Weighing in on weight loss drugs

In recent months, we’ve seen a flurry of headlines discussing the emergence of weight loss drugs, collectively referred to as GLP-1 agonists, and their potential to support obesity care. Digital health startups have responded, from seizing the moment (Ro, Teladoc) by offering prescriptions digitally, to sticking deliberately to behavior change offerings (Omada), to providing a range of services somewhere between directly offering prescriptions and addressing obesity without a medication component.

While there’s considerable excitement about how weight loss drugs are transforming obesity’s standard of care, providers are cautioning that weight loss drugs aren’t a silver bullet. Clinical leaders emphasize the need to take a comprehensive approach to obesity care that accounts for psychological and socioeconomic factors, given the complexity of the disease. In our latest piece, we explore how technology solutions can play a critical role in delivering whole person obesity care. As the market evolves rapidly, it’s an optimal moment for life sciences companies, payers, and providers to integrate digital into therapeutic innovations and care strategies and support meaningful change for patients.

Two exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs and startup leaders:

+ RockHealth.org is now accepting applications for the 2023 RockHealth.org Innovation Fellowship! The Fellowship is an immersive cohort-based experience that supports and amplifies the work of visionary leaders centering lived experience in digital health innovation. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, June 15, 2023—apply here!

+ Rock Health Advisory's business model and financial benchmark survey closes this week! Take the survey by Friday, May 26 to receive an exclusive report with the findings.

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