Ro is a telehealth company that provides access to healthcare services via computer or smartphone, addressing a wide array of health concerns, including sexual health, weight loss, and more. Among its offerings is the Ro Body Program, a weight loss program that combines prescription medications with a curriculum designed to promote healthy habits. This article delves into the specifics of the Ro Body Program, its costs, components, and potential benefits and drawbacks, offering a comprehensive overview for those considering this weight loss option.
What is Ro?
Formerly known as Roman, Ro is a telehealth platform that offers a range of products and services to address various health concerns. These include solutions for erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE), hair loss, fertility, and general health. Ro aims to provide complementary services to enhance health needs at home, not replace a primary care doctor or healthcare team visit. It is designed for adults with specific health concerns that can be treated virtually. It is not suitable for individuals with chronic conditions requiring more complex care or for urgent medical needs. If you have not seen a healthcare professional in the past three years, Ro may not be the right choice.
Getting Started with Ro
The process of getting started with Ro varies depending on the products and services desired. Over-the-counter (OTC) products like hair loss shampoo and multivitamins can be purchased directly. However, most concerns require an initial online consultation with a healthcare professional. During this consultation, the professional reviews your medical history and listens to your concerns to develop a tailored treatment plan, which may include a prescription if deemed necessary. Prescription medications are then shipped from Ro's network of pharmacies across the country, with delivery typically taking 1 to 4 days. Online visits are generally free, with subsequent costs depending on the prescribed medication, dosage, and shipping frequency.
Ro Body Program: An In-Depth Look
The Ro Body Program stands out as Ro’s comprehensive weight loss offering. Ro claims that the program can help participants lose an average of 15% to 20% of their body weight within 12 months. It's important to note that this claim is based on clinical trials evaluating the weight loss medications offered through the program, such as Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). These trials were funded by the medication manufacturers, which introduces a potential for bias and conflict of interest.
Components of the Ro Body Program
The Ro Body Program includes several key components:
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- Personal Coaching: Dedicated health coaches provide personalized support and guidance.
- Metabolic Lab Test: A metabolic lab test through Quest Diagnostics (or an at-home collection kit for an additional fee) helps to assess individual metabolic health.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous support from a healthcare professional, including up to 24 video sessions per year, ensures ongoing monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan.
- Online Curriculum: A structured online curriculum focuses on building healthy habits, with lessons covering nutrition, sleep, emotional health, and exercise.
- Insurance Concierge: Services are available to help determine if prescribed medications are covered by insurance.
Medications Offered Through Ro Body
The Ro Body Program provides access to prescription weight loss medications for qualifying individuals, available for a separate fee. Several GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for weight loss, including Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda, all of which are offered by Ro. Additionally, Ro offers Ozempic, which, while only approved for treating type 2 diabetes, may be prescribed off-label for weight loss by doctors.
Ro has partnered with Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, to improve access to Zepbound single-dose vials. This partnership potentially allows individuals to pay for these vials out-of-pocket at a lower price than the injector pens. According to Ro, single-dose vials will be available with a prescription from a Ro-affiliated healthcare professional, integrated with Eli Lilly’s self-pay pharmacy channel, LillyDirect.
Costs Associated with Ro Body
The Ro Body membership costs $145 per month, with a discounted rate of $45 for the first month. It's crucial to remember that medication costs are separate from the membership fee.
Other Services Offered by Ro
In addition to weight loss solutions, Ro offers a variety of other prescription medications and OTC products, including treatments for:
- Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
- Hair loss
- Fertility
- General health
Reputation and Reviews
Customer reviews for Ro are mixed. Positive feedback often highlights the service's convenience, affordability, professional and responsive customer service, thorough healthcare professionals, and discreet product packaging. Conversely, negative reviews and complaints frequently mention dissatisfaction with the company’s return policy, problems with deliveries, difficulty canceling recurring subscriptions, instances of being billed twice in the same month, and a lack of clear communication, particularly after initial consultations.
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Alternatives to Ro
Several other telehealth platforms offer similar products and services to Ro. Two popular alternatives include:
- Hims and Hers: Hims caters specifically to men, offering support for sexual health, mental health, skin care, hair loss, and weight loss. Hers, its sister site, provides similar services tailored to women. Like Ro, online visits are free, with prices varying for specific medications and products.
- PlushCare: PlushCare is a membership-based service connecting individuals with doctors for primary care, mental health, and weight loss concerns. It stands out as one of the few telehealth services in-network with many major insurance plans and offers affordable self-pay options for those without insurance.
Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement
Ro services and products are generally not covered by insurance. However, some products may be eligible for reimbursement through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
Legitimate Platform
Ro is a legitimate telehealth platform with Better Business Bureau accreditation. It employs licensed healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurse practitioners, and offers personalized treatment plans designed to address various health concerns.
Effectiveness of Ro Body
Ro offers several prescription medications that may be beneficial for weight loss, including Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Saxenda. The platform also provides information to help individuals make healthy lifestyle changes and build healthy habits. However, there is no specific research to support the effectiveness of the Ro Body Program itself. Additionally, limited information is available on the specific guidelines of the program and how it compares to other weight management programs.
Prescribing Ozempic
Ro can prescribe Ozempic, but only for individuals who meet specific criteria and are deemed eligible by a healthcare professional. They may also prescribe other GLP-1s, such as Zepbound, Wegovy, and Saxenda.
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Is Ro Right for You?
Ro can be a convenient and cost-effective option for individuals seeking to improve certain aspects of their health or treat specific medical conditions without leaving home. The digital health platform offers a range of prescription medications, OTC products, and at-home testing kits designed to support fertility, skin and hair health, sexual wellness, and weight management.
However, it may not be suitable for everyone, including those with health conditions requiring more comprehensive care, those who prefer in-person interactions with a healthcare professional, and those with limited experience using technology. Given the mixed reviews online, particularly regarding billing and delivery processes, prospective users should carefully consider their needs and preferences before committing to Ro's services.