Research says 40% of adults and 20% of children have obesity. The US obesity treatment market is about $15 billion. The US weight loss market is about 160 billion.
In this episode, the show welcomes Dr. Rekha Kumar, the Chief Medical Officer of Found, a digital health company focused on treating obesity. Dr. Kumar explains Found's unique approach, combining behavioral interventions with telehealth services to provide a comprehensive solution for patients struggling with obesity. She delves into the complexity of obesity as a heterogeneous disease, emphasizing the need for personalized care. Rekha also sheds light on the challenges in the obesity treatment market, where various options, from lifestyle changes to medications like GLP-1s, create confusion for consumers. She clarifies that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and Found's clinical rigor and personalized approach set it apart. Finally, Rekha proudly shares impressive outcomes, with 90% of patients achieving a 10% body weight loss in one year.
For insights into the science of obesity, personalized care, and the impact of Found's innovative approach, tune in and learn how this digital health company is revolutionizing weight loss!
About Rekha Kumar:
Dr. Rekha Kumar is a globally recognized leader in the field of Obesity Medicine, currently holding the position of Chief Medical Officer at Found, a weight care platform. With a past role as the medical director of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, Dr. Kumar has shared her insights on the international stage regarding the medical evaluation and treatment of obesity.
Contributing significantly to her field, she has authored various papers and textbook chapters and serves as an Associate Editor for the Obesity Journal. Her expertise extends to diverse topics, including the clinical assessment of patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome, the impact of obesity on reproductive health and fertility, and thyroid disease.
Dr. Kumar's educational journey took her from Duke University for her undergraduate studies to receiving her M.D. from New York Medical College. She further honed her skills through residency training in Internal Medicine at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical College.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Kumar has actively participated in global health initiatives, exploring the landscape of metabolic diseases in countries like India, China, and Tanzania. She is a valued member of the board of advisors for the Duke Global Health Institute and holds Board Certifications in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, and Obesity Medicine.
Things You’ll Learn:
- Obesity is a heterogeneous disease. What works for one person may not work for another.
- Found's outcomes boast a 90% success rate, with patients achieving a 10% body weight loss in one year.
- Research says 40% of adults and 20% of children have obesity. The US obesity treatment market is about $15 billion. The US weight loss market is about 160 billion.
- There’s a biological component to obesity; it’s not just willpower, diet, and exercise.
- The root cause of each person’s weight gain can be vastly different.
Resources:
FEATURING
Rekha KumarChief Medical Officer, Found
