Obesity is a significant health concern, and many individuals find themselves in a constant battle to manage their weight. The Rowe weight loss program, offered through Ro, a telehealth company, aims to provide a comprehensive solution. This article delves into the specifics of the Ro Body Program, its offerings, costs, and potential benefits, while also considering its limitations and customer feedback.
Understanding the Ro Body Program
The Ro Body Program is a weight loss program offered by Ro, a telehealth platform that provides access to care via computer or smartphone. Ro, formerly known as Roman, provides products and services addressing a wide range of health concerns, including sexual health, weight loss, and more. The company claims the program can help individuals lose an average of 15% to 20% of their body weight within 12 months. This claim is based on clinical trials evaluating the effects of weight loss medications offered through the program, such as Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). However, it's important to note that these trials received funding from the medication manufacturers, which presents a potential for bias and conflict of interest.
How Ro Works
Getting started with Ro depends on the type of product or service desired. Over-the-counter (OTC) products, like hair loss shampoo and multivitamins, can be purchased directly. However, most concerns necessitate an online consultation with a healthcare professional. During this visit, the professional reviews the patient's medical history and listens to their concerns before developing a tailored treatment plan. This plan may include a prescription if deemed necessary. Prescription medications are then sent from Ro's network of nationwide pharmacies and delivered within 1 to 4 days.
In most cases, the initial online visit is free. Subsequent costs depend on the prescribed medication, dosage, and shipping frequency. The Ro Body Program, however, has a different pricing structure. It combines weight loss medications with a curriculum promoting healthy habits, costing $45 for the first month and $145 each month thereafter, excluding medication costs.
Components of the Ro Body Program
The Ro Body Program includes several key components designed to support weight loss and promote healthy lifestyle changes:
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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 assess individual metabolic function.
- Ongoing Support: Access to healthcare professionals, including up to 24 video sessions per year, ensures ongoing medical support.
- Online Curriculum: A step-by-step online curriculum focuses on building healthy habits related to nutrition, sleep, emotional health, and exercise.
- Insurance Concierge Services: These services help determine if prescribed medications are covered by insurance.
Prescription Medications Offered
For those who qualify, the Ro Body Program provides access to prescription weight loss medications, available for a separate fee. Ro offers several GLP-1 medications that have received FDA approval for weight loss:
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Zepbound (tirzepatide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
In addition to these, Ro also offers Ozempic (semaglutide). While Ozempic is officially approved for treating type 2 diabetes, doctors may prescribe it off-label for weight loss in some cases.
Ro has partnered with Eli Lilly to improve access to Zepbound by offering single-dose vials. These vials may be more affordable than the injector pens, allowing people to pay out-of-pocket at a lower price with a prescription from a Ro-affiliated healthcare professional. This includes integration with Eli Lilly’s self-pay pharmacy channel, called LillyDirect.
Other Services Offered by Ro
Beyond weight loss, Ro offers a variety of other prescription medications and OTC products addressing various health concerns:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE)
- Hair loss
- Fertility
- General health
Who is Ro For?
Ro is designed for adults with specific health concerns that can be addressed virtually. It is not suitable for individuals with chronic health conditions requiring more complex care, urgent medical issues, or emergencies. Ro is intended to complement, not replace, visits with a primary care physician or healthcare team. If an individual hasn't seen a healthcare professional in the past three years, Ro may not be the most appropriate option.
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Credibility and Safety
All Ro healthcare professionals are licensed in the United States. The company states that it conducts background checks and license verification for each professional. Members can view each healthcare professional's resume, medical license, and credentials on the platform. Ro is a telehealth platform with Better Business Bureau accreditation.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Customer reviews of Ro are mixed. Positive reviews often highlight the service's convenience, affordability, professional customer service, thorough healthcare professionals, and discreet product packaging. Conversely, negative reviews frequently mention dissatisfaction with the company's return policy, delivery problems, difficulty canceling recurring subscriptions, instances of double billing, and a lack of clear communication, particularly after initial consultations.
Alternatives to Ro
Several other telehealth platforms offer similar products and services. 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, and prices for medications and products vary.
- PlushCare: PlushCare is a membership-based service connecting individuals with doctors for primary care, mental health, and weight loss concerns. It is in-network with many major insurance plans and offers affordable self-pay options for those without insurance.
Insurance Coverage and Cost
Ro services and products are generally not covered by insurance. However, some products may be eligible for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) reimbursement. The Ro Body membership costs $145 per month, with the first month discounted to $45. Medication costs are separate from the membership fee.
Effectiveness of the Ro Body Program
While Ro offers several prescription medications that may be beneficial for weight loss, along with information on healthy lifestyle changes, there's limited research specifically supporting the effectiveness of the Ro Body Program itself. Additionally, there's a lack of detailed information available on the program's specific guidelines and how it compares to other weight management programs.
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