non-Noom users, with potential cost savings up to $1,219.06 per user at 24 months post-index. These findings suggest that Noom Weight could be a cost-effective weight management program for overweight and obese patients. This study provides valuable evidence for healthcare providers and payers in evaluating the potential benefits of digital weight loss interventions such as Noom Weight.