What You Should Know:
– Ciba Health today announced the launch of its new GLP-1 Step-Down Program, marking the first national offering designed to guide individuals off popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
– Ciba Health’s virtual program aims to help members either avoid GLP-1 medications entirely or safely taper off them by rebuilding metabolic health through personalized care.
Addressing an Overlooked Gap in GLP-1 Care
GLP-1s, originally developed for diabetes, have become a popular solution for obesity and related cardiovascular issues. However, as demand for these medications surges, questions about long-term health outcomes and the cessation of use are increasingly important. Many individuals experience weight regain, metabolic slowdown, and hormonal fluctuations when stopping medication, often without medical guidance. While GLP-1s can jumpstart progress, they do not resolve the underlying metabolic dysfunctions that lead to weight gain or elevated A1C levels.
Ciba Health’s Step-Down Program was created in response to rising demand from employers, health plans, and providers seeking a clinically sound way to help patients safely taper off GLP-1s while prioritizing root-cause care over long-term medication dependency, especially when used for weight and A1C control.
A Root-Cause Approach with Proven Impact
Ciba Health’s full-stack platform, powered by AI and real-time diagnostics, has already demonstrated significant clinical and financial impact. A 2025 analysis report by The Validation Institute found a 44% reduction in annual prescription drug spend, saving $5.3 million in medication costs and delivering a 1.18x ROI within just 12 months.
By combining Ciba Health’s multidisciplinary care teams (including physicians, registered dietitians, and health coaches) with advanced real-time diagnostics via an AI-powered unified platform, the Step-Down Program helps members avoid or wean off GLP-1s. It addresses the root causes of metabolic dysfunction, such as gut and hormone imbalances, underlying inflammation, and low cellular energy. The evidence-based program has achieved an 85% reduction rate in GLP-1 utilization thus far, replacing single-point health solutions for self-funded employers, TPAs, and health plans.
Every member is guided by a dedicated care team and undergoes extensive lab testing (five times more labs than most doctors order). The program also leverages real-time data from health tools like CGMs, smart scales, blood pressure monitors, and sleep/fitness trackers to identify the true drivers of insulin resistance and high A1Cs. This data-driven approach supports members with precision care and personalized health plans. Ciba Health physicians support a gradual, data-driven tapering of medication, ensuring a safe transition that rebuilds the body’s natural ability to regulate weight and metabolism, ultimately prioritizing lasting wellness and reducing cardiovascular risks.
“GLP-1s offer a ‘window of opportunity’ to give people a break from the mental stress that often comes with making health changes, but avoiding GLP-1 side effects, and achieving lasting health outcomes requires addressing the root causes driving metabolic imbalances,” said Dr. Markyia Nichols, Chief Medical Officer of Ciba Health. She emphasized, “I often say that if you’re on a certain medication for longer than two weeks, you haven’t identified the root cause of the issue. Even if a GLP-1 medication is bringing someone’s A1C down, they can still be insulin resistant. GLP-1s are helpful to an extent, but they don’t address the root cause.”
The GLP-1 Step-Down Program Availability & Pricing
The GLP-1 Step-Down Program is available at no cost to employees whose employer offers Ciba Health as a health benefit. It is also available to members of select health plans and health systems, and to providers who partner with Ciba Health. Consumers can also purchase this offering directly. The program includes 1:1 appointments with care teams, advanced biomarker testing, wearable devices, and protocols tailored to each person’s unique physiology and health goals. To learn more, visit https://cibahealth.com/glp-1/.
