Welltok Survey Finds Consumers Struggle to Achieve Optimal Health on Their Own

DENVER, Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers struggle to achieve health goals on their own, according to a survey conducted by Welltok, Inc., creator of the CafeWell Health Optimization Platform. Welltok's Health Optimization Index provides insights from more than 1,000 consumers about the journey to optimizing their health and related roadblocks encountered along the way – from mounting work responsibilities to lack of motivation. Additionally, the results showcase the need for a more personalized approach to supporting consumers' health across all demographics.

"When consumers are sick, we don't expect them to get well on their own. The same logic applies to optimizing one's health – it shouldn't be an isolated, self-guided journey," said Scott Rotermund, co-founder and chief growth officer for Welltok. "What consumers need to truly change behaviors and improve overall health status is access to personalized guidance, resources and programs aligned with incentives that will empower them to be as healthy as they can be at every point in their life."

Notable highlights from the Health Optimization Index include:

• Lack of self-motivation is holding consumers back. The majority of respondents (nearly 80 percent) rely on themselves to manage their health and report personal goals as a key motivator. However, lack of motivation and absence of personalized guidance were cited as top barriers to achieving optimal health. "This indicates that consumers may be overwhelmed by their goals, such as reducing BMI or quitting smoking, especially if they don't have a clear path to follow or the appropriate support," said Rotermund.
• Work is a major detour to healthy living. More than 50 percent of those surveyed cited work as the number one barrier to optimizing health. Additionally, less than 10 percent consider their employer as a resource to help improve their health. Furthermore, work was reported as the second highest time commitment, and consumers 35 and under report dedicating the least amount of time to their health.
• Digital health tools are starting to muscle out the gym. When it comes to the resources consumers are using to support health goals, nearly 50 percent cited digital health apps – a close second to the gym.
• Health reward programs in high demand. More than 85 percent of individuals believe healthcare companies should offer consumers reward programs for being healthy. The top three preferred reward types are: cash (nearly 50 percent), reduced insurance premiums (nearly 30 percent) and gift cards (nearly 20 percent). The desire to lower health coverage costs is nearly double among respondents over the age of 35 compared to younger generations.

The full Health Optimization Index and a complimentary infographic. "Are you optimizing your health?" is available on Welltok.com/blog. For more information about how Welltok enables health insurers and other population health managers to guide and incentivize consumers to optimize their health, please visit Welltok.com.

About Welltok®, Inc.

Welltok, Inc. is fundamentally transforming the way population health managers partner with consumers to optimize their health and get rewarded. Its groundbreaking CafeWell Health Optimization Platform™ organizes the growing spectrum of health and condition management programs, apps and digital tracking devices. The platform, accessible via web and mobile, drives engagement by providing personalized guidance and leveraging social, gaming and cognitive technologies. Welltok's novel approach increases revenue, improves operational efficiency and drives healthcare value.

Media Contact:
Erica Sniad Morgenstern
650-906-7240 
[email protected] 

SOURCE Welltok, Inc.