#United States #New York #Telehealth #weight loss #Ro

New Research Findings on Ro's Telehealth Solutions

Recent studies reveal that Ro, a prominent direct-to-patient healthcare platform, has significantly impacted weight loss through telehealth services. This innovative study evaluated long-term outcomes of semaglutide treatment, demonstrating that patients achieved an average weight loss of 16.6% over a period of 68 weeks. The research has been published in Obesity, the official journal of The Obesity Society, marking a groundbreaking step in remote obesity care.

Study Overview

The comprehensive study, conducted in collaboration with leading researchers Dr. Beverly Tchang and Professor David B. Allison, focused on participants who received semaglutide treatment and support through Ro's platform. This extensive care includes 24/7 clinician access, side-effect monitoring, personalized medication adjustments, and one-on-one coaching from nurses.

The research supports claims that telehealth can effectively manage obesity, providing patients with a tailored network of resources and check-ins to ensure adherence and safety. With over 655 patients participating, the study is one of the largest of its kind, demonstrating the reliability of remotely managed weight loss treatments.

Results and Significance

Among the participants, a sizeable 95.4% experienced at least a 5% decrease in weight, while 82% lost over 10%, and about 33% achieved more than 20% weight loss during the study period. Side effects reported were largely consistent with those seen in clinical trials, ensuring safety in treatment—an essential factor for patients seeking weight management solutions. Notably, the most common side effects included nausea and constipation, occurring in 37.3% and 15.6% of the participants, respectively.

CEO Zach Reitano emphasized Ro's commitment to patient health goals, stating that this study underscores their high standards for patient care. The goal is to facilitate an easier healthcare experience, enabling effective weight management without compromising safety.

Methodology

The study included a representative national sample of patients, predominantly women, averaging 45.8 years old with a baseline Body Mass Index (BMI) of 32.3 kg/m². Tracking through Ro's platform facilitated precise monitoring of outcomes over the treatment duration, further validating the effectiveness of telehealth in weight management. Individual patient support and continuous engagement were critical elements of this approach.

Implications for Telehealth

This research solidifies the role of telehealth in the obesity treatment landscape, highlighting its potential to expand access to vital weight management services. As Dr. Tchang pointed out, the new findings not only reinforce existing evidence but also illustrate that Ro effectively mimics the positive outcomes traditionally achieved in clinical trial environments. This marks a transformational moment for patients aiming to achieve healthier lifestyles through convenient and effective care options.

Ro continues to explore innovative solutions to obesity, recently presenting various abstracts at ObesityWeek® 2025. Researchers are keen on optimizing telehealth models to enhance patient experiences and outcomes, laying the groundwork for future advancements in this domain.

In conclusion, Ro's approach to managing obesity through telehealth not only meets but exceeds established standards, providing a template for similar healthcare solutions in the future.