Does Weight Loss By Hims Work? An Expert Breakdown

Programs, drinks, supplements, and medications galore. When it comes to weight loss aids, you’ve got options. So what is it that sets Hims Weight Loss apart from the competition? In a word — personalization. 

When you sign up for the Hims weight loss program, you get ongoing access to licensed healthcare providers who offer treatment options designed to meet your unique needs and goals. This may include GLP-1 weight loss injections or pills that help support weight management. 

We’re digging into the details with our in-house obesity expert, Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA. Dr. Primack, a physician specializing in obesity medicine, is the senior vice president of weight loss at Hims & Hers. 

We’re breaking down how Hims Weight Loss works, how much weight you can expect to lose, Hims weight loss medications, and more.

The core of Hims & Hers has always been to offer a truly personalized experience that customers can rely on. That’s why we’re so committed to making personalized care for weight management more accessible to all.

According to Dr. Primack, “Everyone loses weight differently, based on your genetics. So, what works for one person may not work for you. Personalizing your treatment is the best way to ensure success.”

Through the Hims app, you’ll also have access to a variety of tools and resources to help you achieve your goals.

That includes access to a comprehensive program based on the  four pillars of effective weight management:

• Healthy eating

• Physical activity

• Education

• Weight loss medications, when needed

“Targeting all four aspects of weight loss at the same time helps patients achieve lasting results,” says Dr. Primack. 

And through the Hims app, all this is really simple. You’ll get straightforward tools and expert tips to help build habits that stick. This includes:

• Daily Protein Recommendations to help maintain muscle mass while taking medication. 

• Daily Activity Goals to achieve regular movement while taking medication. 

• Over 100 High-Protein Recipes that are nutritious and easy to make.

• Science-Backed Tips and Techniques focused on topics like hunger hormones, sleep, and more.

• Smart Eating Tips tailored to how you eat (whether you stress eat, snack without thinking, or just get too busy to plan meals).

• In-App Sleep Content designed by psychologists to help improve sleep quality. 

• Dynamic Protocols to help improve nutrition, movement, and sleep habits for sustained weight loss.

You can also order Hims doctor-recommended high-protein meal replacement shakes and bars designed specifically for people taking weight loss meds. These convenient and delicious bars and shakes feature up to 27 grams of protein per serving. 

They’re designed to help you:

• Hit your daily protein goals

• Feel full longer

• Keep calorie intake consistent

• Maintain muscle

• Stay on track even on busy days

If you want help figuring out how to work them into your routine, a licensed provider on the Hims platform can walk you through it.

How much weight you’ll lose with the Hims program will depend on a few factors, like the medication you’re prescribed and your commitment to treatment. Lifestyle changes, like increased physical activity, can go a long way toward supporting your weight loss goals. 

When it comes to finding the right medication for you, Dr. Primack has some advice.

“The first consideration is how much weight you have to lose and how hard it’s been for you to lose weight in the past. If you’re new to anti-obesity medications, you may try one or a combo of pills that have been proven to help with weight loss for years.”

However, says Dr. Primack, “If you have struggled or have a lot of weight to lose, the injectable GLP-1s are the most potent.”

So, what percent of your total body weight can you expect to lose?

Dr. Primack estimates, “The oral meds are about 5 to 8 percent, while the weekly highly potent injectables are around 15 to 22 percent.”

Dr. Primack adds, “Without drastic diet changes, people can safely lose two pounds per week.”

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonist medications are the newest addition to our weight loss offerings. This includes options like:

• Wegovy^® 

• Ozempic^®

• Zepbound^®

• Mounjaro^®

• Generic liraglutide

GLP-1s work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which affects areas of the brain responsible for appetite regulation.

“GLP-1 is a hormone that all of us already have,” explains Dr. Primack. 

“Its main function as a weight loss drug is to cross the blood-brain barrier to decrease appetite at the hypothalamus (appetite center), to decrease the rate of stomach emptying, and to stimulate the pancreas to bring the blood sugar down.”  

By working to slow down digestion, Wegovy^® helps keep you feeling full longer. And by targeting the areas of the brain responsible for appetite, it helps reduce hunger, which promotes sustainable weight loss. 

Clinical trials found that people taking Wegovy^® lost up to 20 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks. Participants in these trials were also encouraged to make lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and getting more physical activity.

Hims offers several oral medications to help you on your weight loss journey. We also offer access to personalized medication kits containing a combination of two to four medications — metformin, naltrexone, topiramate, and bupropion. Your healthcare provider may also add vitamin B12 to your kit for nutritional support, at no extra cost.

Dr. Primack says you can expect your care team to consider the following factors when determining the best medication kit for you:

• How much body weight you have to lose

• Other medical diagnoses you currently have

• How fast you want to lose weight

• How well you tolerate potential medication side effects

• Other medications you’re already taking

According to Dr. Primack, “When we combine multiple medications, the chance of significant weight loss goes up a lot, and the chance of not losing weight goes down significantly.”

Let’s go over the medications that might be included in your Hims weight loss kit: 

Metformin

Many people are most familiar with metformin as a widely used medication for type 2 diabetes. But taking metformin for weight loss is also common. 

Metformin helps lower the amount of glucose made by the liver, increases insulin sensitivity, and supports healthy blood sugar management. It’s prescribed off-label for weight loss because these mechanisms can help reduce appetite, prevent overeating, and support ongoing weight management.

Some research suggests that metformin targets the brain’s reward centers and alters the gut microbiome — the microbes living in the digestive tract — in a way that supports weight loss.

Learn more about Metformin for Weight Loss.

Naltrexone 

Naltrexone blocks the brain receptors responsible for the pleasurable effects of food. It’s often prescribed to help treat alcohol and opioid dependence.

Topiramate

Topiramate was first an anti-seizure medication that can also be used to prevent migraines in some people. However, it can also be an effective component of a multi-pronged weight loss approach.

Topiramate targets neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. This can help promote weight loss. 

The medication may also support weight loss goals by influencing how your body processes energy.

Bupropion

Bupropion is an antidepressant and a medication used to help people stop smoking. 

It acts on neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 can help prevent you from developing a nutrient deficiency when losing weight.

Why is preventing vitamin B12 deficiency so important? Well, it’s an essential nutrient for:

• Heart health

• Nervous system health

• Energy 

When you connect with one of our licensed providers about which weight loss prescription is right for you, they’ll let you know if it should also include vitamin B12 supplements.

Side Effect Management 

Mild nausea can be a common side effect when starting weight loss medication. If you notice this side effect or if you’re just worried it might arise, your licensed care team may prescribe ondansetron (generic Zofran^®) if it’s right for you. It’s a well-tolerated anti-nausea medication you can get through Hims weight loss.

You can also message providers anytime through the Hims platform to discuss your treatment — whether it’s adjusting your dose, switching medications, or requesting ondansetron.

“When I received the medication, I followed the easy directions, and started treatment. Immediately, my hunger and cravings almost stopped completely. I can still eat my favorite foods, but I definitely don’t need the same amount, and I can control my portions easily with the help of Hims. I’ve become more confident, and I’m absolutely elated with the results so far. I plan on completing my weight loss goals with Hims.”

— Brian G., 44

“I have always struggled with my weight, and I went into high school at 200 pounds. I accepted that I am just a “big” person. I have not had much success losing more than 10 to 15 pounds with any diet or exercise-related [programs]. Fast forward to about six months ago when I came across Hims.

"Here I am, roughly six months in, and I feel fantastic! I sleep great. I have lots of energy to keep up with my kids and focus at work. Currently, I am down 43 pounds. It has completely changed my attitude towards food. I only eat what my body needs, and I am able to stop after that. Crazy what your body can do with a little help!”

— Josh, 36

Getting started with Hims Weight Loss couldn’t be easier. No need to take time off work for another doctor’s appointment or head across town to the pharmacy — Hims is a one-stop shop. 

How it works:

• Medical intake form. You’ll answer questions about your health history, lifestyle habits, and weight loss goals — all from the comfort of your own home. 

• Provider evaluation. A medical professional trained in weight management and licensed in your state will review your intake form and determine which (if any) weight loss medications you might benefit from. 

• Personalized plan. If prescribed medication, a licensed provider will send you a customized weight loss plan designed to work for you. 

• Fast shipping. Your medication and supplies will be shipped directly to your door.

• Ongoing care. You’ll have unlimited access to providers for any questions or concerns that arise during your weight loss journey. 

“The strength of our program is that it is personalized for the patient and comprehensive,” says Dr. Primack. “The process is seamless and all in one place.”

Dr. Primack also highlights the plethora of educational content on the Hims app, including personalized eating profiles, recipes, and instructional videos.

“We also offer several trackers in the app, including a medication tracker, protein intake tracker, steps tracker, and sleep tracker.” 

These can help you stay on top of lifestyle changes that support your weight loss efforts and overall well-being.

Hims weight loss provides access to a range of treatments that can help fit different goals, budgets, and lifestyles. 

“If someone has tried to lose weight and has been unsuccessful, or has lost weight and gained it back, it’s time to consider adding in anti-obesity medications,” says Dr. Primack. 

To find out if you’re a good candidate for our program, start by taking our free assessment or checking out our BMI calculator. 

Generally speaking, a good candidate for Hims Weight Loss:

• Has an elevated body mass index (BMI) 

• Doesn’t have contraindications to the medication, such as allergies, pregnancy, or medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the medication

• Is willing to work under the supervision of a healthcare provider who can monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and provide guidance

• Understands the potential risks and benefits of weight loss medications and is willing to stick to the prescribed treatment plan

Does Hims weight loss work? Yes, for many men, the programs work.

As you explore what Hims has to offer for weight loss, remember:

• Weight loss is personal. What works for one person may not be right for another. It can take trial and error to figure out the best weight loss medication — and weight loss program — for you. Rather than getting caught up in anecdotes from others, try to focus on your own journey, listen to your body, and work with your provider to make adjustments when necessary. 

• Medication isn’t the full story. The success rates of weight loss medications speak for themselves, but it’s not just these prescriptions that are responsible for your weight loss results. They’re intended for use alongside regular exercise and a nutritious eating pattern.

• Consistency and communication are key. Just like any healthy relationship, communication with your healthcare providers is a vital component of your success with weight loss medications.

• Follow your provider’s guidelines. It’s important to not only use your prescription consistently and as directed but also to share questions, concerns, and progress with your provider to make sure you’re on track to reach your goals safely and effectively.

If Hims weight loss sounds like a good option for you, we encourage you to take our free weight loss assessment to get the process started.