Quick Recommendations
The Three Biggest GLP-1 Telehealth Providers
If you've been researching GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or their cheaper alternatives, you've probably come across Hims, Ro, and Calibrate. These are the dominant players in the telehealth weight loss space.
But they're not interchangeable. They have different pricing models, different medication options, and different approaches to weight loss. Let's break down exactly what you get with each.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hims/Hers | Ro Body | Calibrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $199/mo(6-month plan) | $349/mo(or $499 for brand-name) | $199/mo(program only, meds extra) |
| Medication Type | Compounded → Brand transition | Brand-name (Wegovy, Zepbound) | Brand-name only |
| Insurance Accepted | ✗ NoHSA/FSA accepted | ◐ PartialInsurance support provided | ✓ Yes (for meds)Program not covered |
| Coaching Included | ✗ Minimal | ✓ Yes | ✓ Extensive |
| Commitment | 3-12 month prepaid plans | Monthly (flexible) | 1-year program |
| Weight Loss Guarantee | ✗ No | ✗ No | ✓ 10% guarantee |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, quick start | Brand-name without insurance hassle | Comprehensive support, has insurance |
Hims/Hers: The Budget Option
Hims (and Hers for women) built its reputation on affordable telehealth for hair loss and ED, then expanded into weight loss. They were one of the first to offer compounded semaglutide at scale, making GLP-1 medications accessible for around $200/month.
What You Get
- Compounded semaglutide injections starting at $199/month (6-month plan paid upfront)
- Weight loss pill kits starting at $69/month (10-month plan)
- Online consultation with a healthcare provider
- Monthly check-ins and dosage adjustments
- HSA/FSA accepted for payment
Pricing Breakdown
Pros & Cons
- ✓ Lowest price point for GLP-1s
- ✓ No monthly membership fee
- ✓ Quick onboarding process
- ✓ Multiple oral medication options
- ✓ Published safety data (10,000+ patients)
- ✗ Requires upfront commitment (prepaid plans)
- ✗ Minimal coaching support
- ✗ Compounded meds facing FDA scrutiny
- ✗ No insurance integration
- ✗ Less personalized than competitors
FDA Note
With the FDA declaring the semaglutide shortage resolved in February 2025, Hims is in transition. Their compounded semaglutide offerings may change. Check their current availability before signing up.
Ro Body: The Brand-Name Option
Ro (formerly Roman) took a different approach. While they initially offered compounded medications, they've secured a partnership with Novo Nordisk to offer brand-name Wegovy and other FDA-approved GLP-1s at reduced prices—no insurance required.
What You Get
- Brand-name medications: Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, Ozempic
- Coaching and ongoing support included
- Insurance support team to help maximize coverage
- Monthly flexibility (no long-term commitment required)
- GLP-1 Guarantee: full refund if you don't qualify
Pricing Breakdown
Pros & Cons
- ✓ FDA-approved brand-name medications
- ✓ Novo Nordisk partnership = reliable supply
- ✓ Coaching included in program
- ✓ Insurance support team
- ✓ Multiple medication options (Wegovy, Zepbound, etc.)
- ✓ Month-to-month flexibility
- ✗ Higher price than compounded options
- ✗ Price jumps after first month
- ✗ $499/mo for brand still expensive
- ✗ Insurance process can be slow
Calibrate: The Comprehensive Program
Calibrate is fundamentally different from Hims and Ro. It's not just a medication delivery service—it's aone-year metabolic health program that includes medication, coaching, and lifestyle change support. They've always focused on brand-name medications and work with your insurance.
What You Get
- Full-year program with structured curriculum
- One-on-one video coaching sessions
- GLP-1 medications: Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Saxenda
- Insurance assistance—medication often covered (copay ~$25/mo)
- 10% weight loss guarantee or money back
- Focus on "metabolic reset" for long-term results
Pricing Breakdown
Pros & Cons
- ✓ Most comprehensive program
- ✓ Strong coaching and accountability
- ✓ Works with insurance for meds
- ✓ 10% weight loss guarantee
- ✓ Brand-name FDA-approved medications
- ✓ Focus on long-term behavior change
- ✓ 15-19% average weight loss
- ✗ Highest upfront cost (~$1,649/year)
- ✗ Requires commercial insurance
- ✗ Ages 18-64 only
- ✗ Medicare/Medicaid not accepted
- ✗ Slower onboarding process
- ✗ 1-year commitment
Which One Should You Choose?
Here's my honest take on who should use each service:
Choose Hims if...
- • You're primarily looking for the lowest cost
- • You don't have insurance that covers GLP-1s
- • You're comfortable with compounded medications (while available)
- • You don't need hand-holding—you're self-directed
- • You want to start quickly without extensive onboarding
Choose Ro if...
- • You want FDA-approved brand-name medication
- • You don't want to deal with insurance
- • You want coaching support but not a rigid program
- • You prefer month-to-month flexibility
- • $499/month is acceptable for peace of mind
Choose Calibrate if...
- • You have commercial insurance that may cover medication
- • You want structured coaching and accountability
- • You're focused on long-term metabolic health, not just quick weight loss
- • You're willing to commit to a 1-year program
- • The 10% weight loss guarantee matters to you
The Bottom Line
There's no universally "best" option—it depends on your budget, insurance situation, and how much support you want.
- Tightest budget? Hims at ~$199/mo gets you medication with minimal extras.
- Want brand-name without insurance hassle? Ro's $499/mo Novo partnership is the cleanest path.
- Have good insurance and want full support? Calibrate's comprehensive program is worth the investment if medication is covered.
All three can work. The GLP-1 medication is doing the heavy lifting regardless of which platform delivers it. The main differences are price, medication source, and how much hand-holding you get along the way.
Prefer In-Person Care?
Telehealth isn't for everyone. If you want hands-on support, body composition tracking, or more personalized care, local weight loss clinics may be a better fit.
Browse Local Weight Loss Clinics →Find Your GLP-1 Provider
Compare all telehealth options or find local clinics near you.
Disclosure & Disclaimer
Pricing and program details are accurate as of January 2025 but may change. We may receive compensation if you sign up through links on this page. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication.