An estimated ~14.7% weight loss at 18 months was achieved in one of the first studies evaluating<\/i> integrated<\/i> GLP-1<\/i> therapies<\/i> and<\/i> digital<\/i> coaching<\/i> in<\/i> a<\/i> multi-ethnic<\/i> Asian<\/i> population (n=708). This matched gold-standard clinical trial results, with digital coaching acting as a measurable multiplier.<\/i><\/p>\n
SINGAPORE<\/span>, April 22, 2026<\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ — GLP-1 medications are transforming obesity treatment, but\u00a0real-world results consistently fall short of clinical trial outcomes, which sits at around 9% at 12 months, well below the 15% reported in landmark trials like STEP 1, largely due to high discontinuation rates, suboptimal dosing, and lack of structured behavioral support.<\/p>\n A new peer-reviewed study, published in the International<\/i> Journal<\/i> of<\/i> Obesity<\/i> (Springer Nature)<\/a>, shows that NOVI Health has effectively closed that gap.<\/p>\n The study, conducted in collaboration with the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore (NUS SSHSPH), evaluated 708 adults enrolled in NOVI Optimum Plus, a physician-led obesity care program that integrates GLP-1 receptor agonist medications with app-based digital coaching and personalized lifestyle support.<\/p>\n The<\/b> headline<\/b> result:<\/b> an estimated ~12.7% mean weight loss at 12 months and ~14.7% at 18 months, on par with results from clinical trials, and significantly above typical real-world GLP-1 outcomes.<\/p>\n Medication Alone is Not Enough<\/b><\/p>\n The study makes clear that medication alone is not enough. Participants who actively engaged with NOVI’s digital platform achieved meaningfully better outcomes:<\/p>\n Not All Patients Respond the Same<\/b><\/p>\n The study’s multi-ethnic cohort (approximately 45% East Asian, 27% European, 13% South Asian, 10% Southeast Asian) revealed significant variation in treatment response. East Asian participants and individuals with hyperglycemia experienced comparatively lower weight loss, while European and mixed-ethnicity participants achieved greater reductions.<\/p>\n “A one-size-fits-all approach to GLP-1 prescribing does not work in Asia,” said Dr. Sue-Anne Toh, co-founder and Medical Director of NOVI Health, Adjunct Associate Professor at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and the study’s senior author. “Different metabolic profiles and ethnic backgrounds demand a tailored approach. That is exactly what our hybrid model is designed to deliver.”<\/p>\n Broader Metabolic Improvements<\/b><\/p>\n Over the study period, participants also experienced:<\/p>\n About NOVI Health<\/b><\/p>\n NOVI Health is a technology-enabled preventive and metabolic health company headquartered in Singapore. NOVI serves a diverse, multi-ethnic patient population across weight care, metabolic health, and longevity programs.<\/p>\n For more information, visit www.novi-health.com<\/a> or follow @novihealth<\/b> on Instagram and LinkedIn.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" <\/p>\n An estimated ~14.7% weight loss at 18 months was achieved in one of the first studies evaluating<\/i> integrated<\/i> GLP-1<\/i> therapies<\/i> and<\/i> digital<\/i> coaching<\/i> in<\/i> a<\/i> multi-ethnic<\/i> Asian<\/i> population (n=708). This matched gold-standard clinical trial results, with digital coaching acting as a measurable multiplier.<\/i><\/p>\n SINGAPORE<\/span>, April 22, 2026<\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ — GLP-1 medications are transforming obesity treatment, but\u00a0real-world results consistently fall short of clinical trial outcomes, which sits at around 9% at 12 months, well below the 15% reported in landmark trials like STEP 1, largely due to high discontinuation rates, suboptimal dosing, and lack of structured behavioral support.<\/p>\n\n
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