In 2024, Chloe Ferro, 23, and Olivia Ferro, 25, founded SheMed, a London-based women’s healthcare startup aimed at addressing gaps in female-specific medical care. The company combines clinical research with digital tools to provide personalised healthcare solutions for women.
Addressing gaps in women’s healthcare
The founders of SheMed created the company in response to perceived shortcomings in how the healthcare system addresses women’s needs. According to Olivia Ferro, Co-founder and CEO, the goal was to establish a platform where women’s health is prioritised.
SheMed’s first initiative, the SheMed Weight Loss Programme, combines clinical research and digital health tools to provide personalised weight management plans. The programme focuses on the use of GLP-1 medications, which aid blood sugar control, promote weight loss, improve heart and kidney health, and reduce appetite.
GLP-1 medications and weight management
GLP-1 medications mimic hormones that regulate appetite and digestion, and they have been recognised as a potential tool for sustainable weight loss. However, concerns exist regarding their misuse, particularly when prescribed without sufficient oversight. Some online pharmacies in the UK offer these medications with minimal screening, which can lead to complications.
SheMed’s programme aims to address these issues by implementing comprehensive eligibility assessments, weekly check-ins, monthly clinical reviews and support services. Participants can access resources through SheMed’s app, which provides guidance and helps manage side effects.
Broader implications for women’s health
The UK government’s 2022 Women’s Health Strategy highlighted the need for tailored healthcare solutions and greater inclusion of women in medical research. Effective weight management can have significant health benefits, including improved reproductive health, easier management of perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and reduced risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.
Weight management is also linked to mental health, with studies indicating that achieving a healthy weight can improve self-esteem and reduce anxiety and depression. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can mitigate the effects of stress by regulating cortisol levels.
SheMed’s approach
SheMed’s weight management programme follows a structured five-step process: eligibility assessment, personalised treatment plans, regular progress tracking, digital tools, and 24/7 support. The approach is designed to provide accessible and evidence-based care for women seeking weight management solutions.
According to Chloe Ferro, Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer, the programme aims to provide science-backed solutions, which can be more effective than fad diets, excessive calorie restriction, skipping meals, relying solely on supplements, over-exercising, avoiding all carbs, and detox cleanses to lose weight.
SheMed’s founders aim to expand their offerings to address other areas of women’s health. They hope to contribute to ongoing efforts to close gaps in healthcare and provide women with tools to manage their health effectively.
For more information about SheMed, visit shemed.co.uk.
