Hims & Hers Health launches online weight management service for men in Germany

Oct 20 (Reuters) – Hims & Hers Health said on Tuesday it launched an online weight management service for men in Germany, marking a deeper investment by the US telehealth firm in one of Europe’s largest healthcare markets.

Here are some details:

• The service allows patients to complete an online consultation and, if eligible, receive treatment prescribed by EU-licensed clinicians, while those requiring in-person care are referred to local healthcare providers

• The company did not disclose financial details of the German launch

• Hims said it was entering the market as obesity remains a major health concern in Germany. Nearly one in five adults live with the condition, while more than six in 10 men are overweight, it said

• The company said access to weight-loss treatments remains limited because health insurance plans typically do not cover the medicines, leaving patients to pay out of pocket

• Hims cited survey data showing that more than 75% of adults who had tried to manage their weight did so without professional help

• The company already operates in Europe through the UK, where it strengthened its presence with the acquisition of London-based digital health startup Zava last year

(Reporting by Padmanabhan Ananthan in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)