Morgan Hollis, MS, RDN

GLP-1 employer healthcare costs: lower spend with better outcomes

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are transforming how employers approach obesity care. Once reserved for diabetes patients, these drugs are now widely prescribed for weight loss. GLP-1 drugs do deliver on their promise of improved cardiometabolic outcomes. Simply, these medications do help users lose weight. But for health plans and employers, the real challenge goes beyond pharmacy claims. The bigger risk is in the hidden costs that accumulate over time when GLP-1 treatment is not paired with sustainable lifestyle changes. Without movement programs to protect lean muscle and build healthy habits, employers may face a second wave of musculoskeletal (MSK) claims, re-prescriptions, and long-term disability costs. GLP-1 users often don’t develop the behaviour change needed to sustain weight loss over time. Also, lean muscle mass is often lost during GLP-1 use which leaves people at increased risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) issues as a result of lower strength and stability levels.

October 23, 2025 • 8 min read

Morgan Hollis

What is the Sword Move wearable?

Sword Move helped members stay active with support that felt more personal and easier to stick with. Now, that same foundation has evolved into Pulse. Pulse keeps the habit-building support behind Move, while expanding it to help with more of the everyday habits that affect long-term health, including movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress. Members get personalized support matched to their specific needs that goes beyond activity tracking alone and helps with the bigger picture of cardiometabolic health. You already know movement is good for you. But between long workdays, family responsibilities, and the fatigue of modern life, finding time to stay active can feel impossible. That’s when the pain, stiffness, and fatigue starts to creep in, quietly building until they interfere with daily life.

October 16, 2025 • 12 min read

Morgan Hollis

How to prevent muscle loss on Ozempic

Ozempic has helped millions of people lose weight. If you are on it, or thinking about starting, you have probably heard about the results: reduced appetite, steady weight loss, and better blood sugar control. But there is one part of the story that does not get enough attention. Along with fat, Ozempic can also cause you to lose muscle. And muscle is not just “extra weight.” It is what keeps you strong, steady, and able to keep your results long after the prescription ends. The good news is you can protect your muscle while taking Ozempic. And the solution is simpler than you may think. Research shows that 30 to 50 percent of the weight lost on Ozempic may come from lean mass, including muscle.¹ That might sound technical, but here is what it means in real life:

September 19, 2025 • 7 min read

Morgan Hollis

GLP-1 costs, risks, and side effects

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are helping millions of people lose weight. If you are using one of these drugs, or considering them, you already know how effective they can be. But if you are wondering about the cost, the side effects, or the long-term risks, you are not alone. These are some of the most common questions people ask before deciding if GLP-1 medications are right for them. The truth is, GLP-1s work. But the price goes beyond the pharmacy bill. And while they can help the number on the scale drop, they do not guarantee lasting success unless you take steps to protect your muscle and strength. That missing piece is structured movement. It is what helps weight loss become sustainable, safe, and long term.

September 19, 2025 • 8 min read

Morgan Hollis

How to maintain muscle during weight loss

Losing weight often feels like progress. The number on the scale drops, clothes fit better, and motivation climbs. But if your plan isn’t protecting muscle retention at the same time, that progress may not last. Most people focus on pounds lost. But few stop to ask what kind of weight they’re actually losing. Without the right strategy, weight loss doesn’t just reduce fat. It can also reduce lean muscle mass, the very tissue that keeps you strong, stable, and metabolically healthy. This is especially common in programs that rely on calorie restriction alone or medications like GLP-1s that suppress appetite¹. The problem with losing muscle is clear. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, lower energy, and a higher risk of regaining fat². Without building habits of regular movement, you face the risk of losing muscle and developing pain, fatigue, or instability³. Maintaining muscle during weight loss isn’t optional. It’s essential if you want sustainable results and a stronger, healthier body.

September 7, 2025 • 7 min read

Morgan Hollis

Reverse inactivity and slash MSK costs with Sword Move's 3.3x ROI

Validation Institute Certified Study Methodology demonstrates how Sword Health’s Move program improves health, lowers costs, and drives ROI for employers and health plans. The results discussed in this study reflect the impact of the Sword Move program on physical activity engagement and behavior change within musculoskeletal care. Musculoskeletal conditions account for one of the largest drivers of healthcare spending in the the US1. For employers and health plans, the challenge is not only the cost of treatment after pain becomes severe. It is also the everyday inactivity that increases risk long before a claim appears.

August 26, 2025 • 11 min read

Morgan Hollis