The weight loss landscape is constantly evolving, with numerous programs vying for attention. Found stands out as one of the early providers in this space, sometimes referred to as the "OG GLP-1 weight loss program." While Found has demonstrated potential and positively impacted many users, it's essential to consider its challenges, including pricing transparency, customer support issues, and potential medication side effects.
Overview of Found
Found is a personalized health program that focuses on sustainable weight loss. It operates as an online, medically supervised program for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or a BMI of 27 with comorbidities such as diabetes or heart disease. Currently, Found's services are available in 45 states.
The program adopts a multidisciplinary approach to wellness, integrating diet, exercise, and prescription medications when necessary. It also acknowledges the significance of other factors that can influence weight loss, such as genetics, hormones, metabolism, gut health, and sleep. Found's care team includes board-certified physicians specializing in weight management, nutrition, and health coaches.
The Found Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Found employs a structured process to deliver personalized care:
- Initial Assessment: The process commences with a comprehensive online assessment that gathers information on medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss objectives.
- MetabolicPrint: Found utilizes a proprietary tool called MetabolicPrint to evaluate metabolic health. This involves analyzing hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, and metabolic rates.
- Personalized Care Plan: Following the assessment, participants receive a customized care plan that encompasses medication, nutritional guidance, and habit-building strategies.
- Medication Management: A board-certified clinician prescribes medications based on individual needs. These prescriptions are regularly reviewed and adjusted as necessary.
- Coaching and Community Support: Participants are paired with a dedicated health coach and gain access to a supportive online community.
Key Components of the Found Program
A monthly Found membership includes several key components:
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- Personalized Nutrition: Members receive tailored nutrition recommendations from a health coach. The Found program doesn't restrict any specific foods but emphasizes portion control and maintaining a calorie deficit.
- Movement Guidance: Participants receive personalized exercise guidance from experts.
- Prescription Medication: FDA-approved medications are prescribed to qualifying members. The program offers two classes of drugs: oral or injectable medications and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1s). GLP-1s are traditionally used to treat diabetes but can also aid in weight loss.
While all medications prescribed through Found are FDA-approved, it's important to note that not all are specifically approved for weight loss. In some cases, medications may be prescribed off-label, meaning they are used for a purpose other than what they were initially approved for. For instance, metformin, a diabetes medication, may be prescribed to Found members due to its association with weight loss in some studies, even though it's not FDA-approved for that specific purpose.
The medications that may be prescribed through Found include:
- Generics: Metformin, bupropion, naltrexone, topiramate, zonisamide
- GLP-1s: Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Victoza
Effectiveness of GLP-1 Medications
Research indicates that GLP-1 receptor antagonists typically result in a 10-15% reduction in body mass throughout treatment. Therefore, an individual weighing 250 pounds could potentially lose up to 38 pounds while taking GLP-1 medications. However, the success of GLP-1 experiences often depends on combining medication with lifestyle adjustments. The drugs help people eat less.
Found's efficacy is also enhanced by its community and physicians. Members have access to a supportive online community and can receive tips on maximizing treatment benefits and minimizing early side effects like nausea. Found physicians can also prescribe alternative medications for those who are averse to GLP-1s, such as bupropion and naltrexone.
Potential Side Effects
Most Found medications have minimal side effect profiles, especially at the doses prescribed by Found doctors. However, members prescribed GLP-1s typically up-titrate their doses over several weeks or months. Common side effects include nausea, delayed gastric emptying, diarrhea, and stomach pains.
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Cost Considerations
Found's membership costs do not cover the cost of GLP-1 prescriptions or required lab testing. The company and its doctors can work with your insurance to obtain prior authorization and lower prescription costs if your insurance covers it.
Customer Experience
The customer experience with Found varies depending on individual health status and goals. New users complete a weight loss questionnaire to determine whether they are guided toward the Wellness Path or the Rx Path. Currently, Found's Wellness Path is on "hiatus." If a user qualifies for the Rx Path, a Found doctor reviews their file and makes recommendations.
Cancellation Policy
One potential drawback of Found is its cancellation policy. The company charges a $99 cancellation fee if a member cancels before fulfilling their six-month commitment.
Found's Evolution and Focus
Found has evolved from offering a whole-body approach to weight management to focusing primarily on prescription interventions, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. While prescription customers still have access to Found's full Wellness Path, the company's emphasis has shifted toward medication-based solutions.
Alternatives to Found
If a six-month commitment seems excessive, Everlywell's weight program offers a three-month commitment option, although it increases the monthly cost. Sequence is another alternative to consider, particularly for those seeking strong dietary support.
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Found's Reputation
Found's rating with the Better Business Bureau is a B-. Its reputation on Trustpilot is about average, with a 3.8-star rating out of five.
GLP-1 Medications: A Closer Look
GLP-1 medications are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. They are typically administered as subcutaneous injections in the upper arm, belly, or upper thigh. These medications come in auto-injector pens, which simplify dosing.
GLP-1 receptor agonists have become increasingly popular for both individuals with diabetes and those seeking weight loss. However, high demand has led to shortages, potentially affecting the specific GLP-1 medication prescribed through Found.
Program Components: Rx Path and Wellness Path
Found offers two main weight loss approaches: the Rx Path and the Wellness Path. Customers on the Rx Path also have access to the features and benefits of Found's Wellness Path, including exercise and nutrition advice and community support.
The Found Rx Path provides access to a medical doctor who may prescribe medication. Found providers prescribe FDA-approved medications, although some may be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
The Importance of Personal Coaching
To maximize the benefits of personal coaching, members need to be proactive and reach out to their coach. The personal coach assists with setting and adhering to weekly goals, building healthy habits, and providing health-related information.
Titration Schedules
When starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist, doctors establish a titration schedule, beginning with a low dose and gradually increasing it to the recommended dose or an effective dose.
Cost Breakdown
Found's cost does not include the cost of GLP-1 receptor agonists or required blood work. Membership costs vary depending on the length of commitment and range from $99 to $129 per month. Generic medications are included in these costs and are shipped directly to the member.
Insurance Coverage
While Found accepts insurance, coverage varies by state and plan. Some members may only pay a copay for clinical care visits.
Success Stories
Many Found members have reported positive experiences and significant weight loss. Some have also experienced improvements in other health conditions, such as sleep apnea.