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Hims Weight Loss Review – Are Alternatives to GLP-1s Worth It?

About the Author

Steven Nieves

Steven is a writer who specializes in physical and mental health. He has produced content for multiple digital health startups including ThirtyMadison and Talkiatry. In his spare time, Steven enjoys watching TV shows meant for children, drinking overpriced beer, and continually tweaking his website.

Learn more
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  3. Hims Weight Loss
Rating: 4.2 / 5

In this Article

In this Article

Steven Nieves

Hims Weight Management Overview

  • Cost: $79 per month
  • What’s prescribed: Metformin, topiramate, naltrexone, bupropion
    Administration method: Oral tablets
  • Potential side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, sleep issues
  • FDA information: FDA-approved
  • Insurance: Not required
  • Trustpilot rating: 3.6

If you’re hoping to find treatment that supports your weight loss journey, but don’t want to use injectable medications, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, Hims is a great provider to consider. They offer more affordable generic weight loss meds, like metformin and topiramate, which are taken orally instead of injected. 

The medication Hims provides may help reduce cravings, decrease appetite, lower blower sugar, and more, depending on which one you’re prescribed (if applicable). 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Hims weight loss treatment, including what the program entails, what medications are offered, medication side effects, and more. 

Our Quick Take

For those looking for a more affordable weight loss program, Hims may be the best choice. They don’t offer GLP-1 agonist injections like competitors Roman and Zealthy, but that also means you can skip the blood work required to access those medications. Plus, they don’t require insurance to cover the cost of their weight loss program.

overweight-man-exercising
Image by Freepik

Hims Weight Loss Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Oral tablets support weight loss, without injections
  • Low pricing starts at just $79 per month
  • Free ongoing support from clinicians

Cons

  • Treatment selection is limited to just generic oral medications
  • Doesn’t offer GLP-1s, which may not work well for everyone

Our Experience With Hims Weight Loss Program

I found the sign-up process for Hims to be pretty straightforward. It starts with a short consultation, which asks a couple of quick questions about your health history and current goals. Once a provider reviews your responses, you get a personalized treatment recommendation that includes generic medications, nutrition advice, and lifestyle changes. Plus, shipping is fast and free, bypassing the shortages that are currently affecting GLP-1 agonist treatments.

Benefits of Hims Weight Loss Medications

Hims offers several oral weight loss medications that may help reduce appetite and cravings, lower blood sugar, and more. They also offer additional support that focuses on sleep hygiene, mental health, cooking, and exercise.

Metformin

Metformin is an oral diabetes treatment that’s been FDA-approved since 1994. It’s clinically proven to prevent weight gain by regulating blood sugar, but it can also block absorption of vitamin B-12 (a.k.a. cobalamin). That’s why Hims also offers B-12 supplements.

Topiramate

Topiramate is an antiepileptic medication often used to treat migraine. This medication is also FDA-approved for weight management, when combined with phentermine, due to its appetite-suppressing effects.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient that’s found naturally in many animal products, like fish, meat, eggs, and milk. You can increase your B-12 intake and prevent deficiency with fortified cereals and soy drinks, or simply take a supplement, like the one Hims offers. This is especially important if taking metformin.

Naltrexone & Bupropion

Bupropion is an FDA-approved antidepressant that’s sometimes prescribed to help people quit smoking. Naltrexone is also FDA-approved for reducing addictive cravings. Together, these two medications, under the brand name Contrave, work hand in hand to curb food cravings that aren’t rooted in physical hunger. Hims prescribes the generic versions of both medications, which is more affordable than the brand-name version.

Benefits of Hims 360° Weight Loss Care

Hims treatment doesn’t stop at medication. Their program will also teach you how to cook nutritious meals, get better sleep and exercise, as well as manage your mental health. Plus, you can use their digital tools to track your progress as you make lifestyle changes.

How Does Hims Work for Healthy Weight Loss?

Getting support managing your weight with Hims couldn’t be simpler. All you need to do is complete a short medical intake form, then meet with your new Hims clinician once they’ve had time to review your responses. Since Hims doesn’t offer injectables, you won’t need to do any additional blood tests. 

Why We Recommend Hims Prescription Weight Loss Program

We’re happy to recommend Hims for anyone looking for support during the weight loss process. As long as you’re willing to skip the more popular injectable medications, Hims offers everything you need to lose weight safely.

Holistic and Non-Invasive

Unlike GLP-1 agonists, Hims’ treatments don’t need to be injected under the skin. Looking for weight loss treatment that’s effective but not invasive? Look no further.

Doctor-Trusted Medications

All of the prescription medications Hims offers are FDA-approved and clinically-proven to work for losing weight.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Your Hims clinician will make sure you only get the medication and lifestyle recommendations you need, and nothing you don’t.

Affordable and Accessible

Because they offer generic medications that are less likely to be impacted by shortages, Hims keeps their treatment both affordable and accessible for most folks.

Hims Weight Loss Prescription Side Effects and Safety

Even at high doses, vitamin B12 is considered safe because your body just eliminates the excess. But the rest of the treatments Hims prescribes for weight loss can have side effects.

Side effects of bupropion can include:

  • Anxiety or excitement
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
  • Needing to use the bathroom more often

Side effects of metformin can include:

  • Bloating, stomach pain, or gas
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Headache
  • Heartburn
  • Muscle pain

Side effects of naltrexone can include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Joint pain or muscle cramps
  • Nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting

Side effects of topiramate can include:

  • Changes in menstruation
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty thinking or concentrating
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea or stomach pain
  • Nervousness
  • Nosebleeds
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Reach out to emergency medical services immediately if you experience:

  • Bloody urine
  • Blurry, spotty, or double vision
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Difficulty concentrating or speaking
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Fever or chills
  • Hallucinations
  • Hives
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and face)
  • Muscle pain
  • Rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Rash or blisters
  • Seizures
  • Swelling or numbness
  • Thoughts or plans to end your own life

Hims Weight Loss vs. Alternatives

Ready to see how Hims stacks up against alternative online weight management providers Found, Roman, and Zealthy? We’ve compiled all the info you need to find the best match for you.

Hims vs. Found vs. Roman vs. ZealthyHimsFoundRomanZealthy
Pricing planStarting at $79/monthFor 6-month plan:

$129 if paid monthly
$116/month ($348 total) if paid quarterly
$99/month ($594 total) if paid upfront
$99 to get started
$145/month for ongoing care
$49 for limited time and $135/month thereafter
Targets multiple appetite regulators?
Types of prescription medicationMetformin
Topiramate
Vitamin B-12
Naltrexone & Bupropion
GLP-1s and
Metaformin
Naltrexone
Bupropion
Zonisamide
Topiramate
Only GLP-1sOnly GLP-1s
Prescribes generic and branded meds?🟡 Only generic Both🟡 Only generic Both
Administration method(s)Oral tablets Subcutaneous injections and oral tabletsSubcutaneous injections Subcutaneous injections and oral tablets
Free ongoing clinician support?
Nutrition and health education?
Personalized dosing plan?
Doorstep delivery of meds?
Bloodwork required?✅ (For some meds)
Accepts insurance?❌ Not required
Website

Hims vs. Found

If you’re interested in both oral and injectable medications, Found may be a better choice than Hims. They offer GLP-1 agonists, as well as bupropion, naltrexone, metformin, and topiramate. Plus, you can choose between brand name and generic treatments. On the downside, Found isn’t as affordable as Hims, and doesn’t accept insurance.

Hims vs. Roman

Wishing the cost-saving measures Hims offers could be applied to GLP-1s? You should look into Roman. Unlike Hims, they take insurance and provide generic alternatives, but for the more popular injectable treatments. One caveat to keep in mind is that they don’t offer the same kind of clinical support that you’d get with Hims.

Hims vs. Zealthy

Like Roman, Zealthy only offers GLP-1 agonists, but they do provide them in both injectable and oral forms. They also take insurance and prescribe brand-name or generic options–whether that’s enough to compensate for the $135 monthly price tag is up to you.

The Verdict: Is Hims Worth It for Healthy Weight Loss?

Hims weight loss program is ideal for those looking to find more affordable weight loss treatment that doesn’t involve injectable medications.

For those willing to skip injectable treatments in favor of tried-and-true oral medications, Hims is a more affordable and convenient option. They keep costs low by prescribing generic alternatives, while delivering great value for money via ongoing clinical and nutritional support. On the other hand, anyone who has their heart set on an injectable, like Mounjaro or Ozempic, would be better off looking elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No one weight management provider will work for everyone, but Hims is great for anyone who wants to lose weight while keeping costs low–and doesn’t mind skipping the more popular injectable treatments.

Unfortunately, there’s no one best weight loss treatment for everyone. That’s why there are so many medications for weight management that work in completely different ways. Your shortest path to finding the best option for you is a thorough conversation with a qualified medical professional.

It typically takes anywhere from three to six months for oral medications to reach their full effectiveness.

Depending on your current health situation, it might not be safe to take certain specific medications. Be sure to mention any health conditions you have or have had in your consultation so your Hims clinician can give you a safe treatment recommendation.

We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and customer support of Hims, as well as some of their competitors. To determine overall value, we evaluated cost, usability, treatment options, and subscription services. Other factors we investigated prior to choosing the best online weight management service included convenience, discounts, and access to healthcare providers. For most convenient overall, Hims stood out for its simplicity and wide range of oral medication options for those looking to treat weight-related health concerns from home.

Review ProcessKey MetricsWeighting
Purchase online– ease to complete intake form
– affordability
– upfront commitment or subscription required?
– money back guarantee or refund policy?
1
Shipping + unboxing– shipping cost
– time from order to treatment delivery
– sustainable packaging
1
Testing + journal for 1-3 months– ease of use
– transition into habitual use
– taste / smell / feel / pain
1.5
Results after 3 months of use– efficacy / results
– ease of forming a health habit
– requires additional purchae?
– responsive customer support
– willingness to recommend to a friend
1.5

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About the Author

Steven Nieves

Steven is a writer who specializes in physical and mental health. He has produced content for multiple digital health startups including ThirtyMadison and Talkiatry. In his spare time, Steven enjoys watching TV shows meant for children, drinking overpriced beer, and continually tweaking his website.

Learn more
Steven Nieves

Steven Nieves

Steven is a writer who specializes in physical and mental health. He has produced content for multiple digital health startups including ThirtyMadison and Talkiatry. In his spare time, Steven enjoys watching TV shows meant for children, drinking overpriced beer, and continually tweaking his website.
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