Hers, a telehealth platform under the Hims & Hers Health umbrella, has gained significant traction for its accessible and convenient approach to various health needs, including weight loss. This review delves into the specifics of Hers' weight loss program, examining its services, medications offered, customer feedback, and overall value proposition. Hers aims to provide affordable, accessible, and personalized healthcare through its online platform, connecting customers with licensed healthcare providers for treatments related to hair loss, sexual health, weight loss, mental health, and skincare.
Hers: An Overview
Hers is a women’s wellness company focused on providing convenient and affordable access to everyday health products. The company aims to address traditional health issues that may hinder women from achieving their best selves. Hers offers a range of prescription health products, accessible through online assessments and consultations with doctors who can prescribe treatments. This includes solutions for sexual health, acne, aging, and hair loss. Hers guarantees accessible solutions through licensed medical practitioners and affordable health and wellness product offerings, typically at 50-80% off retail costs. The company also ensures privacy, with user photos and information never shared for promotional purposes.
Services and How to Get Started
Hers offers a streamlined process for accessing health services. The initial step involves creating a profile on the Hers platform, where users provide basic information, lifestyle details, health history, and current symptoms. This information is kept private using an encrypted data platform. Users also need to provide a government-issued ID and a credit card.
After setting up the profile, users complete a medical questionnaire specific to their area of concern. For weight loss services, this includes outlining weight management goals, diet, and exercise habits. A licensed health professional evaluates the information and communicates with the user through the online platform within 24 hours. It’s important to note that consultations are not conducted in real-time via face-to-face interaction.
Based on the assessment, the healthcare professional advises on a treatment plan, which may include prescription medications. Hers' product prices range from approximately $15 to over $100, with free shipping. The cost of a monthly subscription varies depending on the selected products or package.
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Weight Loss Program Details
Hers' weight loss program includes access to personalized care from a medical professional and unlimited check-ins, all conducted online. If prescribed, the plan may include compounded semaglutide, an affordable alternative to brand-name weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy, containing the same active ingredient. The program considers underlying factors affecting weight and offers personalized plans based on individual needs.
Treatment options include oral medication kits or compounded GLP-1 injections, tailored to the user's body, health history, and weight loss goals. The process begins with a medical assessment that includes weight loss goals and health history. Users are then connected with a healthcare provider licensed in their state to start the diagnosis and explore potential treatments.
Medications Offered
Hers requires an online consultation with a healthcare professional before prescribing medications. Potential prescriptions may include:
- Weight Loss: GLP-1s or metformin
- Anxiety and Depression: Escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), or fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sexual Health: Birth control pills or valacyclovir for genital or oral herpes
- Hair Loss: Minoxidil
- Skin Care: Acne or anti-aging creams formulated with tretinoin
It is important to note that Hers' clinicians do not prescribe controlled substances like Xanax or Adderall.
While Hers doesn’t offer brand-name Ozempic, it does provide compounded semaglutide. However, the FDA has warned against the use of compounded semaglutide due to safety concerns, as these drugs are not FDA-approved.
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Hers also lists the following prices for FDA-approved GLP-1 injections:
- Ozempic: $1,799 per month
- Wegovy: $1,350 per month
- Mounjaro: $1,899 per month
- Zepbound: $1,899 per month
- Generic liraglutide: from $299 per month
These prices may vary based on the chosen subscription, with potential requirements to pay a 6- or 12-month subscription fee upfront to get similar prices. Monthly billing may incur higher costs.
Pricing and Insurance Coverage
Hers does not accept medical insurance or HSA/FSA payments, meaning all products and services are paid out-of-pocket. However, if a Hers doctor sends a prescription to a local pharmacy, insurance may cover the cost of the medication.
Hers emphasizes transparent pricing, with options ranging from one month to 12-month plans, and no membership or hidden fees.
Hers Pricing Breakdown:
- Initial lab test: $75-$100 (if required)
- Injectable GLP-1s:
- Compounded semaglutide: $199/month (12-month commitment), $249/month (6-month commitment), $299/month (3-month commitment)
- Liraglutide: $299/month (12-month commitment)
- Wegovy: $599/month (6-month commitment), $649/month (3-month commitment)
- Ozempic: $1799/month
- Mounjaro: $1899/month
- Zepbound: $1899/month
- Oral non-GLP-1 weight-loss medication:
- Naltrexone + bupropion: $69/month (10-month prepaid plan)
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Online reviews of Hers’ weight loss service are mixed. Some users appreciate the convenience and level of personalization and support, while others express concerns about customer service and the effectiveness of the treatments. Several reviewers highlight the responsiveness and helpfulness of the medical team, ease of communication, and quick answers to questions. The convenience of the app and informative content are also valued.
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However, some customers report a lack of noticeable results or side effects such as nausea and fatigue. Some reviewers also mention concerns about dosage and the need for more personalized guidance and follow-up from healthcare providers.
Several customers have reported negative experiences, including:
- Poor customer service: Issues with auto-renewal policies, lack of timely notifications, and difficulty obtaining refunds.
- Ineffective products: Some users reported no weight loss or even weight gain despite using the products for several months.
- Delayed or missing shipments: Some customers experienced delays in receiving their orders, with some never receiving them at all.
- Unhelpful responses from caregivers: Some users found the advice and information provided by healthcare professionals to be generic and unhelpful, especially when experiencing side effects.
Conversely, some customers have had positive experiences:
- Easy to use: Many users find the platform easy to navigate and the instructions easy to follow.
- Responsive communication: Some users appreciate the quick response time from the medical staff.
Pros and Cons of Hers
Pros:
- Transparent pricing tiers
- No membership fees
- Nationwide availability
- Quick, easy app-guided onboarding
- Several medication options
- Fast approval process
Cons:
- Limited provider interaction and oversight
- Customer complaints about cancellations and service delays
- Few educational or behavioral support resources
- Does not accept insurance
Hers vs. Competitors
Hers stands out for its transparent, up-front pricing and the ability to choose between compounded and branded medications. However, rigid bundles, no refunds, and high brand-name drug costs reduce long-term flexibility.
- Found: Starts at $99/month, offers compounded medications and lifestyle coaching, more supportive but less clear about total costs.
- WeightWatchers: Charges $199+/month for a membership fee with comprehensive community-based lifestyle management.
- Ro Body Program: Similar structure to Hers with compounded semaglutide, but pricing is higher and choices are narrower; coaching and insurance support are included.
Medical Excellence and Safety Considerations
Hers is a licensed and legitimate platform, but oversight is minimal. Labs are rarely required, compounded medications are emphasized over FDA-approved options, and provider interaction is limited to app messaging. This lighter-touch model helps reduce costs but may leave gaps in medical expertise compared to more hands-on programs. The FDA has issued warnings against the use of compounded semaglutide due to safety concerns.
Who Should Use Hers?
Hers may be a good fit for individuals who:
- Meet the clinical criteria for GLP-1 therapy (BMI of 30+, or 27+ with a related health condition)
- Prioritize affordability
- Prefer a digital-first experience
- Want the option to choose between compounded and branded medications
- Are frustrated with insurance barriers
Who Is Hers Not For?
Hers may not be suitable for individuals who:
- Want strong safety oversight and frequent monitoring
- Rely on insurance to help offset the high cost of GLP-1s
- Want long-term accountability and support
- Need flexibility in case the program doesn’t work out