American football icon Tom Brady has embarked on a new career path, being appointed as the Chief Wellness Officer for a digital health company operating in the lucrative weight-loss medication sector.
From the Gridiron to Corporate Wellness
The seven-time Super Bowl champion will assume his executive position at eMed, a digital health startup. The company specialises in assisting employers with managing the significant expense of providing GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, to their workforce. According to a press release issued on Monday 12 January 2026, Brady's role will focus on raising the profile of eMed and distinguishing it in a crowded telehealth market.
"There are a lot of companies out there, but eMed stood out because they're building something different; high-quality care, best-in-class service, top practitioners, all focused on prevention and long-term health," Brady explained in an interview with Bloomberg News. He added, "That's what I care about. I want to be part of something that could really help people."
Bridging the Access Gap for Weight-Loss Medications
The appointment comes amid soaring demand for GLP-1 agonist drugs, which mimic a gut hormone to induce feelings of fullness. Despite their effectiveness, access remains a major hurdle. In the United States, employer-sponsored health plans typically dictate coverage, and the high cost is a significant barrier.
A recent survey from KFF highlights the issue, finding that only about 43 percent of companies with over 5,000 employees currently cover these weight-loss medications. This gap in the market has created an opportunity for firms like eMed to offer cost-management solutions, enabling more businesses to include the drugs as a employee benefit.
For individuals, eMed also provides a direct monthly subscription service. For $139 per month, users can connect with a doctor who can prescribe Wegovy or a new pill version that launched earlier in January 2026.
A Holistic Approach to Health
Brady, 48, who is now in his second season as a Fox Sports analyst following his legendary NFL career, emphasised that eMed's offering extends beyond mere prescriptions. "Everyone deserves access to information and treatments that support their health," he stated. "eMed's not just offering meds – they're offering a full program, a real shot at long-term change."
The company moved into the weight-loss domain last year, and Brady's high-profile involvement is expected to significantly boost its visibility and credibility in the competitive wellness industry.
