Examining the effectiveness of a new digital care model on weight loss for people living with obesity

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Examining the effectiveness of a new digital care model on weight loss for people living with obesity

Martin Henrik Carlsson¹, Elin Skoglund², Lars Brudin³, Magnus Nyhlén²

¹Department of Medicine and Optometry, eHealth Institute, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden

²Yazen Health AB, Lund Sweden

³Department of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Linkoping, Linköping, Sweden

⁴Department of Clinical Physiology, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden

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Introduction: 

Telemedicine and asynchronous virtual appointments for patients living with chronic medical conditions have been increasingly used to overcome distance barriers and improve access to medical care. The patient perspective is largely positive, with many patients appreciating the convenience and accessibility it offers. One of the groundbreaking aspects of digital healthcare is the ability for doctors to customize and enhance patient care in real time. Through digital platforms, healthcare professionals can monitor patient data, adjust treatment plans, and provide personalized guidance, creating a dynamic and responsive approach to healthcare delivery.

The objective of this real-world retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness of using a digital platform for weight loss and other related clinical outcomes (up to 6 months) with a group of Swedish patients who are overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 with ≥ 1 weight-related co-morbidity) or living with obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2). 

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Methods: 

In a  total of 2608 patients (613 men and 1999 women), we investigated the effects of remote treatment (pharmacological treatment used in combination with lifestyle support) via a novel Swedish digital therapeutics platform (Yazen Health) for reducing body weight in adults.

Patients received individualised treatment with various GLP-1 receptor agonists (mainly semaglutide and dulaglutide) and lifestyle advice via asynchronous text-based communication within a secure medical app. Weight and blood pressure data were obtained through self-reporting from patients according to specific instructions. To ensure the patients qualified for obesity treatments using medication with GLP-1 analogs, information including medical history, electronic ID, patient photo, and blood tests were gathered. In addition, the model includes authentication at the pharmacy, medication retrieval, and continuous contact between the patient and healthcare providers at Yazen.

Data for the study was retrospectively collected from the electronic health records. The percentage change from baseline body weight was assessed every month for six months, at which point follow-up laboratory testing was done.

Results: 

Mean base age for men was 47.7 ± 9.9 years  and BMI 34.2 ± 4.9 and for females 46.6 ± 10.5 years and BMI 33.7 ± 5.1. Mean weight loss (percentage) after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months was 4.3; 6.6; 8.1; 10.1; 11.4 and 12.6%. Treatment and weight loss also led to significant improvement in weight-related and cardiometabolic measures such as blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, liver enzymes,  fasting lipid levels and testosterone (men).

Conclusions: 

Several barriers may contribute to obesity treatment failures including the requirement of long-term patient adherence to lifestyle recommendations or drug treatment. 

In the current study the use of a  telemedicine platform specifically developed for obesity care combined with pharmacological treatment with different GLP-1 analogues and lifestyle intervention resulted in 12.6 % weight loss after 6 months and improved metabolic profile.  By embracing the capabilities of digital technology, healthcare providers can offer a level of care that is effective for managing patients living with obesity.

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