Being evaluated for a weight loss medication no longer requires in-person appointments, which may make getting started with a GLP-1 easier on your already-busy schedule. With Noom Med, you complete a health assessment online, which is then reviewed by a licensed clinician. If appropriate, you may then receive a prescription for a branded GLP-1 such as Wegovy® or Ozempic®. Cost will depend on your insurance, prior authorization, and the particular medication prescribed for you. Keep in mind that the Noom Med membership is separate from the price of medication.
We tested Noom Med, considering the intake, the experience with a medical professional, and the overall experience.
Disclaimer: This review discusses FDA-approved branded semaglutide medications only. Wegovy® is FDA-approved for weight management in eligible patients; Ozempic® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes in eligible patients. Compounded GLP-1s are not FDA-approved and are outside the scope of this review.
Noom GLP-1
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Noom
- Our thoughts: Our tester liked how thorough the intake questionnaire was
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want clinician-prescribed medication paired with behavior-change coaching for results that last
Pros
- Accepts insurance
- Offers ongoing clinician support
- Prescriptions can be sent to your local pharmacy
Cons
- Medication cost is separate from monthly subscription
- Care is mostly chat-based rather than over video
- Total cost difficult to predict
Noom Med Specs
Our Experience with Noom Med
Noom Med is an online platform that combines clinician-guided GLP-1 treatment along with psychology-based lessons to support behavior change. Noom itself is a long-term weight management tool that can help provide guidance before, during, and after taking a GLP-1 medication. If behavior change and habit tracking are priorities for you, check out our guide to the best weight-loss apps.
Clementine tested Noom Med. She took an assessment on Noom’s website that took her roughly 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The assessment covered weight history, medical history, prescriptions or current medications, lifestyle, diet, exercise, previous weight-loss attempts, and allergies.
What We Liked
Here’s what Clementine rated highly after trying Noom Med:
- Intake assessment (5 out of 5): “The intake was very thorough and made me trust Noom more in prescribing me an injectable medication. It did take some time to get through, but I’d rather ensure they have all the information versus just willy-nilly handing me something. The questions were broken up in a nice way so that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. My results were near-instant, with some waiting until the medical provider reviewed my information, but it was only about five minutes before I heard back that I was approved,” she said.
- Overall experience (4 out of 5): “I was recommended products but ultimately was able to choose the final prescription based on my preferences. Overall, I would definitely recommend Noom Med based on my experience thus far. It was easy to sign up, and even though the cost is still kind of high, I am looking forward to getting through my intro dose and seeing how the rest of the process goes!”
What We Would Change
Here’s what Clementine would improve about Noom Med:
- Experience with Noom Med’s medical professional (3 out of 5): “I did not get on a call or have to do any virtual visits. I also had no reason to contact them because they sent all the information I needed; however, the chat interface is very easy to use. I feel confident that I understand the medicine, its risks, and side effects. They said they will follow up as I get closer to being through my intro dosage, and we look to increase the dose,” she said. Clementine was sent messages from the medical professional with prescription information, dosage information, and plenty of documentation on how to use the medicine.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Noom Med may be a good fit for:
- Professionals comfortable with telehealth appointments
- People who want assistance navigating insurance coverage for branded GLP-1s
- Folks interested in FDA-approved, branded GLP-1 medications
- People who want psychology-based lessons for behavior change in addition to medication
Noom Med may not be ideal for:
- People who prefer in-office, face-to-face appointments with their doctor
- Folks who don’t have insurance coverage for weight loss medications
- Professionals who need more complex or urgent medical care
- People who aren’t eligible for weight loss medication
Comparing Noom Med to Other Online GLP-1 Providers
Benefits of Online GLP-1 Programs
- Telehealth visits and using an online portal can make GLP-1s more accessible to folks all over the US
- Faster initial evaluation
- Follow-ups can also be telehealth
- High-quality programs combine medication and support from RDs
- More privacy
Do be cautious, however, because not every online GLP-1 program is high-quality, and GLP-1s are not right for everyone. We recommend talking with your doctor before starting an online GLP-1 program.
“Whether patients choose Noom, any other telehealth model, or a local physician’s office, they should look for a clinician-led model—not just a prescribing transaction,” said Dr. Mary Van, PharmD, a board-certified nutritionist and clinical director at ThriveX. “That means the program should detail that a clinician will confirm the medication is appropriate, have a planned regular monitoring schedule to evaluate possible side effects, and evaluate the triggers of poor eating such as pain, insomnia, hormonal imbalance, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and medication side effects. For health-conscious patients who want to eventually reduce or discontinue GLP-1s or any other medications, for that matter, the healthy program must convert appetite suppression into a long-term metabolic and behavioral change.”
How to choose the best online GLP-1 program
“Behavioral coaching [within your platform] is essential because GLP-1s create an opportunity for better health by slowing the progression of disease, but they do not replace the work required to sustain long-term health. Clinicians are responsible for prescribing safely and monitoring risk, while patients must use the treatment window to build the habits that make it possible to reduce or eventually discontinue all medications, not just the GLP-1s,” said Dr. Van.
Our Experts
Dr. Mary Van, PharmD
Board-certified nutritionist and clinical director at ThriveX in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
We think that Noom Med’s biggest highlight is its broad approach to weight loss. Not only does the program combine a clinician’s recommendations and prescription, but it also includes Noom’s behavior change lessons and ways to modify your lifestyle for future success. If you’d like support building new habits while also taking a GLP-1 medication, Noom Med may be a good fit for you.
Keep in mind that Noom Med may not be the lowest price or the most personalized way of getting weight loss care. As of this writing, there’s a $99/month membership fee (the first month is $39), and the medication (if prescribed) is a separate cost. Plus, the insurance approval isn’t guaranteed. If you prefer in-person appointments, you may want to select a doctor local to you. We think Noom Med is a good telehealth option if you want to take your appointments from home, on your schedule.
Editor’s note: Some GLP-1 programs may offer unbranded—or compounded—medications in addition to FDA-approved, branded medications like Ozempic® or Wegovy®. We excluded compounded medications in this review, as these medications are not tested for safety or effectiveness. Additionally, readers should be aware that sometimes FDA-approved medications may be prescribed off-label for weight loss. We encourage anyone interested in GLP-1 medication to discuss their questions and/or concerns with a healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Noom and Noom Med?
Noom is a smartphone-based weight loss and health program that uses short daily lessons, food and activity tracking, and coaching tools to help folks change eating and lifestyle habits, not just count calories. Noom Med is clinician-directed medication for weight loss, which includes GLP-1s and other medications like Metformin.
What branded GLP-1 does Noom offer?
Noom Med has Wegovy® (pill or injectable) or Ozempic® injectable, if deemed clinically appropriate.
Is Noom a good company for GLP-1?
Noom Med is a multifaceted platform that includes both clinician-guided GLP-1 treatment and psychology-based lessons to help users understand and support behavior change.