Whole Foods co-founder sets sights on health care

Whole Foods Market co-founder John Mackey, whose former company has disrupted the traditional grocery industry over the last four decades, said he plans to do the same for health care with his newest venture Love.Life.  

Love.Life, which launched in 2020, two years prior to Mackey stepping down as Whole Foods’ longtime CEO, announced Wednesday that the company has released a series of virtual health optimization programs and plans to open a 45,000-square foot flagship brick-and-mortar location in 2024 in El Segundo, California.  

Described as a “one-stop immersive health experience” that combines “healthy food, evolved medical care and cutting-edge wellness therapies,” Love.Life said it aims to address all aspects of its patients’ health by focusing on the root causes of chronic diseases. 

"With grocery, we made natural and organic products mainstream, and Love.Life is going to play a similar role in the health and wellness industry,” said Mackey in a statement. “We're ready to support and empower millions in optimizing their health potential, proving that genes are not destiny.” 

Mackey said the existing medical system is “fundamentally flawed” and focuses too much on managing and treating diseases, rather than focusing on prevention. "Studies show that 80% of chronic diseases can be prevented and reversed through diet and lifestyle changes, which are the focus of Love.Life's philosophy and are rarely included in conventional treatment plans," he added. 

The company’s virtual sessions go beyond the traditional doctor-patient relationship, and instead involve comprehensive testing and health assessments to determine patients’ “true baseline health,” Love.Life noted. Doctors work directly with patients to develop an action plan to establish health risks and opportunities, according to the company. 

New healthy habits, which include topics such as nutrition, movement, sleep, stress and social connection, are determined for each patient individually through the virtual optimization program, and health care professionals monitor the implementation and sustainability as patients work toward their health goals. 

"Health is highly personal, so it can be frustrating when you don't feel heard by your doctor or you leave the appointment feeling confused about test results and treatment options," said Dr. Brian Asbill, chief health officer for Love.Life, in a statement. "The physicians at Love.Life evaluate all aspects of health to create highly personalized plans with—not for—patients. Whether you are seeking preventative care for overall wellness, struggle with an existing condition or have not been able to pinpoint the root cause of a health issue, we want to offer a single source of clear, trusted, evidence-based care for patients." 

Similarly, Love.Life’s Longevity Program offers one-on-one care from a medical professional and focuses on disease reversal and preventative care. Patients receive monthly health and wellness coaching and at least one appointment with a physician per quarter.  

The company’s Concierge Program goes further with cancer screenings and assessments in epigenetics, microbiome and cardiovascular issues.  

Love.Life said it has also acquired Mastering Diabetes, an online coaching and education platform that works with patients to address a number of health conditions. It also has launched its new Mastering Weight Loss program.  

Following in the food-as-medicine concept, Mackey and Love.Life have debuted Love Life Cafés in Miami and the Los Angeles suburb of Culver City. The restaurants will provide “evidence-based meal prescription plans for specific health conditions once the adjacent medical and wellness components of the brand open,” Love.Life said.    

Love.Life’s leadership team also includes Whole Foods ex-pats Walter Robb, who formerly served as co-CEO of the grocery chain, and Betsy Foster, who also served as an executive.