
Saudi-Born Startup Kilow Launches Arabic-Language Weight Loss App
Saudi health tech startup Kilow has officially launched its Arabic-language platform, offering a personalised, all-in-one digital weight loss solution tailored to local lifestyles. The app, now available across Saudi Arabia, merges smart health tracking, expert-led lifestyle coaching, and access to licensed medical care—including GLP-1-based weight loss medication, when appropriate.
Kilow was founded by Fahed Al Essa, a four-time startup founder and digital health expert whose background spans biotech, public health, and clinical operations. Developed entirely in Saudi Arabia, the app is designed to reflect the specific habits, food cultures, and behavioural patterns of users in the Kingdom.
'This isn't just another weight loss app,' says Al Essa. 'It's built by people who understand the Saudi lifestyle and the health challenges we face. For me, Kilow is deeply personal—after years of struggling with my weight, I finally feel like I've found a solution that works, and I wanted to share that with others.'
Users begin with a brief onboarding process and receive a free medical consultation. Approved participants can select flexible plans ranging from one to six months, with options that include home-delivered medication, lab testing kits, and ongoing tracking of nutrition, movement, and sleep.
Beyond standard diet coaching, Kilow is grounded in science-backed, culturally relevant interventions. 'If you tell someone in the GCC to stop eating rice, they probably won't. But if you teach them how to eat rice better, that's where we specialize,' Al Essa adds. 'We don't want to overhaul your life. We give you small, practical tools—like having vinegar before your rice meal to reduce blood sugar spikes. Tiny changes. Big effect.'
The launch comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is increasingly prioritising wellness and preventative care as part of Vision 2030. Kilow plans to expand regionally and is preparing to raise its first funding round in the coming weeks.
Future features include AI-powered meal feedback, wearable integrations, and adaptive coaching tools based on biometric data. The company is also working on precision health modules that will incorporate genetic testing, hormonal profiling, and predictive health scoring to flag plateau phases before they occur.
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