The hybrid weight management care model launched by ORA Group blends both in-person and virtual healthcare services to offer a flexible and personalised approach. ORA Group is already known for its leading telehealth services, andSons and OVA—catering to male and female healthcare needs respectively, but now by combining evidence-based medical treatments with individualised care, either online or in-person, we make it easier for patients to access expert advice and support that fits their schedules or needs. For some, this might mean being able to have a telehealth consultation if they lack time, or sometimes even the confidence, to do this in person. For others, that face-to-face approach might be more effective. And that’s why we have launched the hybrid model, to offer those who need help with managing their weight a real chance to succeed. Anything that breaks down barriers to access in terms of care and support on someone’s weight management journey is particularly important in Singapore, where the rise of lifestyle-related diseases, including obesity, is a growing concern.

As ORA’s first Chief Medical Advisor, what are your primary goals in ensuring the success of this hybrid model, especially in the context of addressing obesity-related chronic diseases?

My main goal is to ensure that the hybrid model not only supports weight loss but also promotes long-term health and disease prevention. Obesity is a leading cause of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and our approach focuses on the underlying factors contributing to obesity, such as poor nutrition and inactivity, in addition to helping patients shed excess weight. For me, success means empowering patients to adopt healthier habits, leading to sustainable weight loss and better management of chronic conditions. I also want to ensure that our model remains scalable and adaptable to the evolving healthcare needs in Singapore.

With telehealth services under increasing scrutiny in Singapore, how does ORA ensure the quality and consistency of care provided to its patients in both virtual and in-person settings?

At ORA, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care, whether it’s virtual or in-person. For telehealth, we use a secure platform for video consultations and patient monitoring, ensuring a seamless experience with the same level of rigor as face-to-face visits. Our healthcare professionals are trained to provide high-quality care remotely, following Singapore’s stringent guidelines to ensure that patients receive the same comprehensive attention as they traditionally would in-person. We blend medical expertise with technology to ensure that care is both effective and continuous with the highest standard of patient wellbeing.

What role does your partnership with Arden Endocrinology Specialist Clinic play in the implementation and scaling of ORA’s hybrid care services? How does this collaboration enhance patient outcomes?

The collaboration with Arden Endocrinology Specialist Clinic is vital to the success of the hybrid care model. Arden’s expertise in endocrinology, particularly in managing obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders, means people who use ORA’s hybrid service receive care from highly trained and experienced professionals. Through this partnership, we ensure that weight management goes beyond just shedding pounds; it focuses on improving metabolic health through a holistic approach. The collaboration provides access to a multidisciplinary care team that integrates endocrinology, dietetics, and physical therapy, among others, delivering a comprehensive and, most crucially, a personalised treatment for each patient. Ultimately, this results in improved long-term health outcomes which is really our goal.

Given your extensive experience in diabetes and endocrinology, how do you see weight management innovations like ORA’s hybrid model contributing to the broader fight against chronic diseases in Singapore?

The rising prevalence of obesity in Singapore is directly linked to an increase in chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease and, beyond the patients themselves, that increase is putting immense pressure on our healthcare systems. Innovations like ORA’s hybrid weight management model are essential in addressing these conditions because they focus on both prevention and management through a holistic approach. Our model is not just about helping patients lose weight; it helps improve overall metabolic health, which is critical in preventing chronic diseases. As this model evolves, I believe we have a pivotal role to play in reducing the long-term burden of these diseases on Singapore’s healthcare system and enabling people to live longer, healthier lives.

What are the key challenges you foresee in expanding this hybrid care model across Singapore, and how does ORA plan to address them? Do you see potential for similar models to be adopted in other countries facing similar obesity issues?

One of the benefits of the hybrid model being offered by ORA in partnership with Arden Endocrinology Specialist Clinic is that it provides a flexible and scalable solution to managing chronic diseases linked to obesity. The opportunity to support Singapore’s drive to tackle the rising prevalence of obesity is huge because by expanding the care model, we can ensure equitable access for all patients.

Many countries face the same challenges in managing chronic diseases related to obesity, and the hybrid approach offers an adaptable and expandable solution, making it an ideal model for global implementation.