Two of the biggest names in telehealth — Hims & Hers and Ro — have both bet heavily on GLP-1 weight loss medications. But they've taken different paths: Hims partnered with Eli Lilly, giving them access to Foundayo and Zepbound. Ro partnered with Novo Nordisk, positioning them as a gateway to oral Wegovy and injectable semaglutide products. Which platform gives you a better experience, better pricing, and better access to the medication you actually need?
The Partnership Landscape
These partnerships matter because they determine which medications each platform can offer most efficiently:
- Hims & Hers + Eli Lilly: Direct access to Foundayo (orforglipron) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) through LillyDirect integration. Hims prescribers can initiate Foundayo and Zepbound prescriptions with streamlined fulfillment.
- Ro + Novo Nordisk: Official partnership for oral Wegovy (semaglutide tablets) and access to the Novo Nordisk portfolio including Ozempic. Ro's GLP-1 program is built around semaglutide as the primary molecule.
Medications Available
Hims GLP-1 Medications
- Foundayo (orforglipron): Daily oral pill, $149–$349/month via LillyDirect integration
- Zepbound (tirzepatide): Weekly injection, $299–$549/month via LillyDirect
- Can prescribe other GLP-1s through standard pharmacy channels, but the Lilly products are the primary focus
Ro GLP-1 Medications
- Oral Wegovy (semaglutide): Daily pill, $149–$299/month (lower doses)
- Injectable Wegovy (semaglutide): Weekly injection, $449–$600/month (Ro's negotiated self-pay pricing)
- Ozempic (semaglutide): Available through Ro's prescribing network (standard pharmacy pricing applies)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hims | Ro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary GLP-1 Partner | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Flagship Oral Med | Foundayo ($149+/mo) | Oral Wegovy ($149+/mo) |
| Injectable Option | Zepbound ($299+/mo) | Wegovy ($449+/mo) |
| Consultation Fee | Included in subscription | Included in program |
| Prescriber Model | Async + video visits | Async + video visits |
| Lab Work Required | May require for some patients | Required for most patients |
| Shipping | Free, direct to door | Free, direct to door |
| Cancellation | Cancel anytime | Cancel anytime |
| Subscription Model | Monthly subscription | Monthly program fee |
| States Available | Most US states | Most US states |
Pricing Breakdown
Hims Pricing
Hims uses a subscription model that bundles prescriber access, ongoing monitoring, and medication fulfillment:
- Program fee: Varies by plan, typically $49–$99/month for the GLP-1 weight loss program
- Medication cost: Foundayo at LillyDirect pricing ($149–$349/month) on top of the program fee
- Total estimated cost: $198–$448/month depending on dose and plan level
Ro Pricing
Ro structures their GLP-1 program similarly with a program fee plus medication costs:
- Program fee: Typically $99/month for the Body weight loss program
- Medication cost: Oral Wegovy at negotiated pricing ($149–$299/month) or injectable Wegovy ($449–$600/month)
- Total estimated cost: $248–$699/month depending on medication and dose
Doctor Access and Clinical Support
Both platforms provide access to licensed prescribers, but the experience differs:
Hims
- Initial consultation is typically asynchronous (questionnaire-based) with video follow-up as needed
- Ongoing check-ins during titration
- Messaging access to your care team
- Prescribers are experienced with GLP-1 medications through the Lilly partnership training
Ro
- Initial consultation often includes a video visit with a prescriber
- Lab work is typically required before prescribing (metabolic panel, A1C)
- Regular check-ins and dose adjustment consultations
- Access to board-certified obesity medicine specialists through some plans
Edge: Ro for clinical thoroughness. The lab work requirement adds a step but ensures your prescriber has a complete picture. Hims is faster to get started if you want to minimize friction.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Hims If:
- You want Foundayo — the cheapest branded oral GLP-1 with no fasting requirements
- You prefer Zepbound over Wegovy for injectable treatment (stronger weight loss data)
- You want the fastest path to starting with minimal upfront requirements
- You value Lilly's LillyDirect pricing integration
Choose Ro If:
- You want oral Wegovy or injectable Wegovy — the semaglutide molecule with the strongest long-term data
- You value clinical thoroughness including lab work and more comprehensive medical evaluation
- You have a history of cardiovascular risk and want the medication with SELECT trial data (semaglutide)
- You prefer Novo Nordisk products specifically
Consider Neither If:
- You already have a prescriber who can write for GLP-1 medications — you may save money by going directly through LillyDirect or your pharmacy
- Your insurance covers GLP-1 medications well — a traditional prescriber + insurance route may be cheaper than any telehealth subscription
Reputation and Reviews
Both platforms are legitimate, publicly traded companies with millions of patients:
- Hims (NYSE: HIMS): Strong brand recognition, particularly with younger demographics. Generally positive reviews for ease of use. Some criticism around subscription cancellation processes.
- Ro: Known for clinical quality and physician-led approach. Generally positive reviews for thoroughness of care. Some criticism around pricing transparency.
Neither platform is a scam — both provide real prescriptions from licensed providers and fulfill through legitimate pharmacies or direct manufacturer channels.
Bottom Line
Hims and Ro are both legitimate telehealth platforms for GLP-1 medications, but they serve different patients. Hims is the better choice if you want Foundayo or Zepbound (Lilly products) with minimal friction. Ro is the better choice if you want oral Wegovy or injectable Wegovy (Novo Nordisk products) with more comprehensive clinical oversight. The right platform depends primarily on which medication you want, since each platform is optimized for its pharmaceutical partner's products.
Sources
- Hims & Hers Health. GLP-1 Weight Loss Program Details. April 2026.
- Ro Health. Body Program and GLP-1 Pricing. April 2026.
- Eli Lilly and Company. LillyDirect Partnership and Pricing. 2026.
- Novo Nordisk. Telehealth Partner Programs. 2026.