Overview: What Each Platform Offers

Hims Weight Loss Program

Hims started as a men's health platform and has expanded into a full telehealth service covering weight loss, mental health, skin care, and more. Their GLP-1 weight loss program pairs patients with licensed providers who can prescribe compounded semaglutide or, in some cases, brand-name medications. The platform is well-established, with a large provider network and a polished digital experience.

ShedRx Weight Loss Program

ShedRx is a telehealth company focused specifically on weight management. They offer compounded GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide formulations, through virtual consultations. ShedRx positions itself as an affordable alternative to larger telehealth brands, often running introductory pricing that undercuts the competition.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Hims: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Well-known brand with years of telehealth experience
• Wide range of health services beyond weight loss
• Large provider network, making it easier to get matched quickly
• Polished app and user experience
• Available in most U.S. states

Cons

• Primarily asynchronous consultations, which can feel impersonal
• Pricing can climb depending on dosage and medication type Contact provider for current pricing
• Weight loss is just one of many offerings, so it may not feel as specialized
• Some users report difficulty reaching providers for follow-up questions

ShedRx: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Focused exclusively on weight loss, so the team knows GLP-1 protocols well
• Competitive introductory pricing often lower than larger competitors
• Offers both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide
• Straightforward enrollment process

Cons

• Newer company with a shorter track record
• Smaller provider network may mean longer wait times
• Not available in all states
• Introductory pricing may increase after the first month or two
• Fewer additional health services compared to Hims

Medications and Dosing

Both Hims and ShedRx use compounded versions of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Compounded medications are mixed by licensed compounding pharmacies and are not the same as brand-name Ozempic or Wegovy, though they contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide).

Hims primarily offers compounded semaglutide, with providers adjusting dosage based on your response and tolerance. ShedRx also offers compounded semaglutide but adds tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) to its formulary, giving patients a second GLP-1 option if semaglutide is not a good fit.

Dosing protocols at both platforms generally follow a gradual titration schedule. You start at a lower dose and increase over several weeks to minimize side effects like nausea and GI discomfort.

Clinical Support and Provider Access

Hims provides access to licensed healthcare providers through its app. Most initial consultations happen asynchronously, meaning you fill out a questionnaire and a provider reviews it. Follow-up support is available through messaging, and some plans include video visits. The breadth of the provider network is a strength, but some patients feel that the asynchronous model lacks a personal touch.

ShedRx also connects patients with licensed providers, though their team is smaller and more specialized in weight management. This can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the providers are deeply familiar with GLP-1 protocols. On the other, a smaller team can mean slower response times during busy periods.

Cost Breakdown

Pricing in the telehealth GLP-1 space shifts frequently, so we recommend verifying current rates directly with each provider.

• Hims: Plans typically start around Contact provider for current pricing per month, with costs varying based on medication type and dosage. Some plans bundle consultations and medication together.
• ShedRx: Introductory pricing can start as low as Contact provider for current pricing for the first month, though ongoing monthly costs may be higher after the promotional period ends.

Neither platform typically accepts insurance for their compounded GLP-1 programs. You will pay out of pocket in most cases.

User Experience and Enrollment

Hims has invested heavily in its digital experience. The app is intuitive, onboarding is straightforward, and prescription tracking is built in. For people who value a smooth, tech-forward experience, Hims delivers.

ShedRx takes a more direct approach. Enrollment is quick, often requiring just a brief questionnaire and a virtual consultation before medication is shipped. The platform is less feature-rich than Hims but gets you started faster in many cases.

Who Should Choose Hims?

Hims is a good fit if you want a well-established platform with a large provider network and a polished digital experience. If you already use Hims for other health services, adding weight loss to your account is convenient. It is also a solid choice if you prefer the reliability of a brand that has been in the telehealth space for years.

Who Should Choose ShedRx?

ShedRx makes sense if you are looking for competitive pricing and want access to both semaglutide and tirzepatide. If you prefer working with a team that focuses exclusively on weight loss rather than a generalist platform, ShedRx may feel more aligned with your goals. Just keep in mind that the company is newer and availability is limited to certain states.

Another Option Worth Considering: Form Blends

If neither Hims nor ShedRx feels like the right fit, Form Blends offers a physician-supervised telehealth program that combines GLP-1 weight loss medication with peptide wellness therapy. Our team works closely with each patient to build a personalized plan, and we emphasize ongoing clinical support rather than a one-size-fits-all subscription model. Learn more about our GLP-1 program

Frequently Asked Questions

Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?

Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient but is prepared by a compounding pharmacy rather than the brand-name manufacturer. It is not FDA-approved in compounded form, though the active ingredient itself is FDA-approved.

Can I switch from Hims to ShedRx (or vice versa) without restarting my dosage?

In most cases, yes. When you consult with a new provider, share your current dosage and treatment history. Your new provider can typically continue your existing protocol without requiring you to start over.

Do either Hims or ShedRx accept insurance?

Neither platform typically accepts insurance for their compounded GLP-1 programs. Some patients use HSA or FSA funds to cover costs.

What are the most common side effects of GLP-1 medications?

Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and reduced appetite are the most commonly reported side effects. These tend to be mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

How quickly will I see results?

Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first week or two. Meaningful weight loss typically becomes visible within 4 to 8 weeks, though individual results vary based on starting weight, dosage, and lifestyle factors.

Are there long-term contracts with either platform?

Both Hims and ShedRx operate on a subscription model. You can typically cancel at any time, though it is worth reviewing each platform's cancellation policy before signing up.