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The Digital Shift in Women’s Healthcare: Custom, Private Care by SheMed
SheMed Co-Founders: Olivia Ferro (25), Chloe Ferro (23)
In a world where weight management is too often reduced to fad diets and fleeting solutions, Chloe and Olivia Ferro, co-founders of SheMed, are rewriting the rules. Recognising the rising popularity and potential misuse of GLP-1 medications, they are leading the charge to ensure these drugs are prescribed responsibly by qualified medical professionals.
Their mission is to create a safer, evidence-based system that prioritises the well-being of women who need these treatments the most.
SheMed: Redefining Women’s Weight Management
Since the advent of beauty columns, women have been caught in a cycle of cabbage soup diets, juice cleanses, and no-carb plans. These approaches have left millions of women frustrated, exhausted and unhealthy. Studies reveal that women spend an astonishing 6 to 17 years of their lives on diets.1,2 However, most diets are abandoned within just five weeks.3
Chloe and Olivia’s vision for SheMed was to disrupt this pattern with a bespoke, science-backed approach to weight management. SheMed provides a space built by women, for women, where individual health needs take centre stage. Their direct-to-consumer medical weight-loss programme is grounded in compassion, personalisation, and clinical expertise. From comprehensive blood analysis to data-driven insights, SheMed ensures each treatment plan is tailored to suit individual health requirements.
Shedding Light on GLP-1s: A Revolutionary Tool
At the heart of SheMed’s mission lies a commitment to educating women about their health—starting with GLP-1s. These medications, which mimic hormones that regulate appetite and digestion, offer a promising solution for sustainable weight loss without the extreme restrictions of traditional diets. Research demonstrates their ability to stabilise blood sugar levels, making them a valuable tool for women seeking a healthier, more balanced approach to weight management.
GLP-1 medications are not without risks. When accessed by individuals who may not meet eligibility standards, these medications can lead to complications. In the UK, online pharmacies often provide GLP-1 drugs after minimal screening, such as a brief questionnaire or a photo submission—and sometimes without verifying the individual's weight at all. As a result, people may be left to administer their weekly doses without adequate support or oversight. This can lead to unmanaged side effects, which are crucial to address for safe and effective treatment.
Bridging the Gap in Women’s Healthcare
Despite recent strides in women’s health, significant gaps in care persist. The UK government’s Women’s Health Strategy, launched in 2022, highlights these disparities and the urgent need for tailored healthcare solutions.4
“Many women feel that their health concerns are dismissed or overlooked,” says Olivia Ferro, Co-founder and CEO of SheMed. “We wanted to create a space where women’s health is the priority—not an afterthought.”
Through their work, Chloe and Olivia aim to empower women to take control of their health journeys while addressing how weight impacts overall well-being. The core basis of their strategy is to offer discrete, digital and immediate access care tools for women to use for UTIs, yeast infections, GLP-1 use and more.
Beyond Weight Loss: The Ripple Effect
Effective weight management has far-reaching benefits for women’s health:
- Reproductive Health: Excess weight can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting menstrual cycles and fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight supports regular cycles and overall reproductive wellness.5
- Perimenopause and Menopause: During menopause, declining oestrogen levels often lead to weight gain and increased risks of heart disease and diabetes. Healthy weight management can ease symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.6,7
- Reduced Health Risks: Obesity raises the likelihood of serious conditions such as certain cancers and strokes.8 Maintaining a healthy weight helps mitigate these risks and supports long-term well-being.
- Mental Health: The interplay between weight and mental health is well-documented. Negative body image often contributes to anxiety and depression, while mental health struggles can exacerbate unhealthy eating habits. Achieving a healthy weight can enhance mood and self-esteem.9,10,11
- Stress and Cortisol: Women often face elevated stress levels due to caregiving roles, workplace obligations, and hormonal changes. Stress triggers cortisol production, increasing cravings for high-fat and sugary foods. Maintaining a healthy weight helps regulate stress and improves overall hormonal balance.12,13
How SheMed Works
SheMed’s comprehensive five-step process makes weight management accessible, supportive, and sustainable:
- Eligibility Assessment: A thorough screening ensures the programme is suitable for each woman.
- Personalised Treatment: Approved members receive tailored treatments delivered directly to their homes.
- Weekly Check-ins: Regular consultations with the SheMed team provide guidance and track progress.
- All-in-One App: Members can monitor their progress, access premium health information, and utilise wellness resources such as side effect support.
- 24/7 Support: The SheMed team is always available to address concerns and provide assistance.
“Our mission is to empower women with the science, insights, and support they need to truly own their health journey,” says Chloe Ferro, Co-founder and CGO of SheMed. “We’re putting an end to fad diets and replacing them with evidence-based solutions that deliver real, lasting results.”
To learn more about how SheMed is transforming women’s health, visit shemed.co.uk and take the first step towards real, lasting wellness.
References
- “The Average Woman Spends 17 Years of Her Life on Diets” - DietChef Survey (2012), available at https://www.medicaldaily.com/average-woman-spends-17-years-her-life-diets-242601 (accessed October 2024)
- Women spend 6 YEARS of their lives on a diet - with those in their mid-20s most unhappy about their weight – ForzaDiet https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3563949/Women-spend-6-YEARS-lives-diet-mid-20s-unhappy-weight.html (accessed October 2024)
- Towers S, Cole S, Iboi E, Montalvo C, Navas-Zuloaga MG, Pringle J, Saha D, Thakur M, Velazquez-Molina J, Murillo A, Castillo-Chavez C, Norcross JC. How long do people stick to a diet resolution? A digital epidemiological estimation of weight loss diet persistence. Public Health Nutr. 2020 Dec;23(18):3257-3268. doi: 10.1017/S1368980020001597. PMID: 33308350; PMCID: PMC10200480.
- Women’s Health Strategy For England, Department for Health and Social Care. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/womens-health-strategy-for-england/womens-health-strategy-for-england (accessed October 2024).
- American Society for Repoductive Medicine: Obesity and reproduction: a committee opinion (2021). Available at https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/obesity-and-reproduction-a-committee-opinion-2021/ (accessed October 2024)
- Knight MG, Anekwe C, Washington K, Akam EY, Wang E, Stanford FC. Weight regulation in menopause. Menopause. 2021 May 24;28(8):960-965. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001792. PMID: 34033603; PMCID: PMC8373626.
- Mayo Clinic: The reality of menopause weight gain, available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menopause-weight-gain/art-20046058 (accessed October 2024)
- NHS overview of Obesity, available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/ (accessed October 2024)
- House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee: The impact of body image on mental and physical health (2022), available at https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmhealth/114/report.html#heading-7 (accessed October 2024)
- Luppino FS, de Wit LM, Bouvy PF, Stijnen T, Cuijpers P, Penninx BW, Zitman FG. Overweight, obesity, and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010 Mar;67(3):220-9. doi: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.2. PMID:
- 20194822.
- Dixon JB, Dixon ME, O'Brien PE. Depression in association with severe obesity: changes with weight loss. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Sep 22;163(17):2058-65. doi: 10.1001/archinte.163.17.2058. PMID: 14504119.
- Chao AM, Jastreboff AM, White MA, Grilo CM, Sinha R. Stress, cortisol, and other appetite-related hormones: Prospective prediction of 6-month changes in food cravings and weight. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 Apr;25(4):713-720. doi: 10.1002/oby.21790. PMID:
- 28349668; PMCID: PMC5373497.
- Yau YH, Potenza MN. Stress and eating behaviors. Minerva Endocrinol. 2013 Sep;38(3):255-67. PMID:
- 24126546; PMCID: PMC4214609.
A new weight loss programme is gaining significant traction across the UK, drawing more than 16,000 women in just two months. SheMed, a digital health provider, is reshaping how women approach weight management by integrating scientific precision with a patient-first philosophy.
Unlike conventional dieting plans, SheMed’s approach is designed specifically for women’s unique metabolic and hormonal profiles. The programme, which includes a GLP-1-based medical intervention, aims to promote sustainable weight loss without extreme dieting or unrealistic exercise regimens.
“We understand that women’s bodies work differently, and our programme is tailored to reflect that,” said Olivia Ferro, co-founder & CEO of SheMed. “This isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about long-term health, confidence, and a fundamentally different approach to well-being.”
A Medical-Grade Approach to Weight Loss
SheMed differentiates itself by offering a medically supervised weight loss programme that combines prescription GLP-1 medications with private GP oversight. The programme’s core principles include:
- Personalised Treatment Plans – Tailored weight loss strategies based on individual metabolic needs.
- Clinical Oversight – Direct access to private GPs for medical supervision.
- A Supportive Community – A peer network providing motivation and shared experiences.
- Sustainable Health Outcomes – A focus on long-term success rather than quick fixes.
Uncovering Hidden Health Risks
As part of its commitment to responsible prescribing, SheMed introduced a mandatory blood test requirement for all patients before administering GLP-1 medications. The results of this initiative were striking: 99% of applicants exhibited undiagnosed health conditions, including high cholesterol, fatty liver, and early-stage diabetes.
Initially launched as a clinical study, the blood test requirement has now been made permanent. “This initiative has fundamentally changed how we assess weight loss patients,” said Chloe Ferro, SheMed’s co-founder and Chief Growth Officer. “Many women seeking weight loss treatment had underlying health conditions they weren’t aware of. Early detection is key to improving long-term health outcomes.”
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has recently tightened regulations around online prescriptions for obesity medications. SheMed’s rigorous screening process places it ahead of industry standards, ensuring that only patients meeting strict medical criteria receive treatment. The company’s fixed pricing model—£159 every four weeks, with no cost increase as medication doses adjust—further differentiates it in a market where pricing structures often fluctuate unpredictably.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Industry Implications
SheMed’s stringent protocols come at a time of heightened regulatory scrutiny over the distribution of GLP-1 medications in the UK. With the rise in popularity of these drugs, regulators have moved to curb inappropriate prescribing practices. Unlike some providers, SheMed does not base eligibility solely on weight or BMI. Instead, its screening process considers broader health indicators, ensuring treatment aligns with patient safety guidelines.
“We’re not just another online pharmacy dispensing GLP-1s,” said Olivia Ferro. “We’re setting new standards for what responsible prescribing should look like.”
As the UK continues to grapple with rising obesity rates and evolving treatment protocols, SheMed’s approach offers a glimpse into the future of medically integrated digital health solutions. With a growing patient base and increasing regulatory backing for stricter prescribing practices, the company is positioned as a leader in the next phase of weight loss care.
For more information, visit www.shemed.co.uk.
Finding the right dosage for any medication is essential, as everyone responds differently. This is equally true for GLP-1 medications. Our clinical team will work closely with you to determine the most suitable dose, balancing the desired effects with any side effects you may experience.
Mounjaro, for example, has three stable treatment doses: 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg. Additionally, there are intermediary doses of 2.5mg, 7.5mg, and 12.5mg, which help transition between these stable doses.
In practice, this means that treatment with Mounjaro will typically begin at 2.5mg per week for the first four weeks. If you tolerate this well and experience no significant side effects, we will generally increase the dose to 5mg from the second month. However, if you do experience side effects, we may keep you on 2.5mg for a longer period to allow your body time to adjust before increasing the dose.
Once you reach 5mg, we will usually maintain this dose for a few months unless your weight loss progress is minimal. While progress varies between individuals, a useful benchmark is a minimum weight loss of approximately 1% of your starting weight per month.
If you continue to make good progress at 5mg, we may agree that there is no need to increase the dose further. You can remain on this dose for as long as necessary. However, if progress slows, we may increase the dose to 7.5mg for a month or two before stepping up to the next stable dose of 10mg.
At this stage, we would typically maintain the 10mg dose for a few months. Together, we will keep an eye on your progress and decide whether to continue at this level or increase to the maximum dose if necessary.
Our goal is gradual and sustainable weight loss. GLP-1 treatment is not a "quick fix" but rather a long-term approach to improving your health and maintaining a healthy weight.
What happens when I reach my goal weight?
Once you achieve your target, we will work with you to determine the most appropriate dose to maintain your weight. For some, this will be the current dose, while others may step down to the next stable dose. Our clinical team will closely monitor your progress and help you find the right dosage to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.
Dr Matthew Noble