Women’s telehealth company Wisp and food as medicine platform Nourish have launched a partnership to support patients taking GLP-1s, the companies announced Wednesday. Wisp patients can now access nutrition counseling support through Nourish.
New York City-based Wisp offers treatments for different sexual and reproductive health needs, including birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and hormonal health. In October, it launched a weight care program that offers prescriptions for Semaglutide (branded FDA-approved Wegovy) Subcutaneous Injectable Medication, Compounded Semaglutide Subcutaneous Injectable Medication, Compounded Sublingual Semaglutide, and Metabolic Support and GLP-1 Boost Capsules. The program is currently available in 23 states with plans to expand nationwide in early 2025.
Through the new partnership, Wisp patients enrolled in the weight care program can access nutrition counseling services with Nourish through their health insurance or an exclusive self-pay rate. The patients are matched with a registered dietitian, and receive a personalized care plan, coaching, recommendations and progress tracking.
Transforming Patient Care: The Role of AI-Powered Assistants
The progress in artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping patient care, across various dimensions, from facilitating faster discharge to curating treatment plans and suggesting lifestyle changes.
On the flip side, Nourish patients receive a discount on prescription and over-the-counter products from Wisp.
“Women are no longer interested in one-size-fits-all care,” said Monica Cepak, CEO of Wisp, in an email. “They are looking for innovative solutions that are tailored to their individual healthcare needs. Women who are navigating their weight want a variety of tools and resources — so we’re providing them with that by offering personalized nutrition coaching, supplements, and effective weight-loss prescriptions for every woman at every price point.”
Experts recommend that GLP-1 medications be combined with lifestyle changes in order to achieve long-term results and prevent weight regain once off the medications. This includes a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
“Personalized nutrition is a critical piece of the puzzle for sustainable weight care, especially for patients using GLP-1 medications. Proper guidance from a registered dietitian can help patients optimize their nutrition, manage side effects, and achieve lasting health improvements,” said Aidan Dewar, co-founder and CEO of Nourish, in a statement. “This partnership with Wisp allows us to combine our expertise in food as medicine with their innovative weight care program, empowering women to take a holistic approach to their health and wellness.”
Health Executives on Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Hear executives from Quantum Health, Surescripts, EY, Clinical Architecture and Personify Health share their views on digital transformation in healthcare.
Cepak noted that there is no shared revenue in the partnership and that the collaboration is more of a “customer acquisition play” by offering exclusive discounts to each other’s customers. The company declined to say what the discounts are, however.
Wisp and Nourish aren’t the only companies offering access to weight loss medications and nutrition support, though many are offering it under one roof rather than through partnership. These companies include WeightWatchers, Noom and Found.
In addition to the partnership with Nourish, Wisp also announced that it has appointed Dr. Rowena Chua, a board-certified physician in neurology and integrative medicine, as director of women’s weight care at the company.
Photo: mikdam, Getty Images