Allurion is supporting customers around the world during COVID-19 with an expanded digital offering, in response to recent data that indicates that individuals with obesity are at higher risk of poorer outcomes from COVID-19 and that quarantine measures may lead to weight gain. The company has expanded access to telenutrition for both existing and new patients and providers, and enhanced its proprietary program to include at-home fitness, mental health and nutritional content.
"The early evidence clearly suggests that people with obesity are at greater risk for poorer outcomes from COVID-19,” said Dr Shantanu Gaur, CEO of Allurion Technologies.
“While quarantine is effective at slowing the spread of the virus, it may prompt stress, decreased activity, and deterioration in mental health which, in turn, can result in weight gain. Our expanded digital offering offers providers an opportunity to stay in closer contact with existing patients to limit these deleterious effects and also manage the increased demand that has resulted from increased awareness of the links between weight and COVID-19.”
The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a statement noting a propensity for those who have serious underlying medical conditions - including obesity - as potentially higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. A recent study conducted at New York University published in Clinical Infectious Diseases demonstrated that of 3,615 patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, those less than 60 years-old with a BMI>35 were 3.6 times more likely to be admitted to critical care compared to individuals with a BMI<30.
“The well-being of our patients is our top priority, and the digital tools we have rolled out to providers allow them to navigate these uncertain times,” added Benoit Chardon, Executive Vice-President Global Commercial, Allurion Technologies. “We believe the expanded program we are now providing to existing and new patients offers a comprehensive solution to the specific needs our patients have during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Allurion has been very thoughtful in devising a global weight loss program that addresses the diverse needs of individuals who are experiencing weight-related challenges,” said Dr Sophie Al Samman Zouaghi, Visceral and Digestive Surgeon at Protestant Infirmary Hospital in Caluire, France. “Providing holistic patient care during the pandemic is a challenge for all providers, and we welcome any additional tools that will allow us to successfully serve our patients.”
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