WEIGHT LOSS

OUR APPROACH

Redefining healthcare solutions for sustainable weight management and tackling men's health.

Woman against blue background smiling at camera

Explore the science behind our method

Understand why we treat obesity as a disease

Discover the power of our expert-led approach

THE FUTURE OF WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

We’re leading the way in weight management by viewing obesity through a modern lens—understanding it as a disease that must be treated as such. Our pioneering research is tailored to address the complex causes of obesity, ensuring that every solution is grounded in science and personalised to individual needs. By combining rigorous clinical insights with innovative behavioural strategies, we're committing ourselves to shape a future where obesity is treated for what it truly is, a chronic disease.

The state of obesity in the uk

Our State of Obesity report brings to light an important reality whereby the UK’s understanding of obesity is lagging behind current scientific knowledge. Despite clear evidence that obesity is a complex condition influenced by genetics, socio-economics, and environmental factors, 57% of Britons still believe it’s solely a matter of personal choice. Obesity costs the NHS £6.5 billion annually, and it is this widespread misconception which fuels stigma, preventing many from seeking the support that would benefit them most. Only 7% of the public recognise the role genetics plays in obesity, highlighting the urgent need for better education.

Read the full report here

The science

We're covering new ground in obesity treatment through our innovative digital Weight Loss Programme. In a study involving 2,366 participants over 90 days, we evaluated the effectiveness of combining weight loss medication with our mobile app and personalised coaching. Our findings revealed that participants achieved an average weight loss of 10.3%, with those utilising both the app and coaching losing 11.3%—a 50% improvement over those relying solely on medication, who lost 7.5% of their body weight. These results set the stage for further research into finding the best treatment combinations for long-term participants and assessing the programme's effectiveness across different ethnic groups.

An integrated approach to treating obesity

Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, yet treatment strategies often fall short by focusing too narrowly on individual interventions. Drawing on clinical experience, Dr Pratsides highlights how diet and exercise alone are rarely enough to produce lasting results, and while weight loss drugs offer promise, they cannot work in isolation. Instead, effective treatment must combine medication with tailored support for physical, mental, and social health. This research stresses the need to shift from treatment to prevention, exploring how early intervention, education programmes, and better access to obesity medications could ease the burden on healthcare systems and improve long-term health outcomes.

Read the full letter here

our contribution to men's health

Numan began with a bold mission, to redefine men’s health by making high-quality care more accessible, proactive, and personalised. What started as a digital health platform tackling common but often overlooked issues—like erectile dysfunction and hair loss—has evolved into a pioneering force in medical research, innovation, and behavioural science.

Our commitment to evidence-based care and continuous learning has driven us to contribute to advancements in medicine, from supporting groundbreaking studies on male sexual health to developing tailored coaching programmes that empower patients to take control of their wellbeing. Below, we highlight the key ways in which Numan has contributed to research on aspects of men's health.

The role of exercise in sexual health

Could a brisk jog replace the little blue pill? Research, co-authored by Dr Luke Pratsides, Numan’s Head of Medical, highlights how regular physical activity could be a viable treatment option for men struggling with sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation. The findings suggest that exercise not only improves physical health but can also tackle some of the root causes of these conditions, such as poor blood flow, low testosterone levels, and anxiety. From running to resistance training, physical activity has been shown to improve sexual performance by enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and boosting self-confidence.

Read the study here

Treating delayed ejaculation

Delayed ejaculation affects just 1–3% of men but can significantly impact emotional wellbeing, relationships, and conception. Despite its effects, research has been fragmented, leaving gaps in clinical guidance. A narrative review in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, co-authored by Dr Luke Pratsides, addresses this by examining both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The review covers therapies like psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as innovative approaches such as penile vibratory stimulation and medications like sildenafil and oxytocin. It emphasises the need for personalised treatment based on the root cause and calls for more robust trials to refine future therapies.

Read the study here

Non-pharmacological treatment of premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions, affecting 30% to 85% of men worldwide. Despite its prevalence, treatment remains challenging due to unclear definitions and limited understanding of its causes. A systematic review co-authored by Dr Luke Pratsides explores alternative ways to manage PE beyond medication. It highlights non-pharmacological treatments such as behavioural therapy, pelvic floor exercises, mindfulness, and physical activity as effective strategies. While medications exist, they can cause side effects. The review suggests a combined approach with integrating psychological, lifestyle, and medical interventions produces better long-term management of PE.

Read the study here

OUR EXPERTS

Meet our experts, leaders in behavioural change and obesity research. With a diverse range of expertise across renowned institutes in the UK and globally, their collaborative efforts have spearheaded our research arm to facilitate the delivery of personalised and effective wellness strategies.

Dr Paul Sacher

Dr Paul Sacher is a renowned clinician scientist in digital health, dedicated to creating personalised tools that support people in their weight management journeys. With over 27 years of experience, he has developed digital solutions that make healthcare more accessible and effective for diverse patient populations. He is recognised globally as an invited speaker at 49 national and international conferences and the author of 26 peer-reviewed scientific papers. Dr Sacher’s work combines behavioural science with advanced AI technology, resulting in accessible, personalised health solutions that empower individuals on their health journeys.

Areas of expertise:

Digital Health & AI
Health Behaviour Change
Research and Innovation

Dr Bryony Henderson

Dr Bryony Henderson is a seasoned medical professional with a strong background in clinical practice and healthcare innovation, particularly focused on obesity and weight management. As a qualified GP, she's dedicated her career to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based medicine and leading the integration of technology into clinical workflows. Bryony has shared her expertise at various events and national media outlets.

Areas of expertise:

Obesity and weight management
Evidence-based medicine
Integration of technologies to improve workflows

Professor Alex Miras

Professor Alex Miras is an endocrinologist and distinguished Clinical Scientist who specialises in the effects of lifestyle changes, medications, bariatric surgery, and medical devices on weight, metabolic control, and diabetes-related complications. As the Randox Professor of Medicine at Ulster University, he leads in education and teaching while also conducting significant research on new obesity treatments and markers that help personalise treatments to individual patient characteristics.

Areas of expertise:

Clinical management of obesity and diabetes
Research and innovation
Early diagnosis and intervention

Dr Luke Pratsides

Dr Luke Pratsides is a GP by clinical training. He works as a GP in the NHS and as the Head of Medical at Numan. He is passionate about leveraging digital health technology to improve patient experience and increase access to high quality healthcare. At Numan, he advises on the development of new products and services, manages the clinical team, and works closely with marketing to develop medical messaging for television advertising and social media. In addition, he regularly contributes expert medical comments to mainstream media publications on behalf of Numan such as The Times, The Independent, The Sun, The Daily Mail, Men's Health and Vice.

Areas of expertise:

Development of digital health services
Clinical team management
Media representation of medical information

Dr Leanne Staniford

Dr Leanne Staniford is Numan's Clinical Research Officer. She also lectures at Lancaster University on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course. Her research background is in the development, implementation and evaluation of weight management and health behaviour change interventions. Leanne has a particular interest in using high quality research to improve long term weight loss and health behaviour change outcomes following participation in weight management interventions. She has communicated this research at a number of obesity and behaviour change focused conferences and in scientific journals.

Areas of expertise:

Evaluation of weight management interventions
Enhancing patient experience in weight management interventions
Value based Healthcare

Zoe Griffiths

Qualifying as a registered dietitian over 20 years ago, Zoe has worked in the behavior change and obesity treatment space for the majority of her career, formally as a member of the global science team at Weight Watchers International and heading up the Behavioral Medicine team at Allurion Technologies. Zoe currently leads the Behavioural Medicine and Health Coaching services at digital health company Numan; working to support patients to lead healthier lives across obesity, women's health, men's health and preventative care domains. Zoe is a SCOPE certified obesity practitioner, passionate about delivering high quality, evidence based care.

Areas of expertise:

R&D implementation across B2C and B2B channels
Behavioural change in obesity
Evidence based Healthcare

KNOWLEDGE

Dive deeper into obesity

weight loss

2 minute read

Evaluating the effectiveness of Numan's Weight Loss Programme: a 90-day review

At Numan, we've always believed in a holistic approach to weight loss, combining medical treatments with behavioural changes and lifestyle support - and now, it's official. Our comprehensive 90-day retrospective study highlights just how effective this strategy can be.

Drives an average of 21% body weight reduction*

weight loss

6 minute read

The link between your gut microbiome and your weight

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome, which wears several hats when it comes to your overall health. Though this may sound alarming, these organisms are actually there to help your body carry out multiple functions to keep you thriving. Recent research has shown that the gut microbiome may also play a significant role in managing body weight and even influence the success of weight loss efforts, reinforcing the need for us to keep the organisms inside of us healthy.1

weight loss

7 minute read

The link between obesity and PCOS

Some people are more predisposed to gaining weight than others as a result of their genetics and underlying medical history. For around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, one condition that frequently leads to weight gain is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).1

weight loss

6 minute read

Looking at obesity through a new lens

Despite the numerous weight loss and healthy living initiatives introduced to the UK over the past couple of decades, obesity rates have continued to rise, with the proportion of people currently living with obesity doubling since 1993.1 Since ‘healthy eating’ and ‘plenty of exercise’ haven’t quite done the trick, possibly because of the lack of understanding that obesity represents a number of different diseases, then it may be high time for something to change – starting with how we define obesity, and not just referring to it as a poor lifestyle choice.

weight loss

8 minute read

Mind and body: the link between obesity and mental health

A tidal wave of high-calorie, nutrient-poor processed foods, coupled with increasingly inactive lifestyles, has driven global obesity rates through the roof. Once viewed solely as a physical condition, obesity is now recognised as deeply entwined with mental health, creating a devastating cycle of shame, anxiety, and depression. The psychological burden is often hidden beneath the surface, with sufferers trapped in a loop where mental health issues fuel overeating, while the stigma and isolation of obesity worsen mental health.

testosterone

3 minute read

Does obesity cause low testosterone?

Obesity is a growing concern in men’s health. As of 2021, 26% of men in the UK are obese and 32% are overweight. This means that a staggering 58% are at risk of health problems like diabetes, sleep problems, heart disease, and stroke. But what about the risk of low testosterone levels?

weight loss

2 minute read

Redefining obesity management with Dr Luke Pratsides

Here’s how Dr Luke Pratsides, Head of Medical at Numan, is leading the discussion on obesity management with a recent publication in the BMJ.

weight loss

4 minute read

Numan releases The State of Obesity report: addressing misconceptions and driving change in the UK

At Numan, we’re confronting the misconceptions around obesity in the UK. Today, we released our State of Obesity Report, revealing that less than half of Brits (48%) recognise obesity as a disease.

weight loss

4 minute read

Obesity: a disease, not a lifestyle choice

Obesity treatment is undergoing a radical transformation, fueled by the recognition that both biological and psychosocial factors play a role. This understanding is shaping new, more effective and compassionate strategies for treatment and care.

weight loss

3 minute read

Menopause and weight gain: causes and solutions

Weight gain is normal during menopause, affecting at least 50% of women. Understanding the symptoms and causes of menopausal weight gain can help you adapt your lifestyle to stay healthy and happy.

menopausal woman looking accusingly at the scales she stands on

weight loss

6 minute read

The fundamentals of nutrition and weight loss

Focusing on nutrition is fundamental to achieving your weight loss goals, and should be considered alongside exercise, mindset, and sleep to help you on your journey towards a healthier you.

weight loss

3 minute read

A healthy balanced diet: the basics

Eggs are good for you. Eggs are bad for you. Carbs are out. Carbs are back. One day coconut oil is touted as a cure-all, the next it’s vilified. If your head is spinning from all the mixed messages surrounding healthy eating floating around online, you’re certainly not alone.

weight loss

3 minute read

Introducing our latest ad campaign with Ava: redefining the weight loss conversation

At Numan, we’re proud to be part of a transformation in how weight is discussed. Our new advert features Ava, a Numan patient who shares her story of navigating body image, her relationship with food, and the decision to use weight loss medication.

weight loss

3 minute read

Hunger hormones: understanding ghrelin, leptin, and regulating your appetite

When it comes to your health, it’s easy to overlook one critical area: your hunger hormones. Ghrelin and leptin play crucial roles in regulating hunger and fullness. Understanding what these hormones are and how they work can help you manage your appetite effectively.

THE NUMAN WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME

Our Weight Loss Programme is curated by leading specialists in obesity and behavioural health, combining clinically-proven treatments with personalised coaching. The programme offers consistent support to help individuals lose weight in a sustainable way, with a focus on building healthy habits that can be maintained even after treatment ends. This approach ensures long-term success in managing weight and improving overall health.

We understand that managing obesity is by no means easy, and requires focus on many small, yet significant components of the disease. For more information, visit our managing obesity page. You’ll find detailed insights on the science behind our approach and why personalised care is essential for achieving lasting results.