Highlights |
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A weekly shot to lose weight |
Helps you feel full faster, for longer |
Improve the way your body responds to sugar |
Ongoing care and support for patients |
Start with an online visit |
Ro Weight Loss Review: An In-Depth Look at this
Advances in medicine and technology have opened new doors for people who are struggling to lose weight. Ro weight loss, also called Ro Body, has emerged as a personalized and convenient option for adults seeking a medically supported path to reaching their weight loss goals. Ro combines the convenience of digital health services with the efficacy of medically supervised treatment plans and ongoing coaching and care. Ro offers the most effective treatments on the market, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and semaglutide. This Ro weight loss review offers an in-depth look at what sets Ro apart in the crowded wellness landscape.
About Ro Weight Loss
Ro is a direct-to-consumer telehealth company that handles everything from diagnosis to prescriptions to medication delivery. Ro subscribers can talk to licensed doctors, coaches and nurses 24/7 online—for free.
Their system also allows users to access convenient local testing centers or to test at home, send in samples, and get results through the Ro App. If treatment is prescribed, it can be picked up at a local pharmacy or home-delivered. Ro is for adults who are experiencing health issues or want to improve or support their health and prefer to do so from the comfort of their homes. Ro Body focuses on helping members reach their weight loss goals.
PROS | CONS |
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Online prescription for the most effective weight loss medications on the market, if appropriate | Higher initial cost compared to some alternatives |
Medically supervised, personalized treatment plans | Strict eligibility criteria may exclude some individuals |
Convenient prescriptions and delivery options | Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE recipients may not be eligible |
Evidence-based approach with proven efficacy | |
Comprehensive support system | |
On-demand provider access | |
Progress tracking tools | |
A variety of medications are available | |
Mobile app for easy program access and management |
The Body Program: The Revolutionary Ro Weight Loss Program
Ro’s weight loss program is called Ro Body and it combines prescription medications with one-on-one personalized coaching and support to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Ro Body is engineered around cutting-edge, prescription-only medications that are administered through self-injection. The cornerstone of this innovative treatment is injections of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and compounded semaglutide, along with care and support to answer your questions and help you stay on track. GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, and it is a hormone that plays a pivotal role in regulating appetite and food intake. GLP-1 medications are revolutionary drugs that work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, helping to control blood sugar levels, making you feel fuller faster and longer, which can help support weight loss.
You can get a prescription for one of several different GLP-1 weight loss drugs through Ro, if medically appropriate, as well as the support you need to learn how to keep the weight off. The program is complemented by personalized medical support, ensuring that each participant’s treatment is tailored to their specific health profile and weight loss goals.
Qualifying for Ro
Ro’s program begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility, focusing on health history and individual goals. Through an online intake form, they ask questions about your height, weight, gender, age, state of residence, pregnancy plans and status, health insurance, heart conditions, hormone, kidney or liver conditions, along with gastrointestinal conditions and procedures. They also ask about additional conditions like sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, eating disorders, and others. They ask about allergies and medications, vitamins, dietary supplements and any topical creams you are currently taking or using. After you check out, you’ll finish your online visit, and a Ro-affiliated provider will review your answers and get back to you within a few days.
If you are a good candidate, you may be required to take a metabolic lab test. Depending on where you live, you’ll either go to a Quest testing location or get an at-home collection kit. The blood test will help you and Ro understand how your body is working right now. This meticulous screening ensures that the treatment plan is safe and tailored to your needs, maximizing the potential for success.
Dosage and Duration
The dosage of Ro’s weight loss shot is carefully determined based on an initial thorough assessment of your health status, weight loss objectives, and other relevant medical conditions.
This personalized dosage aims to optimize the efficacy of the treatment while minimizing potential side effects. Typically, the treatment begins with a lower dose, which may be adjusted over time based on your body’s response to the medication and your progress toward your weight loss goals.
Most participants can expect to start losing weight within a few months, especially if your healthcare provider prescribes weight loss medication and you implement diet and exercise changes. However, achieving and maintaining optimal weight loss may require ongoing adjustments and continued use of the medication, in conjunction with regular follow-up consultations with Ro’s healthcare professionals.
Ro Weight Loss Medications
Ro simplifies the GLP-1 medication process with clear guidelines and support. The program is built around the injection of these medications and is designed to fit easily into your regular routine to ensure that you can confidently manage your treatment.
The main injection medications prescribed are Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound and compounded semaglutide. All of these are weekly injections. There are some slight differences between their active ingredients and their possible side effects.
Both Zepbound and Wegovy are approved by the FDA for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but can be prescribed off-label for weight loss, if appropriate.
The main difference between these medications is their active ingredients. Ozempic and Wegovy use semaglutide, while Zepbound uses tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is a dual-action GLP-1 and GIP, meaning it works by activating two hormone receptors that regulate your metabolism, helping you feel full faster and longer. In comparison, semaglutide only activates the GLP-1 receptor.
Compound semaglutide is slightly different from the others in that compounding is the process of creating a medication that’s tailored to the needs of an individual patient.
Additionally, a pharmacy can compound medications of FDA-approved drugs that are in shortage, so compounded medications can sometimes help provide more consistent access.
Ro partners with compounding pharmacies to offer compounded semaglutide that uses the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy. In addition, Ro only offers a compounded product that contains semaglutide base (the same active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and not semaglutide salts (which are not the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy).
All Ro weight loss shots are carefully prescribed based on your health assessment and their usage is monitored to ensure the best results for you.
Ro Weight Loss Side Effects and Potential Safety Concerns
While the Ro Body Program has been proven to be effective for many, it is not without potential side effects. Participants are encouraged to report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider immediately to ensure prompt management and adjustment of their treatment plan if necessary. Ro prioritizes the safety and well-being of its participants, employing rigorous protocols to monitor and mitigate any risks associated with the weight loss program.
What are the most common GLP-1 side effects?
All medications carry a risk of potential side effects. Any side effects of GLP-1s are typically mild and often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. When they occur, it’s usually when doses are increased, then they tend to improve once a steady dose is reached.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, constipation, acid reflux, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. These symptoms are typically mild and often diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. More serious side effects are rare but can occur. These include thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, rapid heartbeat, severe allergy (hypersensitivity), low blood sugar, vision problems (diabetic retinopathy) and kidney disease. The potential for adverse reactions is one of the many reasons why Ro provides continuous monitoring and support throughout the treatment process.
Ro for Weight Loss: Does it Work?
Testimonials and clinical trials attest to the effectiveness of the Ro weight loss program. Participants often report not just significant weight loss, but also improvements in overall health and well-being, underscoring Ro’s commitment to comprehensive health improvement.
With Wegovy, in clinical trials, patients lost 15 percent of their body weight after one year, on average. This is based on the average weight loss in the three, 68-week clinical trials of patients without diabetes who reached and maintained a dose of 2.4 mg/week of GLP-1 treatment, along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
In clinical trials, patients lost an average of 20 percent of their body weight in a year when they combined the highest dose of Zepbound with healthy lifestyle changes.
Ro Weight Loss Cost
Most weight loss programs come with some sort of cost, whether it’s for food delivery, meal plans, coaching or medications. Because of the prescription nature of GLP-1s, the cost of Ro’s weight loss program is higher than some other weight loss options, but is competitive with other programs providing GLP-1 injections, and can be viewed as an investment. While the cost may be higher than some traditional weight loss solutions, the value lies in the personalized care, medical expertise and proven effectiveness of the program.
There are two separate costs associated with Ro’s Body Program, your enrollment and ongoing membership and your medication. The initial onboarding and testing may be as low as $99 and includes your health assessment and prescription, along with concierge insurance support and a prescription sent to your local pharmacy.
Your ongoing monthly membership costs $145 and includes monthly renewal of your GLP-1 prescription, unlimited messaging with your provider to discuss side effects and medication dosage, convenient refills, continued insurance support if needed, tools to track progress, and health coaching for support and motivation.
The medication itself is an additional cost and the price varies based on the medication and your insurance coverage. The prices can be as low as $0, but copays vary based on insurance. For those that are not covered and opt to pay cash, prices typically range anywhere from $900 to $1600 a month depending on which medication is preferred.
Ro offers compounded semaglutide, which is priced significantly lower than branded at $299 per month. This has the same active ingredient as the branded medications, so many patients opt for compounded for the more consistent access (not impacted by medication shortages) and price.
Understanding how you can get GLP-1s covered by insurance is an important consideration. Ro’s partners will work directly with your insurance provider to help with the process of determining coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from the Body Program. Ro does not accept insurance for the Body Program membership.
At this time, those with any form of government healthcare coverage (including programs such as Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE), whether primary or secondary, are not eligible for the Ro Body Program. These plans typically do not cover the type of medication the Ro Body Program may prescribe. Unfortunately, this means that those on Medicare or eligible for Medicare cannot join the Ro Body Program.
Private insurance coverage for Ro’s weight loss program varies depending on your health insurance plan and provider. Some insurance plans may cover portions of the treatment, such as the consultation fees or the prescription medication. Participants are encouraged to check with their insurance provider to understand their coverage options. For those without insurance coverage or with plans that do not cover the program, payment would come out-of-pocket.
Ro vs. the Competition
There are numerous options for those seeking a medically supported solution to weight loss. Ro’s commitment to long-term health and personal support positions them as a highly competitive choice for those looking to GLP-1 drugs to assist with losing weight.
Ro vs. Calibrate Weight Loss
Both Ro and Calibrate use FDA-approved medications to help their members achieve weight loss results. However, their programs and costs vary.
Ro focuses primarily on helping you get access to a prescription that fits your needs and then provides ongoing resources to help you maximize the results of your treatment with a monthly membership fee.
Calibrate offers a more holistic approach that includes bi-weekly, one-on-one video coaching and a curriculum to help you improve your metabolic health through food, sleep, exercise and emotional health.
The pricing model is also different in that while Ro charges an ongoing $145 a month, Calibrate has a higher upfront, one-time cost of $1,749, which covers one year of membership.
Both programs prescribe medications and help you obtain access to your weight loss prescription but Calibrate states that most members with commercial insurance should be able to access their GLP-1 medications for $25 per month or less, after any deductible is met, or you’re eligible for a refund. It is important to note that, with high-deductible plans, it may take some time before the mandatory deductible is met.
Calibrate also states that if you participate in their Metabolic Reset and don’t lose at least 10 percent of your body weight by the end of the program, you may be eligible for a refund.
Calibrate may also prescribe Mounjaro, a brand name tirzepatide medication. At this time, Ro does not offer this medication. Though both have access to Zepbound, another brand with tirzepatide as its active ingredient.
Both programs offer assistance with navigating your insurance to help reduce the costs of your medication and have a wealth of positive reviews and customer testimonials attributing their success to participating in the program. If you are comfortable with a one-year commitment, are willing to pay more upfront, and want more structure, you may prefer Calibrate. If you prefer to pay as you go and want to take advantage of on-demand coaching resources at your discretion, you may enjoy Ro more.
Found vs. Ro Weight Loss
Found and Ro both present compelling pathways in the journey toward weight loss. Found has a lot in common with Calibrate and Ro. They offer online access to prescription GLP-1 medications and help you get access to a prescription that is right for you based on your health needs and goals.
One of the main differences is that Found offers several generic non-GLP-1 medications in addition to GLP-1s. These generic oral medications work by reducing appetite and cravings, regulating insulin, and/or balancing blood sugar, and may include options like metformin,
bupropion, naltrexone and others. These generic oral medications do have a significantly lower weight loss expectation versus GLP-1s.
Another key difference pertains to insurance: While Found does mention that they will aid in working with insurance to cover GLP-1s if they are prescribed, insurance support is much more of a feature with Ro.
Found also offers a more structured form of support with a more intensive level of collaboration, particularly within the first month. Subsequent months offer a bit more independence and continue to provide ongoing healthy lifestyle development with an emphasis on nutrition and movement.
Like the others, Found is a medically guided weight loss program that provides access to numerous support resources. It has some of the holistic lifestyle elements of Calibrate and some of the self-initiated support structures of Ro, but adds the option to utilize non-GLP-1 medications if your doctor thinks they are right for you.
Bottom Line: Why We Love It
For all the reasons we’ve covered in this Ro weight loss review, Ro’s Body Program offers a promising avenue for those for whom traditional diet and exercise regimes haven’t worked. If you have tried and failed to lose weight with diet and exercise alone, medication may be a viable option to help you achieve your goals. The blend of medical supervision, personalized care and innovative treatment options offers autonomy, with access to professional support and a wide range of GLP-1 medication options for those who qualify. Ro presents an opportunity to embark on a health journey with confidence, supported by the latest in medical science and technology.
FAQs
What is Ro Weight Loss?
Ro Weight Loss, also known as Ro Body, is a comprehensive weight loss program designed to help individuals lose weight and lead healthier lives. The program combines prescription medication, specifically GLP-1 medications Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound and compound semaglutide combined with coaching, care and lifestyle changes tailored to each individual’s weight loss goals.
How much does Ro Weight Loss cost?
Ro’s Body Program costs $99 for your initial health and medication consultation. After this, there is a monthly membership fee of $145 for ongoing treatment support.
The cost of the medication is separate. The cost varies based on the medication you are prescribed. The prices range per dose of each brand. If covered, the cost of the medication is a copay. The costs, without insurance, can be anywhere from $900 to $1,600 a month. However, Ro also offers compounded semaglutide as a cash pay option, which includes the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy and costs $299/month.
How does Ro Weight Loss work?
Ro’s Body Program works by combining prescription medication with personalized coaching and care. The program starts with an initial health and medication consultation, followed by a monthly membership for ongoing treatment and support.
The program uses GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound and compounded semaglutide, which work by increasing feelings of fullness and decreasing hunger to help reduce food intake. This mechanism helps regulate appetite by reducing hunger sensations.
Patients start their experience with Ro by completing a Body Program assessment online. Then, after metabolic testing (if required), they may be prescribed GLP-1 medication along with personalized treatment for weight management. Ro claims that a person can lose 15 to 20 percent of their body weight in a year, depending on their unique health circumstances and the medication they are prescribed.
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