Hims Weight Loss: Discover the Truth About Its Effectiveness, Treatments, and Key Considerations!

Weight loss is a significant health concern for many, with a substantial portion of the adult population in the United States classified as overweight or obese. Hims, a telehealth company, offers various weight loss solutions, including prescription medications, custom treatment plans, and ongoing support. This article explores the effectiveness of Hims' weight loss programs, the available treatments, and important considerations for those considering this option.

Overview of Hims Weight Loss Program

Hims provides a comprehensive weight loss program that includes:

A range of prescription treatment options: Tailored to individual needs based on an online consultation with a healthcare provider.
Personalized Plans: Customized to meet unique individual requirements.
Ongoing Care and Check-ins: All services are provided 100% online.
FSA/HSA Eligibility: Many plans are eligible for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) funds.

To begin, individuals complete an online quiz at Hims.com to determine their candidacy for the program. A licensed provider then analyzes the provided health profile and prescribes medication if deemed appropriate. Medications are shipped directly to the customer's doorstep.

Treatment Options Available Through Hims

Hims offers a variety of medications and treatment options for men seeking to lose weight. These include both oral medications and GLP-1 injections.

GLP-1 Injectable Medications

Hims provides access to both compounded and branded GLP-1s (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonists). These medications are available as daily or weekly injections. GLP-1s mimic a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, leading to weight loss.

Read also: Is Hims Weight Loss Worth It?

Some of the GLP-1 options available through Hims include:

Weekly injectable GLP-1: Contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic® and Wegovy®.
Generic Liraglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Ozempic® (semaglutide): FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes treatment but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss at a healthcare provider's discretion.
Wegovy® (semaglutide): FDA-approved for weight loss.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide): FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes treatment but may be prescribed off-label for weight loss at a healthcare provider's discretion.
Zepbound® (tirzepatide): FDA-approved for weight loss.

Oral Medication Kits

Hims also offers custom oral medication kits, taken daily. These kits can include:

Bupropion: An FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder, often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Metformin: An FDA-approved medication for controlling blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, sometimes prescribed for weight loss and appetite control.
Topiramate: A compounded version of Topiramate is available through Hims.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin): Addresses potential B12 deficiency, which can contribute to fatigue and hinder weight loss efforts.
Naltrexone: A compounded version of Naltrexone is also offered.

These medications work in various ways to support weight loss goals, such as suppressing appetite, improving metabolism, and addressing underlying factors that may prevent weight loss.

Meal Replacement Bars and Shakes

In addition to medications, Hims offers meal replacement bars and shakes designed to provide a convenient and balanced source of nutrition. These products can help maintain protein intake, which is essential for supporting muscle mass during weight loss, especially for those taking GLP-1 medications.

Bar Bundle: Protein-packed snack bars with 30% of daily protein intake per serving.
Shake Selects: Protein shakes providing 54% of daily protein intake in one serving.
Flavor Favorites: A mix of bar and shake flavors loaded with up to 54% of daily protein intake.

Effectiveness of Hims Weight Loss Program

Hims emphasizes a holistic approach to weight loss, combining medication with nutrition support, technological tools, and a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. The company claims that its approach addresses underlying factors preventing weight loss and improves overall health.

Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL

Several customer testimonials suggest positive outcomes with Hims' weight loss programs:

One user reported losing 33 lbs in 8 months and experiencing increased energy levels.
Another user lost 13 lbs in 4 months, noting a difference in appetite and energy.
A third user lost 25 lbs in 3 months and felt a significant increase in energy levels.
Another user lost 43 lbs in 6 months.
Another user lost 11.7 lbs in 1 month.

These testimonials highlight the potential for significant weight loss and improved well-being through the Hims program.

Reported Outcomes

Hims & Hers released a white paper entitled “Hims & Hers Weight Loss: A Look at Early Customer Experiences and Outcomes” which outlines how customers are achieving positive outcomes with compounded medications through their weight loss program. Early customer results indicate they are managing side effects well, staying on treatment, and overall feeling healthier.

Considerations and Potential Risks

While Hims offers a convenient and potentially effective weight loss solution, it is essential to consider the following factors:

Compounded Medications

Hims utilizes compounded medications, which are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not evaluate compounded products for safety, effectiveness, or quality. This means that the agency does not review these drugs for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed. While compounded drugs might be appropriate if a patient’s medical need cannot be met by an FDA-approved drug, or the FDA-approved drug is not commercially available, there are potential risks associated with their use. The FDA has identified some areas of concern for compounded GLP-1 drugs, including instances where product labels contain false information or the compounding pharmacies listed do not exist.

The FDA has warned consumers about using compounded versions of FDA-approved medications, emphasizing that they pose a higher risk because they do not undergo premarket review for safety, effectiveness, or quality.

Potential Side Effects

It is common to experience some side effects while your body adjusts to new medication. Potential side effects of GLP-1 medications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Hims includes a fast-acting anti-nausea medication with treatment, if eligible, to help manage these side effects.

Oral weight loss medication kits can also cause side effects, such as nausea. Metformin's potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

Dosing Concerns

The FDA has received reports of adverse events related to dosing errors with compounded semaglutide products. These errors can result from patients measuring and self-administering incorrect doses or healthcare professionals miscalculating doses. It is crucial to talk with a healthcare provider or compounder about how to measure and administer the intended dose accurately.

Long-Term Use

Medication is a long-term use weight loss treatment not meant for short-term use. When you stop taking it, the triggers that previously drove unhealthy eating behaviors may return. It's important to consult with a licensed medical provider before stopping treatment.

Cost and Availability

Pricing for weight loss plans starts as low as $69/month for oral medication kits, with a 10-month plan paid in full upfront. GLP-1 injectable plans start as low as $199/month with a 12-month plan paid in full upfront. GLP-1 treatment options are not yet available in all 50 states, but Hims is working to expand its offering.

FDA Recommendations

The FDA recommends that patients obtain a prescription from their doctor and fill the prescription at a state-licensed pharmacy. It also urges consumers to be vigilant when purchasing drugs online and only purchase from state-licensed pharmacies.

Hims vs. Competitors

Hims is one of several companies offering online weight loss solutions. When comparing Hims to competitors like Found and Roman, it is essential to consider factors such as cost, usability, treatment options, subscription services, and access to medication management. Hims stands out for its wide range of treatment options, access to providers, and supplemental resources for adults seeking healthy weight loss.

What Makes Hims Unique?

Several features distinguish Hims from competing providers:

Doctor-Trusted Medications: A licensed provider reviews your profile and determines the best medications to help you achieve your goals.
Includes Ongoing Support: All Hims customers enjoy ongoing support, including answers to questions and check-ins to verify medication effectiveness.
Developed in Partnership with Industry Specialists: Hims developed its weight loss programs in partnership with industry specialists, including certified professionals with decades of weight loss expertise.
360-Degree Weight Loss Care: Hims offers nutritional principles, behavioral programs, and custom lessons in the Hims app to tackle weight loss from multiple angles.
Compounded Medication with Multiple Drugs in One: Many Hims customers use multiple weight loss medications for targeted effects, often in a compounded formula.
Assisted by App: Hims offers in-app tools and tracking to help users stick to their weight loss plan.
Support Better Sleep: Hims aims to support sleep, recognizing its importance in hormone production and weight loss.
No Injections: Hims offers non-injectable weight loss drugs.

Potential Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications

Potential side effects for each of the five weight loss medications available through Hims:

Bupropion: Anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness.
Metformin: Nausea.
Topiramate: Exact effects depend on the physiological profile of each person using the medication.
Vitamin B12: No significant side effects reported.
Naltrexone: Exact effects depend on the physiological profile of each person using the medication.

Getting Started with Hims Weight Loss

Here’s how you get started with Hims:

Complete the Hims medical intake form, answering questions about health history, lifestyle, and goals 100% online.
Wait for the provider to evaluate your form. A medical professional reviews your intake and determines what’s right for you.
Receive a personalized plan. No in-person visit is required, and you don’t need insurance. Hims can help with weight loss by providing the custom treatment plans, prescription medication, and over-the-counter products you need to achieve significant weight loss results.

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