SheMed and UCL Study Shows Strong Real-World Outcomes for Women on GLP-1 Treatment
London, UK. SheMed, the UK's clinician-led GLP-1 weight loss programme for women, has published findings from one of the largest real-world studies of GLP-1 treatment in women ever conducted. The study was carried out in partnership with University College London and led by Professor John Deanfield.
The findings are based on data from over 8,000 women enrolled in SheMed's UK-wide digital care programme. They show high treatment retention, an average weight loss of 15.5%, and clinically significant improvements in metabolic health, quality of life, and heart health, delivered entirely through a digital care model.
Key findings
- Retention at six months was 91.4%, among the highest reported for GLP-1 treatment outside a controlled clinical trial setting.
- Participants achieved an average weight loss of 15.5% of their starting body weight, with women losing an average of 16.1kg (35.4lb) within six months, with a significant proportion reaching transformative levels of weight reduction.
- 84.5% saw their blood sugar levels normalise over the course of treatment, and 96.3% of those with prediabetes saw theirs normalise too.
- Outcomes were consistent across age, starting weight, BMI, and socioeconomic background, in a cohort spanning women aged 18 to 79.
- Strong results were achieved using a personalised dosing approach, without requiring every participant to reach the maximum dose.
- No serious treatment-related adverse events were identified.
Why it matters
GLP-1 therapies have shown strong results in clinical trials, but real-world adherence has historically been inconsistent, and most large obesity trials have enrolled predominantly male populations. This study addresses both gaps. It provides real-world evidence specifically in women, a group that has been underrepresented in obesity research, and it shows that a structured digital care model can achieve the kind of sustained engagement needed for strong outcomes at scale.
Rachael Joy, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer at SheMed, said the results reflect the design of the programme itself. "Most women don't just start treatment, they stay on it and see meaningful results. We're building a model of care designed around women, not adapted for them."
About the study
The research was conducted in partnership with University College London's Institute of Cardiovascular Science and led by Professor John Deanfield, working alongside SheMed's clinical team, including Rachael Joy and Dr Matthew Noble. It represents one of the largest real-world datasets focused exclusively on women's outcomes with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy, delivered through SheMed's structured digital programme, which combines weekly clinician-supported check-ins, regular monitoring, and individualised dose titration.
About SheMed
SheMed is the UK's first clinician-led GLP-1 weight loss programme designed specifically for women, founded in 2024 by sisters Chloe and Olivia Ferro. SheMed is trusted by over 100,000 women in the UK with a combination of clinical oversight, personalised dosing, and ongoing support, and offers a free at-home blood test as part of every treatment plan.
Read the longer report
The content on the SheMed blog is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. While SheMed provides professional weight loss services and strives to ensure the information shared is accurate and up to date, we make no representations or guarantees as to its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. This content should not be taken as personal medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always speak with your doctor or licensed medical professional about your individual health or medical needs before starting any new treatment or programme. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this site. SheMed is not responsible for any actions you may take based on the information provided in this blog.
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