Content
Lose some, win some
Reviewed by Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA
Written by Hadley Mendelsohn
Published 07/03/2025
Updated 07/09/2025
Telehealth companies are making weight loss meds more accessible than ever, with options like Ozempic® and Wegovy®.
If you’re considering switching providers or exploring options for an oral or injectable weight loss prescription, you might be curious about telehealth platforms like Hims and Ro.
In this guide, we’re diving into a detailed comparison of Hims versus Ro’s weight loss offerings. so you can choose the best option for your needs and goals.
A quick disclaimer before we jump in: This article is intended for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical advice or endorsement of one brand over another.
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Hims | Ro | |
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Weight loss medications offered | GLP-1 injections:
Weight loss pills:
Anti-nausea medication:
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Other weight loss services offered | Included in the price of medications:
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How to get treatment |
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Cost |
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*Compounded semaglutide is a compounded product and has not been approved by the FDA. The FDA does not review compounded products for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
**Oral medication kits are compounded drugs and have not been FDA-approved. FDA does not evaluate compounded drugs for safety, effectivness, or quality. Actual price to customer will depend on product and subscription plan purchased.
***FSA/HSA eligibility and coverage vary by plan provider.
Actual price to customer will depend on product and subscription plan purchased.
The Weight Loss by Hims program features a range of weight loss treatments, such as GLP-1s and oral medications. “The Body Program” from Ro also includes GLP-1s, though it doesn’t include oral weight loss medications.
Though both platforms have similar offerings, there are some key differences. Let’s break it down.
Hims provides access to oral weight loss medications and injectables, like GLP-1s. In a nutshell, these work by suppressing your appetite, helping keep you fuller longer, and promoting sustained weight loss.
GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1) injections available through Hims include:
Compounded semaglutide. This weekly injection works like Ozempic and Wegovy® because it contains the same active ingredient. However, it hasn’t been approved by the FDA and is generally prescribed to accommodate personalized dosing requirements or allergies.
Wegovy®. Semaglutide is the active component in Wegovy®, which was approved by the FDA for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight with related health conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension) and elevated cholesterol.
Ozempic. Ozempic — which also contains semaglutide — is approved for type 2 diabetes. It’s also prescribed off-label to help with weight management.
Zepbound. Zepbound — which has the active ingredient tirzepatide — is a once-weekly injection that’s FDA-approved for weight loss.
Mounjaro. Mounjaro also contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and is also a once-weekly injection. It’s FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but can be prescribed off-label for weight management.
Generic liraglutide. Like other GLP-1 medications, liraglutide injections may help with weight management but are administered daily. Liraglutide is the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Saxenda, which is FDA-approved for managing weight in people with obesity.
One key difference between Hims and Ro is that Hims offers both oral medications and injectables for weight loss, while Ro focuses solely on injectables.
In other words, Hims weight loss medication offerings are a bit more robust.
Hims offers oral medications in personalized weight loss kits tailored to your specific needs based on what your provider recommends. Hims weight loss kits include a combination of different weight loss medications to suit your treatment plan.
Hims weight loss pills include:
Naltrexone. Naltrexone may reduce alcohol and opioid cravings.
Metformin. Metformin is approved for type 2 diabetes, but it can also help with gestational diabetes and weight management. Metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose the liver produces, which helps keep blood sugar levels in check and reduce appetite.
Topiramate. This medication is an anticonvulsant that can suppress your appetite, which can keep you fuller longer.
Bupropion. Bupropion is an antidepressant. It works on the brain’s reward system to help support weight loss.
Certain kits might also come with one or more of the daily pills listed above, plus vitamin B12 for extra energy support.
Your provider may start you on a lower dose to help reduce the chance of side effects. If needed, you can switch to a different medication kit or adjust your treatment — all at no additional cost.
Compounded drug products are not approved nor evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA.
The most common side effects of weight loss meds are gastrointestinal issues.
And it’s completely normal to have concerns about potential side effects when starting a new weight loss medication — especially when it comes to nausea.
That’s why Hims offers an option for customers to talk with their provider about anti-nausea medication. If deemed medically appropriate, individuals prescribed GLP-1s or oral weight loss medications through Hims may also be eligible for a prescription for ondansetron (the generic version of Zofran®), at no additional cost.
This prescription can be taken as directed to help manage nausea or vomiting, making it a helpful tool for anyone feeling hesitant about starting treatment due to these side effects. It’s part of Hims’ personalized approach to healthcare — because supporting your well-being means addressing the full experience.
Ro focuses exclusively on injectable weight loss medications, while Hims offers both injectables and oral options.
That difference might matter if you’re looking for more flexibility — whether it’s in how you take your medication or how you manage your budget. A broader range of choices can make it easier to find something that fits your lifestyle.
That said, Ro offers access to these injectables:
Zepbound®
Ozempic®
Wegovy®
Ro also offers access to Zepbound at a slightly reduced self-pay cost.
Both Hims and Ro offer access to GLP-1 injections like Wegovy®, which has been shown in clinical studies to support meaningful and lasting weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
In one clinical trial, participants taking a semaglutide dose equivalent to that in Wegovy® lost about 20% of their body weight over the course of a year.
Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) has also been linked with supporting significant weight loss in Eli Lilly-sponsored clinical trials.
As for oral medications, Hims offers prescription oral weight loss kits tailored to each person’s specific needs and health goals. So, they may work differently depending on which medications you’re prescribed.
There’s a range of affordable pricing options at Hims, depending on your treatment plan and subscription model, including:
Oral weight loss medication starts at $69 for a 10-month plan paid upfront in full.
Eligible customers can access compounded semaglutide starting at $199 a month for a 12-month plan, paid upfront in full.
The initial consultation is free. You don’t need health insurance coverage, as Hims doesn’t accept health insurance. However, you can get reimbursement for an FSA (flexible spending account) or HSA (health savings account).
Also, the cost of ongoing care through the mobile app is included in your medication payment.
There are a few payment and subscription plan options available. Generally, the longer you commit to a subscription, the more affordable the medications become. But if flexibility is a priority, you can opt for shorter plans — they just may cost a bit more over time.
The Hims platform is built to support you throughout your weight loss journey, with straightforward tools, expert guidance, and accessible care every step of the way.
After signing up, you’ll create a personalized profile within the app that tailors your experience—whether that’s setting lifestyle goals, learning how to eat for your treatment, or simply keeping track of your progress.
The Hims app is designed to help you stay on course with:
Dynamic protocols to support improved nutrition, exercise, and sleep-based habits for sustained weight loss
In-app sleep and mindset techniques developed by psychologists to help improve sleep quality
Daily protein recommendations to help maintain muscle mass while taking medication
Daily activity goals to achieve regular exercise while taking medication
100+ healthy and easy recipes and meal plans developed with nutritionists
Healthy eating tips tailored to your unique eating pattern (like emotional eating or automatic eating)
Getting in touch with your care team is simple, too. You can message your provider directly for quick answers, treatment adjustments, or support with any side effects. And if something’s up with your order or account, Hims offers 24/7 messaging with a support team that’s there to help with logistics and general questions.
You can also get protein-rich meal replacement shakes and bars designed to support people using weight loss medications through Hims. These easy, on-the-go options can help you:
Up your intake of protein and other key nutrients
Feel fuller longer and cut back on mindless snacking
Maintain a steady daily calorie count more easily
Preserve and build lean muscle mass with added protein
Stick to healthy habits, even when life gets hectic
Interested in adding them to your routine? A licensed provider through Hims can guide you on how to incorporate them in a way that works for your goals.
After losing a close friend to a heart attack, Sean G., 29, decided to get serious about his health, not just for himself, but for his 10-month-old son. Dieting alone hadn’t worked, so after seeing a Hims commercial, he decided to give it a shot and was prescribed oral weight loss medications.
“The Hims application process was seamless,” he says. “I was asked all the right questions and got to provide a full medical history.” From there, Sean was matched with a provider who made him feel confident in the treatment plan.
He started on a gradual dosage and experienced no side effects. “Before Hims, I couldn’t curb my cravings for soda and snacks,” he says. “Now the main thing I crave is water.”
Using the Hims app to track medications, weight, and progress has been key to his success. Since November, he’s lost 40 pounds, gained confidence, and seen improvements in his digestion and cardiovascular health. “My life changed for the better,” he says.
For Erin H., 37, Hims helped streamline what had always felt like an uphill battle with weight. “I’ve struggled with it since I was 10 years old,” he says. “This is the only thing that has ever worked for me—and I’ve done every diet, every fad, everything you can think of.
He says starting with Hims was refreshingly simple. After starting the intake process, he has his GLP-1 medications in hand within a week. The regular in-app check-ins and support also helped him feel more confident sticking with it. “I’ve had zero side effects, and I’ve lost almost 30 pounds in 4 months,” he says.
It’s not just about the weight, either. “I feel like I have control over food for the first time in my life,” he adds. “It’s helped me build sustainable habits. This isn't a crash diet — it’s something I know I can maintain.”
There’s also a range of pricing at Ro, but it’s slightly more complex. Here are the details:
Ro’s at-home testing kits are $75. You won’t be charged for the program or metabolic testing if you don’t qualify for a prescription.
Quest metabolic testing can be billed through your insurance, and it’s in-network with most major insurers (but out-of-pocket costs can vary). If Quest isn’t available in your state, Ro will send you a free at-home collection kit.
Ro’s monthly membership fee is $145, which doesn’t include the price of meds. The first month of membership is only $45, with a $100 discount.
GLP-1 medications typically range from $349 to $1,700 a month with Ro. These costs are separate from the membership fee and will depend on your treatment and personal insurance coverage.
While Ro accepts some insurance plans, most insurance plans don’t cover weight loss medications. Medications should be FSA and HSA eligible (but plans vary).
Ro also has an array of subscription plans to choose from.
Ro’s insurance concierge program communicates with your insurance company (unless you’re covered by Kaiser), determines whether you need prior authorization (and submits it if you do), and handles any other benefits-related questions and concerns.
Ongoing care for patients at Ro also includes:
Access to providers. Most check-ins and weight management coaching are handled through text chat, but you can also have video consultations with healthcare professionals if you prefer. Your membership gives you up to 24 video sessions per year.
Customer service. Ro’s messaging system provides access to customer support. The subscription plans include the insurance concierge service.
App support. The Ro app connects directly to your personal account. It’s organized into three main sections: Your Body Curriculum, Weight Tracker, and Ongoing Care & Support.
Though the intake processes share some similarities, they’re also slightly different. We’ll break each down below.
Here’s how getting started with Hims works:
Online assessment. You’ll start by completing an online intake, answering questions about your location, age, weight loss goals, lifestyle habits, and medical history.
Clinician evaluation. After submitting your assessment, a licensed provider trained in weight management will review your information and determine if prescription weight loss treatment may be right for you. You usually don’t need to schedule a call or video consultation, depending on which state you’re in (some require it).
Prescription and treatment plan. If eligible, a provider will write you a prescription for weight loss medication, and you’ll get a personalized weight loss treatment plan.
Direct shipping. Medications are sent to your door at no extra cost. You’ll receive everything you need to begin treatment, including medication, supplies, and instructions (if applicable).
Unlimited ongoing care. You’ll have ongoing and unlimited online access to message weight loss-trained providers about follow-up care, medication adjustments, and any questions, if needed.
Once you’ve calculated your BMI and answered questions about your age, health history, and family background, Ro may ask for lab work to make sure GLP-1s are appropriate for you.
If you qualify for a prescription through Hims, your shipment could arrive in as early as two days to a week.
It’ll come with everything you need, including any supplies you may need and simple step-by-step instructions.
And for extra peace of mind, your medication arrives in discreet, simple, and temperature-controlled packaging.
If you’re prescribed GLP-1s through Ro, they’ll be shipped to you, usually within a week or a pharmacy will handle the prescription. This could take a few weeks.
If you’re using Ro’s insurance concierge service to check on coverage, it might take a bit longer as they work with your insurance company to see if you need any prior authorizations and submit requests if necessary.
Using telehealth for weight loss can be a great option for anyone who has limited in-person access to healthcare those looking for fast, flexible, affordable, and convenient treatment.
When deciding between Hims and Ro, you’ll want to compare the cost of medication, figure out what type of weight loss drug fits your needs, look into subscription payment plans, and read up on customer experiences. (You can read Ro and Hims reviews for firsthand accounts.)
Here’s what to consider as you weigh Hims versus Ro weight loss programs:
Weight loss medications and costs. Both platforms provide a variety of GLP-1 treatments, but Hims offers many oral medication options, while Ro does not. Through Hims, personalized weight loss pill kits start at $69 per month (with a 10-month plan). Access to compounded semaglutide through Hims starts at $199 (with a 12-month plan paid upfront in full). GLP-1s through Ro start at $349 a month, with an additional charge for monthly program fees. Hims also doesn’t require a metabolic test, which can cost $75 with Ro. Both offer a variety of subscription plans.
App features and other resources. While both apps include basic tracking and support features, the Hims app offers more robust tools like dynamic protocols and trackers to support healthy nutrition, movement, and sleep habits for sustained weight loss, over 100 recipes developed with nutritionists, unlimited provider messaging, and more.. Hims also offers meal replacement shakes and bars—an easy, nutritious option to help you stay consistent.
How they work. With Hims, you complete an online assessment, and then a licensed weight loss-trained provider reviews your answers and prescribes medication as part of a personalized treatment plan, if appropriate. Ro has an added step of metabolic testing, which can add time and money to the process. Both Hims and Ro give you 24/7 access to licensed providers through in-app messaging, so you can get answers or support whenever it works for you.
Whether you opt for Hims or Ro, taking an online assessment can be a good place to start finding a weight loss program for you.
If you appreciate the affordability, convenience, wide range of options, and personalized care Hims provides, you can begin your weight loss journey today.
Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Hims, Inc. is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.