Hims & Hers has emerged as a prominent telehealth company offering a variety of health solutions, including weight loss programs for both men and women. This article delves into a comprehensive review of Hims' weight loss offerings, analyzing its various components, customer feedback, and overall effectiveness.
Overview of Hims & Hers Weight Loss Programs
Hims & Hers provides a range of weight loss options, including oral medications, customizable pharmaceutical kits, and glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) injectables, all at varying price points. Customers collaborate with licensed providers to determine the most suitable weight loss program based on their individual needs and preferences, tailoring their goals with healthcare professionals over time.
GLP-1 Injections (Compounded Semaglutide)
Hims & Hers offers GLP-1 injections containing compounded semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in FDA-approved drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. These injectables are designed for weekly use as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes.
Currently, compounded semaglutide treatment is available in 20 states: Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
However, Hims & Hers does not currently offer compounded semaglutide treatment in Texas, New York, California, Florida, or Georgia. In these states, individuals are offered the oral medication program (Metformin) instead.
Read also: Is Hims Weight Loss Worth It?
Oral Medication Program
Hims & Hers also provides an oral medications program featuring various kits containing drugs like Bupropion XL, Naltrexone, Metformin, Topiramate, and Vitamin B12.
How Hims Weight Loss Works
To begin the Hims weight loss journey, individuals complete an online quiz at Hims.com to assess their eligibility. Subsequently, they schedule a complimentary consultation with a licensed provider who evaluates their profile, determines candidacy, and prescribes medication if deemed appropriate. Hims then delivers the medications directly to the customer's doorstep.
Key Components of Hims Weight Loss Program
- Medical Intake Form: Users complete a comprehensive online health profile, answering questions about their health history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals.
- Provider Evaluation: A medical professional reviews the form and determines the most suitable treatment plan.
- Personalized Plan: Hims creates a customized plan tailored to the individual's needs, without requiring in-person visits or insurance.
- Ongoing Support: Hims provides continuous support, allowing customers to seek answers to their questions and receive regular check-ins from the care team to ensure medication efficacy and adjust dosages as needed.
- 360-Degree Weight Loss Care: Hims offers a holistic approach to weight loss, encompassing nutritional principles, behavioral programs, and custom lessons within the Hims app.
- Compounded Medication: Hims utilizes compounded medications, potentially combining multiple drugs into one formulation for targeted effects.
Medications Offered by Hims
Hims offers a range of weight loss medications, including both FDA-approved and compounded options.
FDA-Approved Medications
- Bupropion: An FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder, often prescribed off-label for obesity. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy in facilitating weight loss.
- Metformin: An FDA-approved medication for managing blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes prescribed for weight loss and appetite control, even in non-diabetic individuals.
Compounded Medications
- Topiramate: Hims offers a compounded version of Topiramate, created at a compounding pharmacy to suit individual physiological profiles.
- Naltrexone: Hims also provides a compounded version of Naltrexone, customized to each patient's unique physiology. Studies suggest Naltrexone is a safe and effective weight loss aid for adults.
- Vitamin B12: While not directly a weight loss medication, Vitamin B12 is included in some Hims formulations to address deficiencies that can hinder weight loss efforts.
Note: Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. However, when drugs, such as semaglutide, are listed on the FDA shortage list, some restrictions-like those preventing companies from compounding copies of previously approved drugs-are relaxed.
Pricing and Availability
Hims' weight loss plans start at $79 per month and are available without insurance. However, pricing can vary depending on the specific program and medications included.
Read also: Is Hims weight loss effective?
At the time of this article's publication, the monthly cost for certain programs appeared to be higher than advertised ($399 instead of $199).
Potential Benefits of Hims Weight Loss
- Convenience: Hims provides a convenient and accessible platform for individuals seeking weight loss solutions, offering online consultations and medication delivery.
- Personalized Approach: Hims tailors treatment plans to individual needs and preferences, taking into account health history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals.
- Comprehensive Care: Hims offers a holistic approach to weight loss, incorporating medication, nutritional guidance, and behavioral support.
- Affordability: Hims' plans are relatively affordable compared to some other weight loss programs, particularly those requiring in-person visits.
Potential Drawbacks of Hims Weight Loss
- Compounded Medications: Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, raising concerns about safety and efficacy.
- Limited Availability: GLP-1 injections are currently only available in 20 states.
- Customer Service Issues: Some customers have reported negative experiences with Hims' customer service, including issues with refunds and incorrect orders.
- Hair Loss: Some users have reported hair loss as a side effect of Hims' weight loss treatments.
- Pricing Discrepancies: There have been reports of pricing being much more expensive than advertised.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Customer reviews of Hims' weight loss programs are mixed. Some users have reported positive experiences, citing significant weight loss, ease of use, and helpful medical teams. Others have expressed dissatisfaction with customer service, medication side effects, and the effectiveness of certain products.
Positive Feedback:
- Many customers praise the ease of use of the Hims platform, highlighting the convenience of online consultations and medication delivery.
- Some users have reported significant weight loss results with Hims' medications, particularly compounded formulations containing multiple active drugs.
- The affordability of Hims' plans compared to other weight loss options is another commonly cited advantage.
Negative Feedback:
- Some customers have reported issues with Hims' customer service, including difficulties obtaining refunds and resolving order errors.
- Hair loss has been reported as a side effect by some users of Hims' weight loss treatments.
- Some customers have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of certain Hims products, particularly hair restoration products and anxiety medications.
Alternatives to Hims Weight Loss
Several alternative weight loss companies and programs are available, including:
- Calibrate: Offers a similar weight loss program structure to Hims, focusing on doctor's fees but not including medication or lab tests in the base price.
- Traditional Healthcare Providers: Consulting with a primary care physician or a registered dietitian can provide personalized weight loss guidance and treatment options.
- Other Telehealth Companies: Numerous other telehealth companies offer weight loss programs, each with its own unique approach and pricing structure.