A digital self-coaching program for obesity and diabetes

The Solution

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) proved that just 7% weight loss reduces the risk of diabetes by over 50% and is cost-effective over a ten-year period. However, implementation and dissemination of programs similar to DPP have not been successful. For example, Medicare and Intensive Behavioral Therapy are not scalable due to cost, shortage of healthcare professionals and delivery sites. Population-based approaches emphasizing education and group sessions lack customization and suffer from poor retention rates. Emerging Internet-based coaching approaches address these challenges by offering scalable, cost-effective and yet personalized lifestyle intervention solutions. However, they are often heavy on technology and light on clinically validated programmatic protocols. 

Beyond Care’s solution is an affordable, scalable and automated digital self-coaching program for use anytime and anywhere, eliminating the need for healthcare staff and overhead costs. Marketed to employers, Beyond Care effects long-term lifestyle change through clinically validated algorithms that customize each user’s recommended weight loss regimen. Throughout the program, employees receive financial incentives, worksite interventions, and coaching sessions. Meanwhile, the organization is able to play a role in the well-being of its workforce while also benefiting from lower healthcare costs, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism.