The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first glucose monitoring system designed specifically for weight loss, developed by the startup Signos. The system combines artificial intelligence with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology to provide personalized lifestyle recommendations, offering a new option for Americans beyond existing treatments such as GLP-1 drugs and bariatric surgery.
A New Alternative to Traditional Treatments
Current weight loss options, including medications like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound or surgical interventions, are typically limited to patients with obesity or higher body mass index (BMI). These treatments are often difficult to access due to high costs, limited insurance coverage, and supply shortages. In contrast, the Signos system is available to any patient regardless of weight, making it accessible for those seeking to lose a few pounds or manage more significant weight loss goals.
How the Signos System Works
Signos uses Dexcom’s off-the-shelf CGMs, which are small sensors worn on the upper arm to track glucose levels in real time. The data is transmitted to the Signos app, where patients can log meals, exercise, and other lifestyle details. The AI platform analyzes this information to deliver tailored insights and behavioral recommendations. This approach helps patients understand how specific foods and activities affect their bodies, supporting sustainable weight management.
Pricing and Accessibility
Customers can purchase a Signos membership through three-month or six-month plans, costing $139 and $129 per month respectively. The company supplies all the necessary CGMs for the chosen plan duration. While insurers currently do not cover the system for weight management, the price is significantly lower than the roughly $1,000 monthly cost of GLP-1 drugs in the U.S. Signos is working with insurers and employers to expand coverage in the future, aiming to broaden accessibility.
Impact on Public Health
The obesity epidemic in the U.S. costs more than $170 billion annually, with nearly 74% of Americans classified as overweight or obese. Signos’ co-founder and CEO Sharam Fouladgar-Mercer emphasized that the system is designed to assist people at any stage of their weight loss journey. The platform can also be used alongside GLP-1 treatments or bariatric surgery, as well as after discontinuing such therapies, to help patients maintain progress. With FDA approval, Signos has scaled up its CGM inventory and software infrastructure to accommodate growing demand.
The FDA’s approval of Signos’ AI-driven glucose monitoring system marks a significant step forward in weight management solutions. By combining accessible technology with personalized data insights, the system provides a cost-effective, scalable alternative to expensive medications and invasive procedures, with the potential to make a meaningful impact on the U.S. obesity crisis.