Understanding the Return on Investment with Different Health Programs

Understanding the Return on Investment with Different Health Programs

There are many medical and wellness programs out there targeted at different aspects of our health. Some more popular programs include those aimed at weight loss, women’s hormone balance, and low testosterone. Unfortunately, these services can run a high price tag, which may make people hesitant when deciding whether or not to enroll in a program.

The good news is that you may be able to make back your investment, or even exceed it, through the financial, physical, and emotional benefits of these programs. Let’s discuss each of these programs, the upfront cost, and the potential return on investment you can expect.

Part 1 – Understanding the Real Cost (and Savings) of Medical Weight Loss Programs

There are many hidden costs associated with obesity, as obesity can cause a wide array of complications. These include conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer [1][2]. In addition, obesity can lead to other issues like osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and more. The medical care and treatment associated with these conditions can add up – putting an immense financial burden on the patient [3].

…

Reduced Prescription Costs
Weight loss can eliminate or reduce the need for medications needed to treat chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure [2].

Employer Wellness Incentives
Many employers will provide financial incentives for achieving health targets like a normal BMI, healthy labs, and being a non-smoker [4].

Part 2 – Women’s Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Costs & Benefits Beyond the Price Tag

…

Prevention of Chronic Conditions
Estrogen and progesterone are implicated in somebody’s osteoporosis risk, cardiovascular issues, and susceptibility to cognitive decline. By balancing these hormones through BHRT, you could lower your risk of these conditions and associated medical costs [5][6][7]. You could potentially avoid $5,000–$15,000 or more in annual medical costs for fractures, heart disease, or dementia care later in life.

Long-Term Health Savings
Maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health can reduce need for costly medications and hospitalizations [8]. It can also prevent the need for physical therapy or even surgery. This can amount to several thousands in savings by avoiding medical bills and insurance costs.

Part 3 – Men’s Testosterone Therapy: Costs, Health Gains & Long-Term Payoffs

…

Muscle Mass & Bone Health
Testosterone is essential to maintaining lean muscle and increasing bone density. With testosterone therapy, you can reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis [9][10]. This would avoid as much as $5,000 to $15,000 in potential hospital and rehab costs.

Metabolic Health
Maintaining appropriate testosterone levels can improve body composition, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels [11]. This means less medications and treatments required for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Cognitive Function & Mood
Low T is associated with brain fog, fatigue, and mood swings. With testosterone supplementation, you may experience better focus, energy, and emotional stability [12].

References

1. Finkelstein EA, Trogdon JG, Cohen JW, Dietz W. Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer- and service-specific estimates. Health Aff (Millwood). 2009;28(5):w822-w831. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.28.5.w822

2. American Diabetes Association. The Cost of Diabetes. https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/cost-of-diabetes

3. RAND Corporation. The Health Effects and Costs of Obesity. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB4549.html

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Employer Wellness Programs. https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/initiatives/resource-center.html

5. Sheedy AN, et al. Menopausal hormone therapy and prevention of chronic disease. Menopause. 2023;30(1):23-32.

6. Platt O, et al. Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women: effects on bone and cardiovascular outcomes. Front Reprod Health. 2025.

7. Gosset A, et al. Effect of menopausal hormone therapy on cognitive decline: systematic review. Menopause. 2021;28(7):765-774.

8. National Institutes of Health. Menopausal hormone therapy and long-term health. Updated 2024.

9. Behre HM, et al. Long-term effect of testosterone therapy on bone mineral density in hypogonadal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997;82(8):2386-2390.

10. Snyder PJ, et al. Effects of testosterone treatment on bone density and strength in older men with low testosterone. JAMA Intern Med. 2017;177(4):471-479.

11. Corona G, et al. Testosterone therapy and metabolic outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Urol. 2016;70(6):955-964.

12. Zarrouf FA, et al. Testosterone and depression: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Pract. 2009;15(4):289-305.

Author

David J. Bauder, PA-C David Bauder, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant and the assistant medical director at Weight Loss and Vitality in Manassas and Alexandria, Virginia, Washington, DC; and Gaithersburg, MD. He enjoys helping patients optimize their physical and mental health to improve their overall well-being. He earned his physician assistant degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Afterward, he gained admission into the reputable graduate program for physician assistant studies at the University of Nebraska Health Science Center in Omaha. David has over 26 years of experience working as a physician assistant. He’s practiced in podiatry, family medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, urgent care, and functional medicine.