Yes, Hers-prescribed weight-loss medicines can reduce weight when clinically indicated; results depend on the drug, dose, and steady habits.
Shoppers search for straight talk before paying for any telehealth plan. This guide walks you through what Hers actually offers, what the science says about the medications you may be prescribed, who tends to benefit, known side effects, and how the experience compares with local care. You’ll see plain numbers, clear tables, and zero fluff so you can decide with confidence.
What Hers Actually Sells
Hers is a telehealth platform where licensed clinicians review your intake and, if the match is right, may prescribe a weight-management medicine. The program also layers in lifestyle guidance and follow-ups. The exact medicine depends on your health profile. Two broad routes show up often:
- GLP-1/GIP-GLP-1 injections such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. These are weekly shots used with diet changes.
- Oral options such as naltrexone–bupropion, phentermine–topiramate, metformin, or orlistat, depending on your history and goals.
Pricing, availability, and the specific drug can shift based on supply, pharmacy partners, and your state.
Medication Results At A Glance
The numbers below reflect peer-reviewed trials of the active ingredients. Real-world results vary by starting weight, adherence, and side effects. This table sits near the top so you can scan outcomes before reading deeper.
| Medication Class | Average Weight Change In Major Trials* | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide (weekly) | ~15% body weight loss at ~68 weeks vs ~2–3% with placebo | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue |
| Tirzepatide (weekly) | ~15–21% at ~72 weeks (dose-dependent) vs ~3% with placebo | GI symptoms, decreased appetite, burping; dose-related |
| Naltrexone–Bupropion (oral) | ~5–9% at ~1 year vs ~1–5% with placebo | Nausea, headache, insomnia; blood pressure monitoring |
| Phentermine–Topiramate (oral) | ~7–11% at ~1 year vs ~1–2% with placebo | Tingling, dry mouth, insomnia; pregnancy prevention needed |
| Orlistat (oral) | ~3–5% at ~1 year vs ~2–3% with placebo (adds to diet) | Oily stools, urgency; needs fat-soluble vitamin support |
*Trial ranges shown to keep this simple; your prescriber will individualize dosing and timing.
Do Hers-Prescribed Weight-Loss Medications Work? Real-World Takeaways
Yes, when the right patient is matched with the right drug and the plan is followed, weight can come down in a meaningful way. GLP-1-based options deliver the largest average reductions across high-quality trials. Oral combos trail the injectables on pure weight change, yet they suit people who want pills, are early in their journey, or do not qualify for the shots.
The program is not a stand-alone fix. Every option must pair with a reduced-calorie approach, movement, and sleep hygiene. Stop the medicine, and some regain often follows. That pattern shows up in trials and clinic life alike.
How The Medications Work
GLP-1 And GIP-GLP-1 Agents
These weekly injections slow gastric emptying, dial down appetite, and may curb cravings. People tend to eat smaller portions and feel full sooner. Dose ramps up over weeks to limit queasiness.
Oral Combinations
Naltrexone–bupropion acts on reward and hunger circuits. Phentermine–topiramate mixes a mild stimulant with a satiety agent. Orlistat blocks a slice of fat absorption. These pills fit those who want a non-injectable route or have coverage for pills but not shots.
Safety, Side Effects, And Red Flags
Any plan should start with screening. Tell your clinician about current medicines, past pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney disease, seizure history, pregnancy goals, and mental health history. Watch for GI upset with weekly shots; that tends to fade after the first few weeks if the ramp is slow. Pills come with their own cautions—blood pressure checks with naltrexone–bupropion, pregnancy prevention with phentermine–topiramate, and oily stools with orlistat.
Stick with FDA-approved products and licensed pharmacies. The agency has warned about unapproved copies of GLP-1 drugs from certain online sellers. If a deal looks too cheap or the label seems off, walk away. For reference, see the FDA’s page on unapproved GLP-1 versions.
What Reviews Usually Praise—And What They Don’t
Pros You’ll See In Many Reviews
- Access: Fast online intake, no waiting room.
- Structured ramp: Titration schedules and check-ins that keep side effects in check.
- Diet coaching: Prompts and trackers that help you stay on target.
Cons You’ll See In Many Reviews
- Cost swings: Brand-name injectables can strain budgets without coverage.
- Supply hiccups: Pharmacies run hot and cold on stock. Plans can change mid-course.
- GI trade-offs: Nausea or bathroom changes during dose climbs.
Who Tends To Be A Good Fit
These programs suit adults with obesity, or adults with overweight plus a weight-related condition, after lifestyle attempts. People ready to log food, attend follow-ups, and adjust habits usually do best. A pill path may fit if you want to avoid needles or cannot use GLP-1 agents; a weekly shot may fit if you want the largest average weight change and qualify medically.
Who Should Pause And Talk With A Clinician
Hit the brakes and ask questions if you have active gallbladder disease, a history of pancreatitis, severe GI disease, uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorder, pregnancy or plans to conceive soon, or you use medicines with risky interactions. Screening covers this, yet a quick chat with your prescriber saves a lot of trouble later.
How Results Compare: Weekly Shots vs. Pills
Weekly shots lead the pack on average weight change. Pills can still move the dial and often cost less. Your choice should balance effect size, side-effect tolerance, convenience, coverage, and long-term plan. The next table distills the trade-offs many patients ask about after the first consult.
| Route | Why People Pick It | Watch-Outs |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Injections (GLP-1 / GIP-GLP-1) | Largest average weight change; once-weekly dosing; appetite control | Queasiness early on; supply and cost; contraindications for certain histories |
| Oral Combos | Non-injectable; pharmacy access; insurance can be friendlier | Lower average weight change; class-specific side effects; daily adherence |
| Orlistat | Over-the-counter option exists; pairs with diet fat limits | GI side effects with fatty meals; need fat-soluble vitamin plan |
What The Clinical Evidence Says
Semaglutide at the weight-management dose cut body weight by around fifteen percent on average across a 68-week period in a large randomized trial. Tirzepatide tracked even higher averages at higher doses across 72 weeks. These are group means; your result can be smaller or larger based on adherence and baseline factors. If your prescriber offers a pill kit instead, trial data for naltrexone–bupropion and phentermine–topiramate show steady, mid-single to low-double-digit losses across a year when paired with diet and activity.
Want to read the source papers? The SURMOUNT-1 trial and the STEP program published in major journals spell out dosing, side effects, and the exact numbers. Those same journals show how lifestyle change remains the base layer in every arm.
Common Myths—Cleared Up
“Shots Do All The Work.”
The appetite shift helps, but your plate and your routine still decide the net change. Protein targets, fiber, and steps keep the graph moving down.
“Pills Are Useless.”
Pills have smaller averages, yet they help many people lose and maintain when matched well and monitored. They’re also a stepping stone for some who plan to switch later.
“Compounded Copies Are The Same Thing.”
Brands and copies are not the same. Stick with approved products through legitimate pharmacies. The FDA has flagged risks with unapproved versions of GLP-1 agents; see the agency’s page linked above for details.
How To Raise Your Odds Of Success
- Ramp slowly: Follow the titration steps. That’s how you dodge a lot of nausea.
- Front-load protein: A simple rule—include a protein source each meal. That protects lean mass.
- Track one metric: Pick weekly weight or waist. Log the same way each time.
- Move daily: Short walks beat zero. Strength sessions twice a week keep muscle on.
- Sleep and meds: Set a cut-off for caffeine and take meds at the same time daily or weekly.
Costs, Coverage, And Availability
Sticker prices can swing based on brand, generic status, and insurance. Some plans back weekly shots with strict criteria; others fund pills first. Pharmacies may run out without much warning, which can force a pause or a switch. If your budget is tight, talk with your clinician about lower-cost options, coupons, and whether a pill path suits your goals.
How This Compares With Local Care
Telehealth shines on speed and convenience. Local clinics shine on hands-on exams, labs under one roof, and continuity with a team that knows your full history. Many people blend both: telehealth for access, local for labs, scans, and long-term primary care.
Bottom Line For Buyers
Hers connects people to proven medicines when criteria are met. GLP-1-based shots lead on average weight change. Oral options help many who want pills or need budget-friendly plans. Results hinge on fit, follow-through, and steady habits. Before you tap “buy,” confirm the drug, the pharmacy, the ramp schedule, and what support you’ll get if supply shifts or side effects pop up. If you want to read a primary study straight from the source, the weekly-shot outcomes in major trials are a good starting point linked above.
Quick reference: FDA’s advisory about unapproved GLP-1 versions and a primary trial summary via PubMed.