Initiative will focus on Lifestyle Medicine and Whole Person Care
Washington, D.C. (November 4, 2025) – The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) is launching a national initiative to revolutionize obesity care in the United States. It will bring health plan leaders, clinicians, policymakers and patients together to design practical, sustainable solutions to address the ongoing national obesity crisis. With support from Ardmore Institute of Health, this effort will catalyze a shift toward evidence-based, whole-person approaches that address the root causes of chronic disease, including obesity.
“Lifestyle medicine is a proven, cost-effective way to address obesity and chronic disease, but payers and policymakers must lead the way in making it accessible,” said Dr. Jennifer Lee, ACHP’s Chief Medical Officer. “With support from Ardmore Institute of Health, we will bring the right voices together to drive systemic change and accelerate the adoption of whole-person, lifestyle-focused care.”
The project will initially focus on hosting a national forum to explore how Lifestyle Medicine and Whole-Person Care can be embedded into benefit design and payment models. Health plan leaders, obesity experts and patients will drive the discussions, focusing on real-world innovations that integrate clinical care with community-based partners—from nutrition and physical activity to behavioral health and social services.
Lifestyle medicine uses evidence-based habits—healthy eating, exercise, stress and sleep management, and avoiding harmful substances—to prevent, treat and even reverse chronic disease. Whole person care complements this approach by addressing the full spectrum of physical, mental and social health needs of patients, integrating clinical care with community resources and patient-centered support. Real-world examples include coordinated care teams combining dietitians, behavioral health specialists, exercise programs and social services to promote long-term health.
Prior to the forum, ACHP will analyze current coverage policies, payment innovations and case studies to identify strategies already making holistic obesity care more accessible and affordable. Insights from this work will culminate in a blueprint outlining actionable steps payers and policymakers can take to advance lifestyle medicine and whole person care nationwide. This initiative aligns with ACHP’s Chronic Disease Pledge, a long-term commitment to improve outcomes in childhood obesity, hypertension and diabetes by 2030. Through this effort, ACHP’s members are moving from reactive, medication-heavy approaches to proactive, sustainable solutions that help people live healthier, longer lives while addressing the root causes of chronic disease.
“This initiative is an important step toward system change,” said Ceci Connolly, ACHP President and CEO. “We will ensure everyone can access evidence-based, comprehensive care, supported by the right tools and payment models. We appreciate Ardmore Institute of Health’s partnership in this work.”
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About ACHP
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) represents the nation’s best local, nonprofit health plans, providing high-quality coverage to tens of millions of Americans in 40 states and D.C. ACHP is the only national organization advancing a unique partnership model of coverage and care that fosters a truly competitive market.
We believe Americans deserve the best health care in the world. Our members are on the ground in your communities, delivering innovative and competitive coverage. ACHP’s model brings together clinicians and health plans to deliver value for patients, employers and taxpayers.
About Ardmore Institute of Health
Ardmore Institute of Health (AIH) works for a future where healthy environments and lifestyles provide equitable and preferred methods to prevent, treat and reverse chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Since 1947, AIH has been promoting lifestyle change as a means to help people achieve a more healthy and fulfilling life. Today, AIH is on a mission to address health inequities and positively influence the social determinants of health in all communities. To achieve this, AIH offers grant funding, Full Plate Living nutrition programming and resources to accelerate Whole Health and Lifestyle Medicine adoption and learnings. For more information, visit www.ardmoreinstituteofhealth.org.
