When we decided to build Nico, Andrew Beckley and I knew we’d need more than good intentions and smart algorithms. If we’re going to help people change their metabolism, we have to hold ourselves to high standards grounded in real clinical knowledge.
That’s why we’re building a solid team of experts to guide Nico. I’ll introduce them all here over time. First up:
Dr Patrick Heath, clinical advisor
Patrick is a GP and health-screening specialist who’s spent years helping people improve their health by understanding who they are and how they live — not by lecturing them about calories. He was also part of the Fast Food 30 experiment, where I ate only fast food for a month under medical supervision and still improved my metabolic health. He kept me safe then, and he’s keeping our members safe now.
Pat’s role is simple but essential:
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Keep Nico safe. Ensure our guidance and technology align with good clinical practice. While Nico will only give non-medical advice, it makes sense to bring a clinical supervisor in to set guardrails.
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Respect individuality. Remind us that behind every data point is a person with real-world constraints. His work involves years of consulting people on very individual journeys and we expect Nico’s will. He’s been helping us work out how to understand how to apply the right approach digitally.
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Keep Nico evidence-based. Help us set clear boundaries. Nico isn’t a replacement for medical advice, and CGMs shouldn’t be used without the right context or understanding.
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Avoid straying into medical advice. Nico needs to deliver the lifestyle changes doctors like Patrick have always dreamed of, without crossing a rigid boundary. This also involves creating an effective escalation and referral procedure so we’re always putting each member’s needs first.
We believe technology can help people make better choices, but it has to be human-centred to be sound. Pat’s joined to make sure that never slips.
He said it best himself: “You can’t put people in boxes. Everyone’s circumstances are different. Using technology to understand those circumstances — that’s where real change begins.”
That’s the principle behind everything we’re building.
