23andMe Will Add Weight-Loss Advice to Its DNA-Testing Services
- Company is partnering with an AI weight-loss coaching service
- Firm says people can be better persuaded when DNA involved
A 23andMe DNA genetic testing kit.
Photographer: Cayce Clifford/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Consumer DNA-testing giant 23andMe Inc. plans to add new wellness offerings it hopes will help its customers shed a few pounds, but some genetics experts say the jury is still out on the science behind the products.
On Tuesday, the Mountain View, California-based company announced a partnership with Lark Health, an artificial-intelligence coaching service that delivers personalized advice for weight loss and diabetes prevention via an app. Lark will allow customers to incorporate weight-related genetic data from 23andMe into its service.