Discover the Truth About Ro's Weight Loss Program: Does It Really Work?

Ro is a direct-to-consumer, membership-based telehealth platform that provides access to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications as part of its comprehensive weight loss program, Ro Body. Ro aims to provide access to high quality, affordable health care. Weight loss treatment with Ro is part of the Ro Body program, which requires a monthly membership fee plus the cost of GLP-1 medications.

What is Ro?

Ro is a telehealth platform, formerly known as Roman, that offers products and services designed to address a wide range of health concerns. These include those related to sexual health, weight loss, and more. Ro is a telehealth company that offers access to care right from your computer or smartphone.

How Ro Works

Getting started with Ro depends on what type of products and services you’re looking for. OTC products, such as the brand’s hair loss shampoo and multivitamins, can be purchased outright. However, most concerns first require an online visit with a healthcare professional. They’ll walk through your medical history and listen to what you’re experiencing. Afterward, they’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include writing a prescription if they feel it’s necessary.

Prescription medications are sent from the company’s network of nationwide pharmacies and delivered directly to your door within 1 to 4 days. In most cases, your online visit is free. After that, the amount you pay will vary depending on the prescribed medication, the dose, and the shipping frequency.

Ro Body Program

The one exception is the Ro Body Program, which pairs weight loss medications with a curriculum that promotes healthy habits. It costs $45 for the first month and $145 each month afterward, not including the cost of medications. The Ro Body Program is Ro’s weight loss program. The company claims the program can help you lose an average of 15% to 20% of your body weight within 12 months.

This claim is based on the results of clinical trials that evaluated the effects of the weight loss medications offered through the Ro Body Program, including Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). These trials received funding from the medication manufacturers, which means there’s a potential for bias and conflict of interest.

The Ro Body Program includes:

Personal coaching from a dedicated health coach
A metabolic lab test through Quest (or an at-home collection kit for an additional fee)
Ongoing support from a healthcare professional, including up to 24 video sessions per year
A step-by-step online curriculum to help you build healthy habits, with lessons focused on nutrition, sleep, emotional health, and exercise
Insurance concierge services to help determine whether any prescribed medications may be covered by insurance

GLP-1 Medications and Ro's Partnership with Eli Lilly

For those who qualify, the Ro Body Program includes access to prescription weight loss medications. These are for a separate fee. Several GLP-1 medications have FDA approval for weight loss:

Wegovy
Zepbound
Saxenda

Ro offers all of these in addition to Ozempic. While Ozempic only has approval for treating type 2 diabetes, doctors can also sometimes prescribe it off-label for weight loss. Ro prescribes brand-name GLP-1s including Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide). If insurance won’t cover these, a compounded version of semaglutide may be offered. Ro currently doesn’t offer non-injectable options like Rybelsus (oral tablet), lozenges, or drops.

Ro has partnered with Zepbound manufacturer Eli Lilly to offer access to Zepbound single-dose vials. People may be able to pay for these out of pocket at a lower price than the injector pens. According to the company, people will be able to get single-dose vials with a prescription from a Ro-affiliated healthcare professional. It will include integration with Eli Lilly’s self-pay pharmacy channel, called LillyDirect.

In addition to weight loss medication, Ro offers a variety of other prescription medications and OTC products. Below, we highlight some standout products available through Ro.

Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
Hair loss
Fertility
General health

Ro's Weight Loss Program: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ro’s Body Program is one of the most complete GLP-1 options online, especially for those who want support, structure, and real prescriptions without the in-person hassle. You won’t find oral meds or intensive dietitian-led coaching here, and total monthly costs can climb without insurance. But for streamlined, expert-led treatment with legit results, Ro checks nearly every box.

Here’s how it works:

Initial Assessment: Complete a health history questionnaire. New members are prompted to complete a brief online survey covering their goals (like weight loss, improved health or increased confidence), height and weight and other basic health details, as well as provide current insurance coverage information. Complete an online intake form with your medical history, weight challenges, and health goals.
Lab Testing: Undergo provider review and eligibility approval. The health information gathered in the survey is reviewed by a Ro-affiliated provider (M.D. or nurse practitioner) to determine your eligibility for a GLP-1 prescription. A provider will review your information and determine whether lab work is needed. If lab work is ordered, you can complete it through Quest Diagnostics for free or with an in-home test kit. Lab results confirm eligibility and may be required for insurance approval as well. Before prescribing GLP-1 medication, your Ro provider may order lab work to assess your overall metabolic health and rule out anything that could complicate treatment. These labs are usually done once at the beginning of the program. You can test for free at a Quest location or order a $75 at-home kit.
Insurance Support: Ro’s concierge team handles prior authorization and paperwork. Once approved, your provider customizes a treatment plan based on your lab results, side effect tolerance, and insurance status.
Treatment Plan: Confirm approval and receive prescription. A prescription for Zepbound, Wegovy or Ozempic may be provided. Verify insurance coverage. Ro will work with your insurance company to verify your benefits, which may take several weeks.
Start Treatment: Filling the prescription. Once your medication ships, the $145/month membership begins for ongoing treatment support, following your $45 only first month. If you’re prescribed Zepbound vials or paying cash for Wegovy through Ro’s partner pharmacy, NovoCare, your medication usually ships within 1-4 days.
Ongoing Support: The subscription includes provider messaging, lab monitoring, refills, and weekly coaching to help you lose the weight and keep it off. From initial labs to weekly follow-ups, treatment plans are adjusted based on your biology, medication response, and side effect profile.

Every treatment plan is customized to your lab results, medical history, insurance access, and side effect tolerance.

Treatment Options at Ro

Ro offers several GLP-1 options for weight loss, including weekly injectables like Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide).

Weekly brand-name GLP-1 injections: Wegovy® (semaglutide), Ozempic® (semaglutide), Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
Daily injections: Saxenda® (liraglutide)
Compounded GLP-1 injections: semaglutide (availability limited; not FDA approved)
Additional support: Weekly coaching, nutrition guidance, and app-based progress tracking

A Note on Compounded Meds

Ro offers compounded semaglutide in some states, but these products are not FDA approved and may vary in formulation or purity. The FDA has issued warnings about compounded GLP-1s because some contain salt forms (e.g., semaglutide sodium or acetate) that differ from the approved drug, and quality control can vary across compounding pharmacies. Compounded semaglutide is generally considered only when FDA-approved products are unavailable.

Ro Pricing: Membership, Labs, and Meds

Ro combines GLP-1 prescriptions with labs, insurance support, and weekly nurse coaching in one app-based program. While it accepts insurance for brand-name meds, those who want to can pay cash as well. Ro’s weight-loss program keeps pricing fairly straightforward, but it’s important to know that medications are billed separately.

Initial blood work: Included with membership
If your provider requests lab testing, you can visit any Quest location for free. Prefer to test at home? This monthly fee covers everything except medication.
With insurance: Ro accepts insurance for medication, not for the membership fee. Note that copays vary by plan. If these are unaffordable, Ro may prescribe compounded semaglutide instead. This starts at $199/month and is cash-pay only.

Ro’s system is straightforward and supportive, but since medications aren’t bundled, costs can add up quickly. It’s best for patients who want structured, ongoing guidance rather than a simple prescription-only model.

Monthly medication costs:

With insurance: price depends on your insurance copay
Without insurance:
- Ozempic: $900-$1000
- Wegovy: $1349, or $499 through NovoCare
- Zepbound: $349-$499
- Saxenda: ~$1,300-$1,800
- Compounded semaglutide: $199

What’s Included in Ro’s GLP-1 Program?

Ro’s Body Program bundles most of the essentials into its membership, with medications billed separately. Here’s what’s covered:

Initial telehealth consultation with a licensed provider
Lab testing (Quest Diagnostics or at-home kit if needed)
Provides insurance support for brand-name prescriptions
App-based support for nutrition, lifestyle, and progress tracking
Personalized GLP-1 treatment plan with dose adjustments
Unlimited messaging with providers
Monthly prescription renewals and dose adjustments
Weekly health coaching
Board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners oversee care, with support from registered dietitians and health coaches

What’s Not Included?

Medication costs are not included.

Lab Testing: What Gets Measured and Why It Matters

Before prescribing a GLP-1, Ro providers may order lab work to confirm you’re a safe candidate and to rule out conditions that could complicate treatment.

Here’s what you can expect the lab work to assess:

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): shows average blood sugar levels over 2-3 months
Cholesterol (HDL, LDL, triglycerides): establishes heart health baselines
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): screens for thyroid issues that can affect weight or energy
Creatinine and BUN: confirms kidney function is healthy
Complete blood count (CBC): flags infection, inflammation, or other systemic issues

In some cases, Ro requires initial lab testing before starting treatment. Follow-ups are also ordered at your provider’s discretion, often at the 3-6-month mark to check progress, monitor side effects, or adjust dosage.

Is Ro Right for You?

Ro is for adults who have certain health concerns that can be treated virtually. It isn’t suitable for people with chronic health conditions requiring more complicated care, nor is it meant for urgent concerns or emergencies. Ro is not a replacement for a visit with a primary care doctor or healthcare team. Instead, it aims to provide complementary services to better support your health needs at home. If you haven’t visited a healthcare professional in the last three years, Ro is probably not a good fit. All Ro healthcare professionals are licensed in the United States, and the company claims to perform a background check and a license verification process for each professional. Each healthcare professional’s resume, medical license, and credentials are available for members to view on the platform.

Who Ro is Best For

Ro is a great fit for adults who want a convenient and comprehensive approach to weight loss. Ro bundles intake, labs, prescriptions, and coaching into one app-based program. This makes it ideal for busy people who want real clinical care without extra appointments. It’s especially helpful for first-time GLP-1 users.

Ro’s structured onboarding and education-based curriculum guides you step by step through dose changes, side effects, and healthy lifestyle habits. Because Ro includes insurance concierge support, it’s ideal for patients looking for brand-name coverage.

Ro’s team manages insurance approvals for Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Saxenda. If coverage is denied, it can offer compounded semaglutide as a cash-pay alternative, though it isn’t FDA approved and isn’t available in every state. Ro is also well-suited for people who value personalized, provider-led care. Finally, Ro adds accountability with ongoing coaching. This ongoing support helps patients build better nutrition, sleep, and exercise habits, making it easier to turn short-term results into long-term success.

Who Ro is Not For

Ro is not the right choice for those who can’t or don’t want to use injections. It does not offer oral GLP-1s like Rybelsus®, so patients looking for non-injectable options will need to consider other providers, like Shed. Because medications are billed separately, Ro may not be ideal for patients expecting an all-inclusive plan. The $145/month membership, which is higher than some of our other favorites, covers provider access, labs, and coaching, but brand-name GLP-1s can cost hundreds of dollars without insurance. Lastly, Ro may not suit those who want immediate access to treatment. Insurance approvals for brand-name GLP-1s sometimes take several weeks.

How Ro Compares to Other Clinics

Ro offers more structure than most clinics, with labs, coaching, and insurance support included. Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:

Clinic	Best for	Monthly cost	Treatment types	Lab testing	Add-ons	Insurance
Ro Body Program	Medically backed weight loss with convenience	$145 (meds not included)	• Ozempic • Wegovy • Zepbound • Saxenda •Compounded semaglutide	Included ($75 for at-home test)	None	Yes
ShedRx	Affordable, flexible GLP-1 care	From $199	•Compounded semaglutide •Compounded tirzepatide	Not included	Optional coaching ($70)	No
Found	Users wanting guidance and support	From $129	• Brand-name GLP-1s •Compounded semaglutide	Not included	None	Yes
Henry Meds	Quick-start care with med flexibility	From $149	•Compounded semaglutide •Compounded tirzepatide •Compounded liraglutide	Included	None	No
Calibrate	Long-term results with structured coaching	$199(3-month minimum)	Brand-name GLP-1s	Not included	None	Yes
WeightWatchers	Behavior-led approach	$74	Brand-name GLP-1s	Included	None	Yes

Customer Reviews and Reputation

Ro has mixed reviews online. Customers commonly complain about the billing and delivery processes. When it comes to Ro’s reputation online, opinions are mixed. Happy customers frequently mention: the service’s convenience and affordability, a professional and responsive customer service team, thorough healthcare professionals, and discreet product packaging. On the other hand, Ro complaints and less favorable reviews 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, especially after initial consultations.

According to Forbes Health’s Consumer Sentiment Index, most user reviews pointed to negative experiences with Ro. On TrustPilot, Ro received 2,308 reviews and an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. Satisfied customers highlighted the speed and convenience of signing up, the ease of getting approved for medications, discreet packaging and fast shipping.

Forbes Health platform tester, Matt, found Ro easy to navigate and the asynchronous communication model a convenient perk. However, Matt cited some issues with Ro overall. For example, the cost of medication isn’t included in the monthly membership fee, which he said was misleading based on his initial understanding of the program. He rated the platform 3 out of 5 stars, expressing that the experience felt transactional.

Dr. Maren expresses concern about the lack of professional oversight with online platforms like Ro. Follow-ups consisted of a series of basic, asynchronous questions that lacked personalization.

Conclusion

Ro can be a convenient and cost-effective option for people who want to improve certain aspects of their health or treat specific medical conditions without leaving home. This 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 might not be suitable for everyone, including people with health conditions requiring more comprehensive care, those who prefer in-person interactions with a healthcare professional, and those who have limited experience using technology.

Overall, Ro makes starting GLP-1 treatment simple and straightforward. Those who want a simple, fast-start program can connect with a provider and move forward quickly. If you want extra support, Ro offers weekly coaching and nutrition tracking. What sets Ro apart is the reliability of its care team. People often mention how well they’re treated and how supported they feel. The downside is that pricing can be confusing, with membership and medication costs not always spelled out clearly. Still, Ro is a reliable choice if you want a program that combines convenience with long-term results.

FAQs

Is Ro weight loss legitimate?

Yes. Ro’s weight-loss program is legitimate. It is a well-established telehealth company that works with licensed US providers to prescribe FDA-approved medications, including GLP-1 treatments like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Zepbound®. For patients whose insurance won’t cover brand-name drugs, Ro also offers compounded semaglutide (not FDA-approved and not available in every state). Alongside prescriptions, members get lab work, provider check-ins, and access to customer support through an easy-to-use app, giving Ro credibility as a real, regulated healthcare provider.

Is Ro good for losing weight?

Yes, many patients find success with Ro’s Body Program for weight loss. Ro differentiates itself by offering more than prescriptions because patients also receive lab testing, scheduled check-ins, and dependable medical support. Ro is best suited for adults who want trusted medical guidance, structured check-ins, and access to prescription options without the barriers of traditional in-person care.

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