Better U Weight Loss Reviews and Program Guide

Better U Weight Loss Overview

Cost: $298 or $397 per month
What’s prescribed: Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, metformin
Administration methods: Injection or oral
Support offered: Wellness and nutritional coaching, in-app chat support
Locations: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
FDA information: Provides FDA-approved and off-label weight loss medications
Insurance information: Doesn’t accept insurance
Potential side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, constipation, abdominal pain
Who qualifies: People with a BMI of 27 or above or with a qualifying medical condition

Better U is a telehealth platform offering a convenient weight loss program with GLP-1 injections, metformin, and wellness coaching to help you reach your ideal weight. Qualifying patients can access personalized dosages of compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, or brand-name GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Better U’s one-on-one doctor consultations and on-demand chat support ensure you don’t have to navigate your weight loss journey alone.

With support from licensed physicians, coaches, and a dedicated support team, Better U brings medically-supervised weight loss into your home, without the hassle of driving to the doctor’s office. When diet and exercise alone fail, medically supervised programs help yield sustainable weight loss through ongoing check-ins, personalized recommendations, and safety precautions.

In this article, we’ll dive into Better U’s weight loss program to help you find the right telehealth platform for your wellness goals.

Our Quick Take:

Better U stands apart from other telehealth weight loss programs for its range of compounded and brand-name weight loss medications and flat, inclusive pricing. Its monthly cost stays the same regardless of medication dosage, and is affordable without insurance. The program also includes support from qualified healthcare providers, including a video consultation, making it a good choice for people who value personalization and affordability.

Better U Pros & Cons

Pros

Flat, affordable pricing for all medication dosages
Free 15-minute doctor consultation to address questions and create a personalized plan
Ongoing care and support through the companion app

Cons

Doesn’t accept insurance

Our Experience With Better U Weight Loss Treatments

Overall, I found Better U’s weight loss program to be streamlined and cost-effective, particularly for those interested in GLP-1s. The signup process was simple, consisting of a quick online intake form and a 15-minute video consultation with a physician. While many telehealth platforms skip video appointments or charge extra for them, Better U includes it in its intake process. I liked that this gave me a chance to ask questions, address concerns, and ensure the treatment plan was tailored to our needs.

I also liked Better U’s all-inclusive pricing structure. The monthly medication cost remains the same, no matter what dosage your doctor prescribes, with no hidden fees. This flat, predictable monthly price also includes live in-app chat support and wellness coaching, making it an excellent value, even without insurance.

What is Better U's Approach to Weight Loss?

Better U’s approach to weight loss includes scientifically proven programs with an emphasis on GLP-1 medications. Better U GLP-1 range includes brand-name and compounded options, allowing you and your doctor to find the best option for your needs. This platform also offers metformin, an oral medication, to enhance the effects of GLP-1s for qualifying patients.

Additionally, Better U’s weight loss program includes medical consultations, wellness coaching, and live chat support. This well-rounded, comprehensive approach allows for ongoing support from the comfort of your home.

Better U Weight Loss Cost

Better U charges a flat monthly cost for each medication, and the cost doesn’t change according to your dosage.

Compounded semaglutide: $298 per month
Compounded tirzepatide: $397 per month
Metformin: $69 per month
Ozempic: $1,399 per month
Wegovy: $1,695 per month
Mounjaro: $1,695 per month

Benefits of Better U Weight Loss Meds

Better U offers compounded and branded GLP-1 medications to help with weight loss. GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, were originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, but are now commonly prescribed for weight loss. With the ability to curb appetite, increase feelings of fullness, slow stomach emptying, and control blood sugar levels, GLP-1s provide an average of 5% to 15% weight loss over six to 12 months (for qualifying patients).

Compounded GLP-1s contain the same active ingredients as their branded counterparts, but are made in a compounding pharmacy. This means that the dosage can be customized to the patients. Branded GLP-1s are mass-produced, without customized dosages, and commonly affected by high costs and medication shortages.

Weight loss medications that can be prescribed through Better U include:

1. Better U Semaglutide

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the branded GLP-1 injection medications Wegovy and Ozempic. In clinical studies, people who took semaglutide lost around 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.

Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in overweight and obese individuals. The starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly, with gradual increases every four weeks until you reach a maintenance dose of 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg.
Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, but is widely prescribed off-label for weight loss. It comes in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg doses.

Along with Wegovy and Ozempic, Better U offers compounded semaglutide in personalized dosages. This generic form of semaglutide is typically more affordable and less vulnerable to shortages than branded options.

2. Mounjaro

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro, a GLP-1 injection that’s FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, but is also prescribed for weight management. Research shows that people lost up to 26.6% of their total body weight after 84 weeks of using Tirzepatide, so it may help people lose more weight than semaglutide over time. Tirzepatide may also cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than semaglutide.

Mounjaro’s starting dose is 2.5 mg once weekly. It also comes in 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg doses.

3. Metformin

Metformin is an oral medication that’s FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, but may be prescribed off-label for weight management—particularly in combination with GLP-1s. When metformin is taken alongside a GLP-1 injection, it enhances its effects, leading to more significant weight loss. Metformin doses can range from 500 to 2,500 mg daily.

Additional Features of Better U's Weight Loss Program

Wellness + Nutrition Coaching: Better U emphasizes a holistic approach to weight loss. In addition to any prescribed medications, the program includes 100% remote wellness and nutrition coaching through your member portal. Given that diet and exercise are essential to achieve lasting results with GLP-1s, this is an important feature to consider when signing up for an online weight loss program.

In-Depth Metabolic Lab Test Reviews: Better U’s Weight Loss Program includes a healthcare provider's thorough review of your metabolic lab test. This helps ensure that GLP-1s are safe for you, as metabolic lab tests can reveal aspects of your health (including kidney and liver function) that could increase your risk of serious complications. Testing creates a baseline that your physician can refer back to and note any changes that could impact your treatment plan.

Why We Recommend Better U Weight Loss Program

Starting in 2021 as a telehealth platform offering psychedelic medicine for individuals battling mental health conditions, Better U has expanded its offerings to include affordable, convenient weight loss programs. Here are a few reasons why it stands out from other programs we tested:

Straightforward Monthly Price

Better U uses a flat, transparent pricing model based on the medication you and your doctor determine is best for your needs. The cost is uniform for all doses, includes ongoing remote support, and is more affordable than options from other platforms—even without insurance.

Affordable Even Without Insurance

Not sure if your insurance plan will cover GLP-1s for weight loss? With Better U, you don’t have to deal with piles of paperwork or surprise bills: The predictable pricing is competitive out of pocket.

Unlimited Continuous Care

Better U’s weight loss program includes progress tracking, live in-app chat support, and wellness and nutrition coaching. This makes it easy to address side effects, make necessary adjustments, and make healthy lifestyle changes to promote lasting results.

Variety of Medications

Better U doesn’t confine your GLP-1 options. It offers a range of compounded and brand-name injectable GLP-1s, as well as oral metformin. This helps your healthcare provider tailor your treatment plan according to your needs, preferences, and budget.

Better U Weight Loss Meds Side Effects and Safety

Side effects can be expected with any prescription medication, to a degree. Weight loss medications may cause the following side effects in some individuals.

1. Semaglutide

Nausea
Vomiting
Burping
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Heartburn

2. Tirzepatide

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Headache

3. Metformin

Gas
Stomach upset
Indigestion
Constipation
Diarrhea
Nausea
Weakness
Headache
Skin flushing
Change in taste
Muscle pain
Rash

A Word From Our Expert

— Dr. Tina Haroutunian

GLP-1 agonists are an amazing class of medications when used for the correct patient population. All medications have inherent risks and determining if a patient should take a certain medication is always a risk versus benefit analysis. Patients who would benefit from weight loss due to underlying health conditions are the target patient population for this class of medication.
The most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists are digestive related; heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. These side effects usually go away within a few weeks of starting therapy or increasing their dose. It is possible to switch to another medication in the class if one is causing unnecessary side effects. Since they are relatively “new” medications, we don’t have much data on long-term use in patients.

Better U GLP-1s Safety

Certain individuals shouldn’t take GLP-1s, including people who:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have a history of kidney failure, gallbladder disease, or pancreatitis
Have a family history of thyroid cancer

You should talk to your doctor while taking GLP-1s if you:

Experience any severe or concerning side effects
Miss multiple doses
Don’t think your dosage is working for you (after taking it for a few months)
Are planning to become pregnant

🚨 When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

If you notice any of the following symptoms while taking GLP-1 medications, contact your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care:

Dizziness or fainting
Vision changes
Reduced urination
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
Persistent pain that starts in the upper left or middle of the abdomen and potentially spreads to the back
Fever
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Clay-colored stools
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion
Slurred speech

Better U Weight Loss vs. Alternatives

We compared Better U to other telehealth platforms with weight loss programs, including Hims and Ro, to help you find the right option for your needs.

Swipe or scroll to view all columns →

Comparison: Better U Weight Loss vs. Alternatives
Better U vs. Hims vs. Ro Weight Loss	Better U	Hims	Ro
Membership price	$298/month for semaglutide $397/month for tirzepatide	$400/month for GLP-1s $199/month if paid for 12 months upfront	$399/month
Pricing inclusive of medication?	✅	❌	❌
Uniform cost for all doses?	✅	❌	❌
Administration method(s)	Oral or injections	Oral or injections	Injections only
Types of GLP-1s	Compounded Semaglutide Compounded Tirzepatide Ozempic Wegovy Mounjaro	Ozempic Wegovy Compounded Liraglutide	Ozempic Wegovy Zepbound
Oral weight loss meds	Metformin	Metformin Topiramate Bupropion Naltrexone	❌ None
Metabolic health test?	❌	❌	✅
Ongoing care?	✅	✅	✅
On demand provider coaching?	✅	❌	✅
Meal replacement bars/shakes	❌	✅	❌
Free shipping?	✅	✅ 2 days shipping	✅ 1-4 days shipping
Free 15 minutes doctor consultation?	✅	❌	❌
Website	Better U	Hims	Ro

Better U vs. Hims

Better U and Hims both offer an online weight loss program with injectable GLP-1s, oral medications, and ongoing remote care. Unlike Better U, Hims offers meal replacement bars and shakes, which may help you optimize your nutrient intake as you consume fewer calories with weight loss medication. However, unlike Hims, Better U offers a flat, uniform cost for all medication dosages, making it a predictable, cost-effective option (even if your provider decides to increase your dose). Plus, Better U provides a free virtual 15-minute doctor consultation at the start of your treatment journey—Hims lacks this one-on-one time with a provider.

Better U vs. Ro

Better U and Ro help people lose weight without having to commute to the doctor’s office with remote care and free medication shipping. While Better U offers a free metabolic test review, it doesn’t provide the testing itself—Ro fulfills this service with at-home testing kits. However, Ro doesn’t offer any oral weight loss medications, and its range of GLP-1s is notably smaller than Better U’s. Ro also lacks the free virtual doctor consultation that’s included in Better U’s weight loss program.

The Verdict: Is Better U Weight Loss Program Worth It?

Better U is ideal for holistic weight loss

Better U’s weight loss program is a cost-effective, convenient, and comprehensive option for people looking to lose weight (and keep it off) without in-person doctor appointments. While many telehealth programs offer GLP-1 prescriptions, few offer free virtual doctor consultations like Better U. This, plus Better U’s transparent, uniform pricing regardless of medication dosage, makes it a standout option for medically supervised weight loss.

While Better U doesn’t currently accept insurance, it’s affordable out-of-pocket, with live chat support and virtual wellness coaching to complement your prescription weight loss medications.

Visit Better U →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the Better U weight loss program?

You may be eligible for the Better U weight loss program if you have a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with a weight-related underlying condition, like high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Are there any medical conditions that would prevent someone from using GLP-1 medications?

Medical conditions that may prevent someone from using GLP-1 medications include pancreatitis, kidney disease, medullary thyroid cancer, and gastroparesis.

How long does it take to see results with Better U’s weight loss programs?

It can take between three and six months to see results with Better U’s weight loss programs.

What kind of diet or lifestyle changes are recommended alongside the program?

A balanced, reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and limited alcohol intake are recommended alongside any weight loss program.

Is there a minimum or maximum duration for staying on the program?

Better U uses a monthly payment model, requiring a monthly commitment to stay on the program.

Can I switch between different medication plans if needed?

You can contact one of Better U’s healthcare providers at any time to alter your medication program.

Are there any exercise recommendations provided as part of the program?

Doctors recommend that people taking GLP-1s for weight loss get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly.

Methodology

We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and customer support of Better U’s weight loss program, which included examining multiple telehealth weight loss programs. To determine overall value, we evaluated cost, usability, treatment options, and included services.

Other factors we investigated prior to choosing the best online weight loss program included convenience, discounts, customer service, access to healthcare providers, health insurance, package deals, and any free services or resources offered. For the best, most cost-effective option overall, Better U stood out for its wide range of included services for people looking to achieve sustainable weight loss.