The FDA had approved a blood sugar monitoring system to aid weight loss for the first time. The system from Signos uses AI and a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, from Dexcom to offer real-time diet and lifestyle recommendations. The system can be used in combination with weight loss surgery, medication or on its own.
“There is now a solution that everybody can use to help on the weight loss journey, and you don’t have to be a certain number of pounds to use it. It’s available for the average American who needs it,” said Sharam Fouladgar-Mercer, Signos’ co-founder and CEO. “The average person might have five pounds to lose, or others might have 100 pounds to lose. We are here to help them at any point in that journey.”
Insurance doesn’t cover the Signos system yet. However, a subscription costs $129-139, depending on whether you sign up for three or six months. Weight loss medication can cost $1,000 a month.
In addition to being a weight loss system, the system acts as an educational tool to show people how their bodies react to different foods and lifestyle changes. A person can be led to a better sleep or workout routine based on how their blood sugar reacts to their behavior. That can aid their weight loss and weight management over time.
“This is more than a product launch — it’s a mission,” said Ms. Fouladgar-Mercer. “Everyone deserves access to insights that help them live healthier, longer, more vibrant lives. Signos isn’t just about data; it’s about giving people ownership over their health and weight journeys in a way never before seen.”
According to the CDC, almost 74 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Having new tools that can help people take control of their health is essential to a healthier future.
The fact that the system is available over-the-counter is excellent as it allows anyone to access it without a prescription or the need for a doctor’s approval. However, it’s a shame there isn’t a way for doctors to prescribe it so insurance might cover it. The company is working on getting it covered by insurance, saying it expects “this to evolve quickly as interest for tackling weight continued to expand.”
The FDA’s approval of the system is a big step forward for weight loss medicine. It shows the administration’s firm belief that tracking blood sugar is an effective way of managing weight. While the price may be high, it costs less than medication. It may be the right choice for many people, as it also works as an educational tool that could help them even after they stop using the system.
