WEMA Health, a new digital health start-up, launches in the UAE with the announcement of a seed investment of USD 3.5M, incubated under Europe’s largest digital health company, Dawn Health. Founded in March 2022, WEMA Health tackles the rising obesity pandemic in the region, where it’s reported that two in three people are overweight.

WEMA Health connects its users with endocrine specialists on the state-of-the-art app, with a focus on diet, exercise and psycho-social support. WEMA Health also makes available to members the modern and clinically documented weight loss medicine, GLP-1, which is prescribed in tandem with professional and personalized cognitive behavioural coaching, so members are empowered to make lasting lifestyle changes.

Co-Founder and Head of MENA for WEMA Health, Leyla Azizova explained: “Obesity affects approximately 20 million people in the GCC alone, impacting not only their health but also their overall quality of life. In the Middle East, it’s estimated to cost the healthcare system USD 30 Bn every year. With the innovation that WEMA Health brings, we will be able to help people with obesity to a healthier and happier life”.

The first WEMA members will be initiated into the program this summer.