On Wednesday, W Health Ventures, a healthcare-focused VC that invests in and grows tech-enabled early-stage healthcare companies, led a pre-seed funding round in Elevate Now, an Indian medical weight loss company, with the firm securing an undisclosed amount that will help the company to expand its operations and deliver innovative weight loss solutions to more individuals across India, the company said in a statement.

The company offers tailored and doctor-led medication-based weight loss programs, personalized health coaching, and habit coaching that aligns with clinical protocols designed for the Indian population.

Focused on an omnichannel distribution strategy from the get-go, the company has already launched its first co-branded obesity clinic in Aurangabad, with the next set of clinics planned in Bangalore and Delhi. With this financing, Elevate Now plans to establish more offline partnerships to accelerate its nationwide expansion, aiming to set up over 10 clinics throughout India in 2023. By leveraging its innovative doctor-led approach to weight loss, Elevate Now is transforming the industry and empowering millions of individuals to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Obesity is a major health concern in India, with approximately one in four Indians, i.e., 340 million Indians being overweight or obese. Rapidly changing and increasingly sedentary lifestyle, nd genetic predisposition of Asians are adding to this burden at a faster pace, the company's statement said.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Elevate Now as they embark on their mission to fundamentally revolutionize the weight loss industry in India," said Pankaj Jethwani, Executive VP, W Health Ventures. "The weight loss market in India is massive with over $12B spent annually. Traditional weight loss solutions don’t work as a large majority (90-95%) gain the weight back in a few months. Elevate Now’s innovative approach, backed by advancements in science and clinical protocols tailored to Indians, presents a unique opportunity to transform the way India understands and treats weight-loss. 

Obesity is a major health concern in India, with approximately one in four Indians, i.e., 340 million Indians being overweight or obese. Rapidly changing and increasingly sedentary lifestyle, nd genetic predisposition of Asians are adding to this burden at a faster pace, the company's statement said.

"Weight Loss is one of the most attempted sectors within healthcare in India but the solutions currently available are not leveraging the latest scientific advancements in the understanding of how weight gain and loss happens. Our unique approach with tailored clinical protocols supported by cutting-edge science, presents a significant opportunity to address a major health concern in India and positively impact the lives of millions of people” said Rahul Maroli, Co-founder and CEO, Elevate Now.