Noom Med vs. Hims: A Head-to-Head for GLP-1 Weight Loss

Last Updated: March 2026

The landscape of weight management has been fundamentally reshaped by GLP-1 medications. In the pivotal STEP 1 trial, once-weekly semaglutide (Wegovy) demonstrated a mean change in body weight of -14.9% from baseline, compared to -2.4% for placebo, after 68 weeks in adults with overweight or obesity (Wilding et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2021). This profound efficacy has fueled a surge in demand and the emergence of telehealth platforms designed to facilitate access. Among the prominent players vying for patient attention are Noom Med and Hims & Hers Health, both offering prescription GLP-1 programs delivered through virtual care.

For individuals seeking medical weight loss, these platforms offer convenience, but their approaches to care, medication access, and integrated support can differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for making an informed decision about which program aligns best with individual needs and expectations.

The Rise of Telehealth in Weight Management

Telehealth has dramatically expanded access to medical care, including specialized treatments for chronic conditions like obesity. For GLP-1 medications, virtual consultations allow patients to connect with prescribing physicians from home, bypassing traditional logistical barriers. This model can be particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. A narrative review on telehealth for obesity management highlighted its potential to overcome access barriers and support consistent patient engagement, especially when combined with behavioral interventions (Lim & Lau, Cureus, 2021).

However, the convenience of telehealth also necessitates careful consideration of clinical rigor, physician oversight, and the comprehensive nature of the care provided. Not all platforms are created equal, particularly when dealing with powerful prescription medications.

Noom Med: Blending Behavior with Biology

Noom gained widespread recognition for its psychology-backed, app-based approach to weight loss, emphasizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles and habit formation. Recognizing the escalating demand and efficacy of pharmacotherapy, Noom launched Noom Med, integrating GLP-1 medication prescriptions into its existing ecosystem.

Program Philosophy and Structure

Noom Med’s core differentiator remains its comprehensive behavioral support system. When a patient enrolls in Noom Med, they don’t just receive a prescription; they gain access to the full Noom app experience, including:

• Personalized Coaching: A dedicated coach provides guidance, accountability, and emotional support.
• Curriculum: Daily lessons focus on nutrition, psychology of eating, stress management, and exercise science.
• Food Logging and Tracking: Tools for monitoring caloric intake, physical activity, and weight trends.
• Community Support: Access to group forums for shared experiences and motivation.

The medical component involves an initial virtual consultation with a board-certified physician who assesses eligibility for GLP-1 medications based on medical history, BMI criteria (typically BMI ≥30 kg/m² or BMI ≥27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related comorbidity), and lab results. If deemed appropriate, the physician prescribes an FDA-approved GLP-1 medication, with preferences for branded options like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide) when available and covered by insurance.

Medication Options and Cost

Noom Med primarily aims to prescribe FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medications. However, due to ongoing supply chain challenges and variable insurance coverage, specific medication availability can fluctuate.

• Program Fee: Noom Med charges a monthly subscription fee, typically ranging from $60 to $80 per month, which covers the behavioral program, coaching, and physician check-ins.
• Medication Cost: This is separate and can be substantial. If insurance covers the GLP-1 medication, out-of-pocket costs might be co-pays (ranging from $25 to $150+). Without insurance coverage, brand-name GLP-1s can cost over $1,000 per month. Noom Med’s physicians work with patients on prior authorizations and appeal processes to maximize insurance benefits.
• Lab Fees: Patients are responsible for any required lab tests, which can be covered by insurance or paid out-of-pocket.

Hims & Hers Weight Loss: Expanding into Medical Weight Solutions

Hims & Hers Health began as separate telehealth platforms, Hims focusing on men’s health (e.g., erectile dysfunction, hair loss) and Hers on women’s health (e.g., birth control, mental health). The companies have increasingly expanded their offerings into broader wellness categories, including primary care and weight loss. Their approach to weight loss centers on direct-to-consumer medical prescriptions, including GLP-1s.

Program Philosophy and Structure

Hims & Hers emphasizes a streamlined, medically focused approach to weight loss. The process typically involves:

• Online Health Assessment: Patients complete a detailed questionnaire about their medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals.
• Virtual Provider Consultation: A licensed healthcare provider reviews the assessment and conducts a virtual consultation to determine eligibility for prescription medication.
• Medication Prescription: If appropriate, the provider prescribes a weight loss medication, which can include GLP-1s.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Periodic check-ins with the provider are part of the program to monitor progress and manage side effects.

While Hims & Hers offers medical guidance, their platform traditionally provides less integrated behavioral coaching or structured psychological support compared to Noom. The emphasis is on facilitating access to medication and medical oversight. They have also diversified their medication offerings, sometimes including compounded versions of GLP-1 active ingredients. This strategy can reduce costs for patients but also introduces specific considerations regarding regulatory oversight.

Medication Options and Cost

Hims & Hers offers a range of weight loss medications, which may include FDA-approved GLP-1s (if available and cost-effective for the patient) and compounded alternatives.

• Program Fee: Hims & Hers typically operates on a subscription model, with monthly fees for provider consultations and platform access. These fees can vary but often fall in the $79-$129 range per month.
• Medication Cost: Like Noom, medication costs are separate.
  • Branded GLP-1s: If an FDA-approved GLP-1 is prescribed and covered by insurance, costs are similar to Noom Med.
  • Compounded GLP-1s: Some Hims & Hers plans may offer access to compounded medications. While these can be significantly cheaper (e.g., $199-$400 per month, depending on the dose and compounder), they are not FDA-approved products. The FDA has cautioned that “patients should not use a compounded drug if an approved drug is available to treat a patient’s condition, unless there is a documented medical need for a compounded drug” (FDA, 2023). This is a critical distinction that patients must understand.
• Lab Fees: Similar to Noom Med, lab testing is typically an additional cost.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Noom Med vs. Hims

Choosing between Noom Med and Hims depends on what an individual values most in a weight loss program: integrated behavioral support, specific medication access, or cost structure.

Medication Access and Philosophy

Noom Med