Allurion debuts generative AI-powered weight-loss coach

Allurion Technologies on Tuesday unveiled a new generative artificial intelligence-(AI) powered health coach to strengthen outcomes within its weight-loss programme and maximise clinic efficiency. Coach Iris provides patients with 24/7 access to personalised support and guidance.

"By designing Coach Iris to solve the specific needs of consumers seeking weight loss, we anticipate increasing the accuracy of [the platform] by reducing the risks of potentially inaccurate edge cases, and also ensuring that appropriate safety and review mechanisms are in place," remarked Jeff Feldgoise, senior vice president of digital.

Allurion began trading as a publicly listed company earlier this month after completing its merger with special purpose acquisition firm Compute Health. The company's weight-loss programme combines its swallowable, "procedure-less" gastric balloon with its Allurion virtual care suite, which includes a consumer mobile app, Allurion Insights for healthcare providers, along with a connected scale and health tracker devices. In June, Allurion entered into a year-long sales agency agreement with Medtronic to offer its platform in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMA) region by leveraging Medtronic's channels.

Wide array of weight-loss topics

Patients can access Coach Iris using the Allurion app and initiate a conversation with the chatbot on a broad range of health and weight-loss topics, including tailored meal plans, recipes, exercise routines, and stress management techniques. The health coach is also designed to reach out to patients to ensure they remain engaged in their weight-loss programme. Coach Iris will be available by October at no additional cost for clinics that subscribe to the company's Allurion virtual care suite VCS+ or VCS custom plans.

For related analysis, see Physician Views Results: Tech-enhanced balloons could rival drugs in first-line obesity treatment.

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