Last updated: 1 oct 2026
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Prescription weight loss medications are only appropriate when a licensed clinician decides they are right for you. Talk to your doctor about benefits, risks and alternatives before starting any medication.
The short answer
Ro is the better choice for most people with insurance, thanks to its dedicated team that helps get medication covered and a cheaper annual membership option. Hims & Hers suits people paying cash who want a fast, fully online process from a brand they already use.
On paper, the two programs look almost identical in 2026. Both charge $39 for the first month and $149 a month after that, both focus on FDA-approved, brand-name medications, and neither includes medication in the membership fee. The real differences are insurance support, prepaid discounts and how much contact you have with your care team.
We compared each program’s membership costs, medication pricing, insurance help, support and process. Prices were checked in late September 2026 and change often, so confirm the total before you sign up.
Quick verdict
- Choose Ro if you have insurance that may cover weight loss medication, or if you are happy to prepay for a year to cut the membership to about $74 a month.
- Choose Hims & Hers if you are paying cash, prefer an online questionnaire over calls and already use Hims or Hers for other care.
- Talk to your own doctor first if you have several health conditions or take other medications. They may be able to prescribe and monitor treatment directly.
Ro vs Hims & Hers at a glance
| Feature | Ro Body Program | Hims & Hers Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Membership (US, Sept 2026) | $39 first month, then $149/mo; about $74/mo if prepaid yearly ($888) | $39 first month, then $149/mo |
| Medication included? | No | No |
| Medication type | FDA-approved, brand-name | Mainly FDA-approved, brand-name since 2026 |
| Insurance help | Dedicated team checks benefits and handles prior authorization | Mostly cash-pay; check whether your plan can be used |
| Government insurance | Does not coordinate Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare coverage | Check with Hims & Hers |
| Process | Online intake, provider review, insurance check | Online questionnaire reviewed by a provider, usually without a live call |
| Support | Provider messaging, nurse coaching, app | Care team messaging, app tools |
| Best for | Insured patients and annual prepay | Cash-pay patients who want speed |
How each program works
How the Ro Body Program works
Ro is a large US telehealth company, and Ro Body is its weight management program. You start with an online health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications and weight history. A licensed provider reviews it and decides whether medication is appropriate. Lab work may be required.
If you have insurance, Ro’s insurance team checks your benefits and submits the paperwork (prior authorization) needed for coverage. That process can take a few weeks. Membership includes ongoing provider messaging, regular check-ins, nurse coaching and an app for tracking progress.
How Hims & Hers Weight Loss works
Hims & Hers is a telehealth brand known for men’s and women’s health. Its weight loss program starts with an online questionnaire that a licensed provider reviews, usually without a live video visit. If treatment is appropriate, the medication is shipped to you.
In March 2026, Hims & Hers shifted its US weight loss business toward FDA-approved, brand-name medications after previously offering compounded versions. Membership includes access to a care team, messaging, app tools and, more recently, a connected smart scale. Ads often lead with the medication price, so remember to add the $149 monthly membership to see your real cost.
Cost compared: membership plus medication
Your true monthly cost with either program is the membership fee plus the medication. For cash-pay patients, that usually lands around $300–$450 a month or more, depending on the medication and dose your provider prescribes. With insurance coverage for the medication, Ro can bring the total close to the membership fee plus your copay.
| Cost item | Ro Body Program | Hims & Hers |
|---|---|---|
| First month membership | $39 | $39 |
| Ongoing membership | $149/mo, or $888 prepaid for 12 months (about $74/mo) | $149/mo |
| 12 months of membership | About $888 prepaid, or about $1,678 paying monthly | About $1,678 |
| Cash medication prices | Published by product; lowest options start around $149/mo, higher for injectables and higher doses | Similar ranges, starting around $149/mo and rising by product and dose |
| With insurance | Ro reports about half of covered members pay $50/mo or less in copays | Mostly cash-pay; ask whether coverage can be used |
| Shipping | Included | About $5 per shipment |
Things to watch
- Membership is never covered by insurance. With both programs, you pay the membership out of pocket, and it usually does not count toward your deductible.
- Prepaying is cheaper but riskier. Ro’s annual plan saves money, but check the refund terms in case treatment isn’t right for you.
- Prices change with promotions. Manufacturer pricing for brand-name medications has changed several times in 2026. Confirm current prices on the program’s site and with your insurer.
- A membership is not a guaranteed prescription. A provider decides whether medication is appropriate after reviewing your health history.
Head-to-head: the details that matter
Insurance support
Winner: Ro. Ro’s dedicated insurance team checks your benefits and handles prior authorizations and appeals for brand-name medications. That can turn an expensive cash-pay plan into a much cheaper one if your plan covers weight loss drugs. Hims & Hers is built mainly around cash pricing. Note that Ro does not coordinate coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare.
Speed and convenience
Winner: Hims & Hers. Hims & Hers uses an online questionnaire reviewed by a provider, often without a live visit, so the process can be quick for cash-pay patients. With Ro, the insurance route can take a few weeks because insurers must approve coverage first.
Ongoing support
Winner: Ro. Ro includes regular check-ins, provider messaging and nurse coaching. Hims & Hers offers care team messaging and app tools. Neither offers the intensive one-on-one coaching of programs like Calibrate or Found, compared in our Noom vs Found vs Calibrate guide.
Price
Winner: Ro, if you prepay. The monthly membership is identical, but Ro’s annual option cuts it roughly in half. If you prefer not to commit for a year, the two are about the same.
Eligibility
Both programs require a provider to review your health before prescribing. Eligibility for weight loss medication usually depends on your BMI and whether you have weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Some medications are not suitable for people with certain medical histories, which is why honest, complete answers on the questionnaire matter.
Safety
GLP-1 and similar medications can cause side effects, most often digestive issues such as nausea, and they are not right for everyone. Choose a program that reviews your full health history, makes it easy to reach a clinician and tells you clearly what to do if side effects occur. Always tell your regular doctor about any new medication, and only use medication dispensed by a licensed US pharmacy.
Pros and cons
Ro Body Program
Pros
- Strong insurance support for brand-name medications
- Annual prepay cuts membership to about $74/month
- Nurse coaching and regular provider check-ins
- Published medication prices
Cons
- Membership is extra and never covered by insurance
- Insurance approval can take weeks
- Doesn’t coordinate Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare coverage
Hims & Hers Weight Loss
Pros
- Fast, fully online process
- Familiar brand with other health services in one app
- Now focused on FDA-approved, brand-name medications
Cons
- $149/month membership on top of medication
- Mostly cash-pay, so it can be expensive
- Lighter ongoing coaching
Which one should you choose?
Ro is better if you:
- Have insurance that may cover weight loss medication
- Want help with prior authorization paperwork
- Are willing to prepay a year to lower the membership cost
Hims & Hers is better if you:
- Plan to pay cash and want a quick start
- Prefer an online questionnaire over scheduled visits
- Already use Hims or Hers and want everything in one place
Neither may be ideal if you want intensive coaching, have Medicare or Medicaid, or have several health conditions. Your own doctor, or a program with more structured support, may be a better fit. See our guide to the best online weight loss programs.
How we compared these programs
We reviewed each company’s published membership and medication pricing, independent reviews and FDA guidance on buying medicine online. We compared total monthly cost, insurance support, process, ongoing care and safety practices. We do not discuss dosing, and we update this page when prices or programs change.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ro or Hims better for weight loss?
Ro is usually better if you have insurance that may cover weight loss medication, thanks to its insurance support and cheaper annual membership. Hims & Hers can be a good fit for cash-pay patients who want a fast online process.
How much does Ro Body cost per month?
Ro Body membership costs $39 for the first month, then $149 a month, or about $74 a month if you prepay $888 for a year. Medication is billed separately.
How much does Hims weight loss cost?
Hims & Hers charges $39 for the first month and $149 a month after that, plus the cost of any prescribed medication and shipping.
Does Ro take insurance?
Ro does not accept insurance for its membership, but its team can work with commercial insurers to request coverage for brand-name medications. It does not coordinate coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare.
Can I cancel Ro or Hims anytime?
Monthly memberships can generally be canceled, but prepaid plans and refunds have their own terms. Read the cancellation policy before you pay, and note your renewal date.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.