In recent years, the widespread use of telehealth has rapidly changed the treatment landscape for people living with conditions that require holistic, long-term management. One such example is obesity—telehealth allows patients to complete virtual consultations with specialists who might otherwise require them to take work off, or travel for an in-person appointment. This increased access to care has dovetailed with advancements in our clinical understanding of obesity to create a sense of optimism around how we treat the condition.
A New Understanding
For years, losing weight was largely assumed to be a matter of willpower—something people could achieve with diet and exercise alone. Now that thinking is considered largely outdated. “There’s been a lot of bias and stigma toward obesity throughout the years,” says Craig Primack, Senior Vice President of Weight Management at Hims and Hers. “A lot of people have felt uncomfortable talking about their weight with their primary care doctor or specialists who are not trained in obesity, because they’ve been told time and time again: Just eat less and move more, and you’ll fix the problem.”
Happily, that attitude is evolving as research on the subject advances. “We now have very good treatments that are comprehensive in nature, and these are changing the way we treat weight in this country,” continues Primack. For example, telehealth services such as Hims are providing access to consultations with healthcare providers who can treat obesity with prescription medications, nutritional programs, and mental-health services.
Treating Obesity With Telehealth
If you’ve struggled to lose weight or you aren’t able to keep off weight you’ve lost, you may be a candidate for weight-loss treatments prescribed via telehealth, says Primack. With Hims, the first step is filling out a personalized health-history assessment online. Using this information, the platform will connect you with a healthcare provider, who will then work with you to develop a personalized and sustainable weight loss treatment plan. Hims offers access to a holistic approach that combines ongoing medical support with healthy food choices, regular movement, consistent sleep, and personalized medication, if prescribed.
After the initial virtual evaluation, your online provider may recommend medication to help treat your obesity, if appropriate. Here’s the 411 on some potential treatment options if prescribed, including:
Bupropion: A type of antidepressant that is also used to help people quit smoking, bupropion can also be prescribed as part of an obesity treatment plan. Compounded GLP-1 Injections: Compounded GLP-1s are made using the same active ingredients, such as semaglutide, as found in branded GLP-1s. These are not FDA-approved and the FDA does not evaluate compounded products for safety, effectiveness, or quality, so it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable compounding establishment. Compounded GLP-1s accessible via Hims and Hers are produced by FDA-regulated pharmacies. GLP-1 Injections: GLP-1 is a hormone that slows the rate of digestion and increases satiety, which helps curb appetite. Given as a medication, GLP-1 injections have been shown to help people lose body weight, says Primack. Metformin: Typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, metformin helps control the amount of glucose in a person’s bloodstream. Research has shown that it can help people lose weight, so it has started to be prescribed off-label to treat obesity. Naltrexone: Typically used to reduced cravings for alcohol, Naltrexone is also prescribed to treat obesity. Topiramate: Primarily used to treat seizures and migraine, topiramate has also been shown to cause weight loss—which is why it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for obesity.
The Hims app is free to download and also provides access to a behavioral program that offers personalized nutritional plans and healthy snack and meal ideas. Customers have access to a 24/7 messaging service where they can connect with a member of their care team and schedule check-ins with their provider to assess their progress.
If you already have an in-person provider, it’s important to remember that a provider through Hims won’t communicate directly with them—but the service will send out a message reminding you to tell your primary care physician about your new prescription. Telehealth and in-person care have different benefits, and it’s important to know how each form of care can help you achieve your weight-management goals.
Compounded products are not approved nor evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by FDA. Not available in all 50 states. Weight Loss by Hims and Hers is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and access to healthcare providers and weight loss medications, including compounded GLP-1 injections or medication kits including customized compounded medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions, including online provider consultation requirements.
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