Weight Loss Supplements: FSA Eligibility

What are weight loss supllements?

Weight loss supplements are a family of both over-the-counter and prescription medications that typically consists of herbal products and vitamin supplements that can aid in weight loss. These medications are meant for “meaningful weight loss,” a term that means that a person has lost more than 5% of his/her body weight to return to lower their risk for heart disease, diabetes and a wide range of other conditions. 

While there is no magic weight loss pill available, doctors do see some of these weight loss medications as supplements to traditional weight loss strategies, such as eating a healthy low-calorie diet and being more physically active. Only a small amount of clinical trials have been conducted on prescription weight loss products and very few on over-the-counter weight loss supplements, so it’s recommended that any use of these products should be done in close consultation with one’s doctor (Mayo Clinic). 

Weight loss supplements are typically not eligible for reimbursement with consumer-directed healthcare accounts (CDHPs), but if there is a specific medical condition they are being prescribed to treat, speak with your benefits administrator about whether or not a  Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) that outlines how weight loss supplements will be used to treat a legitimate medical condition such as obesity will allow the expense.