Real Facts and Figures About Online Weight Loss With Ro Telehealth
Once known as Roman for men, Ro now offers a wide variety of telehealth services for women including prescribing Ozempic, Wegovy and more
Due to increased demand, price hikes and long-term shortages, obtaining prescriptions for weight loss drugs such as semaglutide has been a serious headache. However, telehealth providers like Ro Health make the process quicker and more affordable. Professionals from Ro can prescribe a wide array of GLP-1s, along with hair loss treatments, sexual health medications and more. And while insurance covers certain medications, it’s optional. That way, patients can sure they can get their monthly, weekly or daily dose… regardless of the prescription.
“Ro was founded in 2017 out of a desire to make it easier for people to achieve their healthcare goals,” Dr. Melynda Barnes, Chief Medical Officer of Ro, tells Woman’s World. She explains that Ro’s co-founder and CEO, Zach Reitano, grew up with a father who was a knowledgeable and caring doctor.
“With that kind of care in mind,” she adds, “Zach set out to recreate his dad with software to help others access the same high-quality care he received.”
Updated April 2025: We updated this article since publishing in August 2024 to reflect the most recent information about Ro’s GLP-1 program, including pricing, availability and other important details.
In This Article
Ro offers an online experience
Ro is a telehealth provider and virtual pharmacy that has helped more than 2 million patients, to date — even if they don’t have health insurance. Ro’s team of medical professionals can prescribe anything from weight loss drugs to sexual health treatments for men. And upon getting a prescription, patients can easily communicate with their provider, and Ro.Co’s care team — all through Ro.Co’s apps.
“Ro is the only company that combines telehealth, labs, and pharmacy services to help patients nationwide,” Dr. Barnes tells us. “Weight loss patients see us as a vital part of their health journey. In a recent survey, 90% of weight loss patients said that getting started with GLP-1s through Ro is easier than in-person care, and 83% of our patients agreed that losing weight with Ro works better than diet and exercise alone.”
Ro patients can access the following treatments
- Weight loss
- Ozempic
- Compounded semaglutide
- Zepbound
- Wegovy
- Sexual health
- Better sex
- Lasting longer
- Breakout control
- Fertility
- Pregnancy prevention
- Increase fertility
- Hair loss
- Men
- Women
- Eyelashes
- Dermatology and skin care
- Outbreaks
- Skincare
- Daily health
- Multivitamins
- Sexual performance
When patients expressed a desire for GLP-1s, Ro added them
Ro already had a weight management program before offering GLP-1s. But as weight loss medications became more commonplace, patients started expressing a desire for them.
“We knew we could offer high-quality, expert-led care for obesity and that GLP-1s were proving to be the most effective option for patients,” Dr. Barnes says. “For us, it was a no-brainer to expand our offering. To date, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of patients with obesity or overweight achieve their healthcare goals.”
The prescription process takes 3 steps—and Ro helps check your insurance
After taking an online survey, in which patients can express their goals, patients schedule a virtual visit with a Ro MDs. The doctor may request that the patient gets a metabolic test or blood test at a nearby lab. Then, if the patient qualifies, Ro will write a prescription. Patients can use insurance to pay (the site has an insurance coverage checker so you can see ahead of time!), if your plan covers your medication. If not, patients have the option to pay out of pocket. The prescription is then sent to the patient’s local pharmacy, and patients will have unlimited access to ongoing care and support from the Ro team.
“A prospective Body membership patient starts their journey by completing a dynamic online visit that asks them questions about their goals, history with weight loss, and medical history,” Dr. Barnes says. “After a provider reviews the information provided, they’ll create a treatment plan that accounts for the patient’s health history, insurance coverage, and medication availability.”
Doctors and customer care are accessible
Because Ro values its patients’ questions and health concerns, Ro.Co’s care comms is easy-to-use and highly accessible. You can also ask about diet on a semaglutide medication, and for other lifestyle advice. Certified MDs are available 24/7 by phone, through video call, or via the company’s online chat feature. For administrative concerns, customer care is also incredibly easy to reach via the patient’s account. There, customer service will help with managing the patient’s prescription, billing, shipments or other questions.
“After being prescribed treatment, a patient on the Ro Body membership will continue to complete regular check-ins with a provider,” Dr. Barnes tells us. “Patients can also message a Ro-affiliated provider at any time, or schedule a video call with a provider. They may also benefit from one-to-one coaching with a registered nurse and a weekly curriculum catered to where they are in their journey.”
However, Ro’s customer service is all online
We tried to find a phone number to call customer service, however, all communication is handled through the client portal. There is no phone number to call, so if that is preferred mode of communication, you may be out of luck.
Ro has an app for that
The company has an entire internal suite of tools called ro.OS, as well as a 4.8-star rated iPhone Ro app (it’s not currently available for Android) that helps keep track of everything for patients. At although it may seem initially overwhelming, patients can keep their health experience completely organized. But above all else, it ensures your weight loss journey feels integrative and personalized, despite being completely virtual. The company’s internal apps, on the other hand, ensure its providers can do the most for their patients.
Patient App (External)
Because it’s important for patients to feel in control of their own healthcare, every customer has access to the onsite Patient App. This is the place where patients can reach out to their provider for ongoing support. Patients can also use this app to monitor their goals and track their progress. Meanwhile, they are given the opportunity to give feedback each step of the way, to ensure customer satisfaction.
Care Delivery App (Internal)
For providers, the Care Delivery App acts as the sole platform to monitor and document patient care. This allows them to inform the patient of their records, go over lab results, or change up treatment plans. It has all of the information, and any necessary reminders a patient might need. Not only is it important for the patient’s intake, but it’s important for continued care.
Pharmacy App (Internal)
As another key internal tool, the Pharmacy App helps pharmacists stay organized and in-the-know. It allows them to communicate with providers, be aware of possible safety concerns, and personalize treatments to each patient. Although patients won’t be able to access this app, they can rest assured it will help provide them with high quality care.
Lab App (External)
To help patients keep their test results organized, Ro offers the Lab App. Because lab results are often filled with jargon, making it difficult for non-professionals to understand, the app spells out patient results in a clear manner. This ensures patients can make informed decisions for their well-being, based on clear health data. It also lists out accessible testing locations for each patient, depending on their location.
Features and benefits
- Streamlined, virtual experience
- Access to wide range of medications
- Insurance is optional
- Providers and customer care are always available
- Apps keep patients and providers aware and accessible
Using insurance is optional — and finding out coverage beforehand is easy
Through Ro, patients may choose to use insurance to pay for their medications. However, it is not required to use insurance, if your plan doesn’t cover them. And you can find out what’s covered ahead of time, using Ro’s insurance coverage checker.
“For anyone interested in learning if their insurance will cover GLP-1s, we offer a free tool, the GLP-1 Insurance Coverage Checker, Dr. Barnes says. “Ro reaches out to the prospective patient’s insurance company and shares a free report that includes recommended paths based on estimated copay and medication supply.”
The cost breakdown:
| Membership/Medication | Monthly Cost |
| Body Program | $45 for first month, $145 after that (med not included) |
| Compounded Semaglutide | $300 |
| Ozempic | $900-$1,000 |
| Zepbound | $349-$499 |
| Insurance copays for branded GLP-1s | Copays vary, check Ro’s insurance checker |
Program costs vary, but the Body Program, which includes prescriptions for weight loss drugs —but not the medications themselves — costs $45 for the first month and $145 for each month beyond that. That price includes the initial provider consultation; a prescription for a GLP-1 (the cost of the medication isn’t included); insurance concierge (connects with patient’s insurance); ongoing care; and progress tracking tools.
The cost of each medication varies and isn’t included in this membership. For example, generic compounded semaglutide is $300 monthly and can’t be covered by insurance. Name-brand medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are all available and can be covered by some insurance, but the co-pay may vary. Out of pocket, each dose of Ozempic, for example, can cost up to $1,000. Zepbound is $349-$499 depending on the dose.
Compounded semaglutide availability
As of April 2025, Ro does not offer compounded semaglutide in the following states and territories:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Virginia
- District of Columbia
These restrictions are due to state-specific regulations and enforcement actions that limit or prohibit the prescribing and dispensing of compounded weight loss medications. Because the GLP-1 weight loss industry is constantly changing, please reach out to Ro to check current availability in your state.
Pros
- Virtual process
- Access to a wide range of drugs
- Insurance is optional
- Customer care is easily accessible
- Apps help patients track progress, contact customer care and streamline the healthcare experience
Cons
- No in-person visits
- Medications are still expensive (and cost extra)
Ro plans to keep growing
With new information coming out about GLP-1s, as well as ongoing shortages, Ro is aiming to continue growing with the industry. Experts are staying up-to-date on new information coming out about weight loss treatments. Meanwhile, the company has a free GLP-1 Supply Tracker that patients can use to receive crowdsourced information about local shortages in their area.
“We have over seven years of experience fighting for patients and innovating at scale, launching new tools, adapting new clinical protocols, and offering new treatments to help our patients achieve their healthcare goals,” Dr. Barnes says. “Listening to our patients has always been foundational to why Ro exists and is how we’re able to innovate in a constantly changing industry.”
In conclusion, Ro aims to provide a personalized experience
Ro is a great option for anyone looking to obtain a GLP-1 prescription, with or without insurance. The company’s providers seem to care about patients’ wellbeing and their experience, while patients have easy access to ongoing support. Apps organize patient information for the patients, pharmacists and providers — ensuring doctors can provide the best possible care.
“Ro will continue to fight for patients to have access to high quality, convenient care that helps them achieve their goals,” Dr. Barnes explains. “We work tirelessly on behalf of patients to advocate for them and their care.”
FAQs
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Are any Ro providers available to see in-person?
No. Everything is completely virtual. Providers handle intake, as well as ongoing support, via the phone, online or in the app. However, if a patient needs metabolic or blood testing, they can go to a local lab.
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Does Ro require insurance?
Patients don't need to provide insurance. However, insurance can help pay for a number of medications, including any of the name brand weight loss medications, if their plan allows for it.
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Do medications cost extra from the membership fee?
The Body Program fee does not include the process of any GLP-1s. Although patients may be able to have insurance cover all or most of the cost of their medication, depending on their plan.
