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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.
When new medical studies are released, they can feel full of numbers and complex terms. At SheMed, our role is to help you understand what they really mean for you, your health, and your future.
Recently, Novo Nordisk released the results of the STEER study, one of the most significant pieces of research yet on GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy. And the findings show something powerful: Wegovy is not only about weight loss, it’s also about heart health.
The Big Picture: What the STEER Study Looked At
The STEER study explored how GLP-1 medicines affect heart health in people living with Overweight or Obesity and established cardiovascular disease (but without diabetes).
Researchers compared Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) with Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). They focused on the risk of serious heart problems, what doctors call “major adverse cardiovascular events” (MACE). These include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death from heart disease
What They Found
The results were striking:
- For people who stayed on treatment without big gaps, Wegovy reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death by 57% more than Mounjaro.
- When looking at all treated people, even those with breaks in care Wegovy still showed a 29% reduction in these serious events overall.
In short, Wegovy is not only helping people lose weight, it is also showing clear cardiovascular protection, especially when used consistently.
Why This Matters for You
We’ve always known GLP-1 medicines are powerful tools for weight loss, but the STEER study highlights something even bigger: they can also protect your heart. For anyone living with Obesity and cardiovascular disease, this is game-changing.
It also reinforces an important truth - long-term commitment matters most. The people who saw the greatest benefits were those who stayed consistent with their medication. That’s why at SheMed, we design every part of our programme to keep you supported, motivated, and engaged for the long run.
The SheMed Difference: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Medication is only one part of your health journey. At SheMed, we combine Wegovy with wraparound care:
- Regular blood tests to track key markers like cholesterol, blood sugar, and liver health.
- Weekly check-ins and app reminders to help you stay on track.
- Education and content designed specifically for women, covering sleep, hormones, activity, and nutrition.
- Proactive Side effect care and support to keep you comfortable and supported as your body adjusts.
This holistic approach matters because weight loss is just one marker of progress. By running blood tests before starting the programme, at 6 months, and 12 months, we can show you the deeper changes happening inside your body, improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall metabolic health.
It means you’ll see the true value of GLP-1s, not just in how you look or feel, but in the measurable ways your health is improving and your risks are reducing.
Why Wegovy Through SheMed Makes Sense
At SheMed, we’ve worked hard to make Wegovy accessible and affordable. With static, transparent pricing across doses, our members know exactly what they’re paying. That means no hidden surprises and no price hikes as you move up through titration.
When you combine that cost benefit with the evidence from STEER that Wegovy offers not just weight loss but cardiovascular protection the case for choosing Wegovy through SheMed becomes even stronger.
You’re not just investing in weight management; you’re investing in heart health, future health, and a programme designed to keep you safe and supported every step of the way.
The Future of Health With SheMed
The STEER study is a reminder that the story of GLP-1s is still unfolding and it’s about so much more than weight loss. These medicines are changing how we think about obesity, cardiovascular health, and long-term wellbeing.
At SheMed, we’ll continue to keep you informed as new research emerges, but more importantly, we’ll keep showing you the bigger picture through your own results. With every blood test, every milestone, and every step forward, you’ll see how far you’ve come not just in weight, but in health.
Because at SheMed, you’re not just losing weight. You’re gaining health, protecting your future, and building the strongest version of you.
Wegovy has quickly become a key treatment option in obesity management, particularly for adults living with excess weight and health conditions linked to obesity.
With recent price increases for Mounjaro®, another GLP-1 medication, many patients and healthcare providers are now turning to Wegovy as a strong alternative.
Clinical research shows that Wegovy can deliver significant weight loss results, often comparable to those seen with Mounjaro, making it one of the most effective options currently available.
Recent news and clinical trial data reveal that higher doses of Wegovy specifically at 7.2 mg weekly, have led to average weight loss of around 21% in adults with obesity, with approximately one-third of participants achieving a weight loss of 25% or more over 72 weeks. This is notably greater than the 15% average weight loss seen at the standard 2.4 mg dose.
Latest Clinical Data on Higher Doses
The 2025 STEP UP phase 3b trial evaluated semaglutide at both 7.2 mg and 2.4 mg weekly doses versus placebo in people with obesity who did not have diabetes. The results indicated a clear dose-response effect:
- Mean weight loss was 21% at 7.2 mg, compared to 17.5% at 2.4 mg, and much lower with placebo.
- Specifically, 51% of those on 7.2 mg lost at least 20% of their body weight, and 33% achieved a reduction of 25% or more.
- For 2.4 mg, 35% lost 20% or more, and 17% achieved 25% or greater weight loss.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
- Novo Nordisk has announced plans to seek regulatory approval for the higher 7.2 mg dose in the EU and other regions in late 2025.
- Safety and tolerability of the 7.2 mg weekly dose were consistent with the known profile of semaglutide, with gastrointestinal side effects remaining most common, except for a low discontinuation rate for adverse effects (about 3%).
- These findings extend the potential of Wegovy for people requiring greater degrees of weight loss, emphasising the dose-dependent effect of semaglutide GLP-1 therapy.
Comparing New findings with Mounjaro
At higher doses (7.2 mg), Wegovy has demonstrated weight loss outcomes that closely mirror those achieved with Mounjaro. Clinical data show an average 21% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks with Wegovy, with around half of patients reaching at least 20% weight loss. By comparison, Mounjaro studies report average reductions of up to 22–23% at higher doses over a similar treatment duration. While Wegovy’s 7.2 mg dose remains under regulatory review and is not yet standard practice, these findings highlight that patients considering a switch may be able to achieve results that are highly comparable to those seen with Mounjaro, offering another strong option in pharmacological obesity management.
Head-to-head style snapshot (72-week outcomes)
In conclusion, if you are considering switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy, now is an excellent opportunity. Wegovy offers a highly effective alternative for weight management with similar clinical results, and - importantly - comes at a considerably lower price, especially as Mounjaro prices are set to rise sharply in the UK from September 2025. Choosing Wegovy can help maintain your weight loss goals while making your treatment more affordable.
If you have any questions or need personalised advice about making the switch, please do not hesitate to contact the Shemed support team at support@shemed.com.
References
- ClinicalTrials.gov. (2024, December 12). A research study to see how semaglutide helps people with excess weight, lose weight (STEP UP) (NCT05646706). U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05646706
- Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., Kushner, R. F., & STEP 1 Study Group. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M. C., & Wadden, T. A. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2025, June). STEP UP trial: Semaglutide 7.2 mg in adults with obesity without type 2 diabetes [Conference presentation]. ADA 85th Scientific Sessions, Chicago, IL. Retrieved from https://diabetesjournals.org/ (poster abstract ePoster 446-P).
- Novo Nordisk. (2025, June 9). Semaglutide 7.2 mg shows ~21% weight loss at 72 weeks in STEP UP trial [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.novonordisk.com/