People can argue until they're blue in the face but if you eat less calories than you burn you will lose weight. The problem is people with trauma plus a food addiction are not able to do this.
Is there any research around where you live and propensity for morbid obesity - especially living by the sea? I could only find one study which did support this theory but it was in the UK. I live in Bondi Beach where socialising is essentially exercising - surfing, swimming, kayaking etc etc and anecdotally I don't think I've ever seen a morbidly obese person in over 30 years (I know this sounds ridiculous and maybe it's because they never leave the house but it's true).
That said, important to state a psychological-only approach sadly isn't sufficient for the majority of people.
I've never looked for research on this, but the environmental & social pressures are definitely believable why they may produce this outcome. I also wonder how important selection effect is here for your Bondi Beach example.
What was the previous startup by the way? Always interested in improving my knowledge of the space!
As I am sure you are aware, obesity is a complex issue and many of the suggestions sufferers get such as eat less, exercise more, try fasting, go keto, etc. are simply not helpful in and of themselves. Neither is just prescribing the latest medications without other forms of support.
I hope your concept of telehealth, medical supervision and personal coaching is one that will get results. Obesity is a serious issue that is robbing society of people and potential.