Aetna customers gain access to metabolic syndrome prevention tool

Toronto-based personalized health company Newtopia Inc. will begin offering a health engagement platform targeting the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome to health benefits provider Aetna Inc.’s corporate customers and their employees.

The platform uses genetic testing and personality and lifestyle assessments to develop tailored wellness programs for users with or at risk for metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases an individual’s chance of developing diabetes, stroke or heart disease, Newtopia said Thursday in a statement.

The wellness program includes online coaching for nutrition, exercise and behavior management, Newtopia said.

The deal follows the completion of a pilot program with Aetna employees who had or were at risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Aetna found that participants in the pilot program lost weight, reduced their waist size and had higher levels of engagement in the program, according to the statement.

“As we continue to work towards improving health outcomes and reducing health care costs for our members, Newtopia provides an opportunity for individuals to be inspired by a health engagement platform that allows them to develop healthy habits to meet their own unique lifestyles,” Dr. Greg Steinberg, head of clinical innovation at Aetna, said in the statement.