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Does Hers Weight Loss Work? An Expert Breakdown

Craig Primack MD

Reviewed by Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA

Written by Corinne O'Keefe Osborn

Updated 10/13/2024

Programs, drinks, supplements, and medications galore. When it comes to weight loss aids, you’ve got options. So what is it that sets Hers Weight Loss apart from the competition? In a word — personalization. 

When you sign up for the Hers weight loss program, you get ongoing access to licensed healthcare providers who offer treatment options designed to meet your unique needs and goals. This may include GLP-1 weight loss injections or pills that help support weight management. 

We’re digging into the details with our in-house obesity expert, Craig Primack MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA. Dr. Primack, a physician specializing in obesity medicine, is the senior vice president of weight loss at Hims and Hers. 

We’re breaking down how Hers Weight Loss works, how much weight you can expect to lose, the medications we offer, and more.

The core of Hims & Hers has always been to offer a truly personalized experience customers can trust and rely on. That’s why we’re so committed to making personalized care for weight management more accessible to all.

According to Dr. Primack, “Everyone loses weight differently, based on your genetics. So, what works for one person may not work for you. Personalizing your treatment is the best way to ensure success.”

Through the Hers app, you’ll also have access to a variety of tools and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Hers Weight Loss offers a comprehensive program that includes all four pillars of obesity medicine:

  • Healthy eating

  • Physical activity

  • Education and troubleshooting

  • Weight loss medications 

“Targeting all four aspects of weight loss at the same time helps patients achieve lasting results,” says Dr. Primack. 

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Rx weight loss your way

How much weight you’ll lose with the Hers program will depend on a few factors, like the medication you’re prescribed and your starting weight. Lifestyle changes, like increased physical activity, can also help support your weight loss goals. 

When it comes to finding the right medication for you, Dr. Primack has some advice.

“The first consideration is how much weight you have to lose and how hard it’s been for you to lose weight in the past. If you’re new to anti-obesity medications, you may try one or a combo of pills that have been proven to help with weight loss for years.”

However, says Dr. Primack, “If you have struggled or have a lot of weight to lose, the injectable GLP-1s are the most potent.”

So, what percent of your total body weight can you expect to lose?

Dr. Primack estimates, “The oral meds are about 5 to 8 percent, while the weekly highly potent injectables are around 15 to 22 percent.”

Dr. Primack adds, “Without drastic diet changes, people can safely lose two pounds per week.”

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonist medications are the newest addition to our weight loss offerings. This includes both brand-name drugs, like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, as well as compounded semaglutide. 

Our compounded semaglutide, which starts at just $199 per month, contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy. 

There has been an ongoing shortage of GLP-1s, making them difficult to find and expensive for millions of Americans looking for help. Our hope is that the addition of compounded GLP-1s to our weight loss program will help alleviate some of this strain.

What makes GLP-1 weight loss treatments so desirable? Well, they work. 

Semaglutide

GLP-1s are now widely recognized as effective weight management tools. This is especially true of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.

“GLP-1 is a hormone that all of us already have,” explains Dr. Primack. 

“Its main function as a weight loss drug (anti-obesity medication) is to cross the blood-brain barrier to decrease appetite at the hypothalamus (appetite center), to decrease the rate of stomach emptying (mild gastroparesis), and to stimulate the pancreas to bring the blood sugar down.”  

By working to slow down digestion, semaglutide helps keep you feeling full longer. And by targeting the areas of the brain responsible for appetite, it helps reduce food cravings.

Semaglutide injections available on the Hers platform to those who qualify include:

  • Compounded semaglutide

  • Ozempic

  • Wegovy 

Note that Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, but some healthcare professionals prescribe it off-label for weight management. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss in people with obesity and people with certain risk factors (like high blood pressure) who are overweight. Compounded semaglutide has not been approved or evaluated by the FDA. 

These medications are most effective when used alongside other healthy habits like better sleep, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.

Hers offers several oral medications to help you on your weight loss journey. We also offer personalized medication kits containing a combination of two to four medications — metformin, naltrexone, bupropion, and topiramate. Your healthcare provider may also add vitamin B12 to your kit.

Dr. Primack says you can expect your Hers healthcare provider to consider the following factors when determining the best medication kit for you:

  • How much body weight you have to lose

  • Other medical diagnoses you currently have

  • How fast you want to lose weight

  • How well you tolerate potential medication side effects

  • Other medications you’re already taking

According to Dr. Primack, “When we combine multiple medications, the chance of significant weight loss goes up a lot, and the chance of not losing weight goes down significantly.”

Let’s go over the medications that might be included in your Hers weight loss kit: 

Metformin

Many people are most familiar with metformin as a widely used medication for type 2 diabetes. But taking metformin for weight loss is also common. 

Metformin helps lower the amount of glucose made by the liver, increases insulin sensitivity, and supports healthy blood sugar management. It’s prescribed off-label for weight loss because these mechanisms can help reduce appetite, prevent overeating, and support ongoing weight management.

Some research suggests that metformin targets the brain’s reward centers and alters the gut microbiome — the microbes living in the digestive tract — in a way that supports weight loss.

Learn more about how to take metformin for weight loss.

Naltrexone-Bupropion

This two-in-one weight loss medication, sometimes sold under the brand name Contrave®, can be effective because the unlikely duo targets the brain’s reward center to help reduce food cravings.

Specifically, naltrexone blocks the brain receptors responsible for the pleasure effects of food. Bupropion acts on neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine to control appetite and potentially boost metabolism.

When used alone, however, they have different uses.

Bupropion is predominantly an antidepressant and is sometimes used to help people stop smoking. Naltrexone is often prescribed to help treat alcohol and opioid dependence.

Topiramate

Topiramate was first an anti-seizure medication that can also be used to prevent migraines in some people. However, it can also be an effective component of a multi-pronged weight loss approach.

Topiramate targets neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. This helps regulate appetite and keeps you feeling full for longer after eating.

The medication may also support weight loss goals by influencing how your body processes energy.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 isn’t exactly part of the weight loss medication club, but it gets a seat at the table because it can help prevent you from developing a nutrient deficiency when using some of the meds.

For instance, metformin may interfere with vitamin B12 absorption in the gut, meaning B12 levels can become imbalanced. 

Why is preventing vitamin B12 deficiency so important? Well, it’s an essential nutrient for:

  • Heart health. Having a B12 deficiency can be associated with higher-than-normal levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack.

  • Nervous system health. A lack of vitamin B12 can trigger nervous system symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, trouble walking, difficulty remembering things, confusion, and even depression.

  • Energy and red blood cell production. Having a vitamin B12 deficiency can result in a condition called megaloblastic anemia. This is when red blood cells (which carry oxygen throughout the body) are larger than they’re supposed to be and can’t function properly, causing fatigue.

When you connect with one of our licensed providers about which weight loss prescription is right for you, they’ll let you know if it should also include vitamin B12 supplements.

Rx Available

Weight loss treatment that puts you first

Hers is committed to making the most effective prescription weight loss medications available to those who need them the most.

We’ve done countless hours of research around which medications are the safest and most beneficial for those seeking help with weight management.

Our licensed healthcare providers are prepared and looking forward to helping you figure out which medication (or medication kit) makes the most sense for your needs and goals.

Getting started with Hers Weight Loss couldn’t be easier. No need to take time off work for another doctor’s appointment or head across town to the pharmacy — Hers is a one-stop shop. 

How it works:

  1. Medical intake form. You’ll answer questions about your health history, lifestyle habits, and weight loss goals — all from the comfort of your own home. 

  2. Provider evaluation. A medical professional licensed in your state will review your intake form and determine which (if any) weight loss medications you might benefit from. 

  3. Personalized plan. If prescribed medication, your provider will send you a customized weight loss plan designed to work for you. 

  4. Fast shipping. Your medication and supplies will be shipped directly to your door.

  5. Ongoing care. You’ll have unlimited access to providers for any questions or concerns that arise during your weight loss journey. 

“The strength of our program is that it is personalized for the patient and comprehensive,” says Dr. Primack. “The process is seamless and all in one place..”

Dr. Primack also highlights the plethora of educational content on the Hers app, including personalized eating profiles, recipes, and instructional videos.

“We also offer several trackers in the app, including a medication tracker, protein intake tracker, steps tracker, and sleep tracker.” 

These can help you stay on top of lifestyle changes that support your weight loss efforts and overall well-being.

Hers weight loss offerings may not be the right fit for everyone, such as those who are already at a healthy weight and those who may be pregnant or breastfeeding. But we have options to fit a variety of weight loss goals.

“If someone has tried to lose weight and has been unsuccessful, or has lost weight and gained it back, it’s time to consider adding in anti-obesity medications,” says Dr. Primack. 

To find out if you’re a good candidate for our program, start by filling out our free assessment or checking out our BMI calculator

Generally speaking, a good candidate for Hers Weight Loss:

  • Has an elevated body mass index (BMI). 

  • Doesn’t have contraindications to the medication, such as allergies, pregnancy, or medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the medication

  • Is willing to work under the supervision of a healthcare provider who can monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and provide guidance

  • Understands the potential risks and benefits of weight loss medications and is willing to stick to the prescribed treatment plan

Weight Loss Treatments

Weight loss, unlocked

Does Hers weight loss work? Yes, for many women, the programs work.

Hers weight loss programs are created to meet each person’s specific needs, and we don’t take that lightly. That’s why we stand behind our offerings and the robust evidence behind their effectiveness. Providing a safe, effective, and affordable solution for weight loss is our priority.

As you explore what Hers has to offer for weight loss, remember:

  • Weight loss is personal. What works for one person may not be right for another. It can take trial and error to figure out the best weight loss medication — and weight loss program — for you. Rather than getting caught up in anecdotes from others, try to focus on your own journey, listen to your body, and make adjustments (and work with your provider) when necessary. 

  • Medication isn’t the full story. The success rates of weight loss medications speak for themselves, but it’s not just these prescriptions that are responsible for your weight loss results. They’re intended for use alongside regular exercise and a nutritious eating pattern.

  • Consistency and communication are key. Just like any healthy relationship, communication with your healthcare provider is a vital component of your success with weight loss medications.

  • Follow your provider’s guidelines. It’s important to not only use your prescription consistently and as directed but also to share questions, concerns, and progress with your provider to make sure you’re on track to reach your goals safely and effectively.

We get it — achieving a healthy weight is a big goal for many people, and it can be frustrating to try one thing after another with no real benefit. At Hers, making safe and effective weight loss support accessible and affordable is our jam.

If Hers weight loss sounds like a good option for you, we encourage you to take our free weight loss assessment to get the process started.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

20 Sources

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  2. Bell DSH. (2022). Metformin-induced vitamin B12 deficiency can cause or worsen distal symmetrical, autonomic and cardiac neuropathy in the patient with diabetes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35491956/
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  9. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2023). Talking with your patients about weight. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/clinical-tools-patient-management/weight-management/talking-with-your-patients-about-weight?dkrd=/health-information/professionals/clinical-tools-patient-management/weight-management/talking-adult-patients-tips-primary-care-clinicians
  10. National Library of Medicine DailyMed. (2023). Bupropion hydrochloride tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e4100232-a25d-4468-9057-af7e66205154#
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Editorial Standards

Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

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