Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a critical risk factor for cardiometabolic disease, yet effective treatment has not been available at scale for the >200 million Americans who meet criteria for obesity treatment. To improve access to evidence-based treatment, we established a virtual metabolic health company to provide medically supervised obesity treatment at scale. Research Questions: This real-world evaluation examines the impact of a virtual health program on weight and related cardiometabolic markers as well as self-reported assessment of key health behaviors in food, exercise, sleep, and emotional health. Methods: Data were analyzed for individuals who completed at least 12 months in the core program. Obesity treatment involved GLP-1 receptor agonist medications combined with a proprietary intensive lifestyle intervention delivered with virtual coaching. Weights were submitted via cellular connected scale. Waist circumference, metabolic labs, and patient questionnaires were also analyzed at baseline and 12 months. Results: The cohort includes 2,643 patients who completed at least 12 months. Average weight loss at 12, 15, and 18 months was 15.58% (n=2,397), 15.97% (n=1,319), and 15.82% (n=569). Improvement was observed for all collected metabolic markers: waist circumference, AST/ALT, lipids, HbA1c, insulin, hs-CRP. Specifically for cardiovascular labs, 12 month endpoints showed improvement in HDL in 51% (n= 1180), in LDL for 61% (n=1174), in hs-CRP for 81% (n=956). Of n=303 with abnormal A1c at baseline, 72.9% achieve A1c <5.7%. Average reduction in waist circumference was 5.95 inches (n=1,507). Positive changes were also seen for patient-reported outcomes. Discussion: Given limited access to effective obesity treatment as a pathway to better cardiometabolic disease management, novel approaches must be developed. Results from 2,643 enrollees in a virtual metabolic health program demonstrate clinically significant and sustained weight loss through 18 months, with improvement in associated key cardiometabolic risk markers, health behaviors, and patient-reported outcomes. This commercial program demonstrates promising results in cardiometabolic risk improvement through medically managed weight loss delivered virtually.

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