Zealthy vs Ro: Which Weight Loss Plan Works Best?

Not all weight loss programs are made equal—to reach a healthy, sustainable weight, personalized programs offer the best route forward. While customized insights from a physician used to require a drive to the doctor’s office, you can now receive ongoing support from home with telehealth platforms like Zealthy and Ro. These prominent options provide fully remote weight loss solutions with GLP-1 medications and ongoing care, all for a flat monthly fee.

Zealthy and Ro both offer FDA-approved, generic GLP-1s at personalized dosages to fit your needs. These platforms also have a team of qualified providers to answer your questions and make adjustments along the way. But, despite their similarities, Zealthy and Ro have key differences to consider before signing up for either weight loss program.

In this article, we’ll provide a complete Zealthy vs. Ro review to help you find the best telehealth platform to suit your weight loss needs.

Related reading: How to Get Ozempic (Semaglutide) Online

Our Top Picks for Best Weight Loss Program

• Best Overall: Zealthy | Jump to Review
  Zealthy offers the best virtual weight loss program overall, with a range of science-backed compounded GLP-1 medications at an affordable price. The flexible plans, on-demand coaching, discounts, and personalized support from dedicated care coordinators make Zealthy the most convenient and dependable option that we reviewed.
  
  
• Best for Lab Testing: Ro | Jump to Review
  

  Ro’s Body Program is a well-rounded telehealth weight loss service that provides access to various weight loss medications along with ongoing support. Ro, however, does not offer compounded semaglutide, which contributes to its higher cost since it exclusively provides brand-name medications like Ozempic. However, for those who prefer a structured program with metabolic lab testing before starting GLP-1 medications, Ro makes the process convenient with an at-home test delivered directly to your doorstep.

Zealthy vs. Ro: Compare the Best Weight Loss Program

We’ve compared telehealth weight loss programs from Zealthy and Ro to help you determine which platform will work best for your needs.

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Comparison: Zealthy vs. Ro: Compare the Best Weight Loss Program

Zealthy vs Ro Weight Loss	Zealthy	Ro
Membership price	$39 for limited time and $135/ month thereafter	$45 one time payment + $145/month membership fee
GLP-1 pricing	As low as: $151/month for semaglutide $216/month for tirzepatide	$900 to $1000/month for Ozempic (semaglutide) $349 to $499/month for Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Compounded semaglutide?	✅	❌
Compounded tirzepatide?	✅	❌
Oral weight loss meds	Metformin	❌ None
Metabolic health test?	❌	✅
Ongoing care?	✅	✅
On demand provider coaching?	✅	❌
Free shipping?	✅ 2 days shipping	✅ 1-4 days shipping
Free doctor consultation?	✅	✅
Website	Zealthy	Ro

Related reading: Zealthy Weight Loss Review – Is It Legit for Ozempic?

While both Zealthy and Ro are online telehealth providers offering similar services for weight loss, ED, and hair loss (among other common health concerns), they differ in two key categories: Weight loss medication options and pricing.

Zealthy vs. Ro Weight Loss Medication Options

Zealthy and Ro both offer FDA-approved, generic GLP-1s for weight loss. However, the types of GLP-1s and other medications they provide differ.

GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists) reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying, boost feelings of fullness, and help control blood sugar levels. Originally indicated for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s are now widely used for weight loss, and generic formulations can provide significant savings over brand-name options.

Zealthy and Ro offer compounded semaglutide injections, Ozempic, and Wegovy. Semaglutide is the generic form of Wegovy, which is the first FDA-approved weight-management medication. Ozempic is another branded form of semaglutide, but it’s indicated for type 2 diabetes and may be prescribed off-label for weight loss. However, since Ro exclusively provides brand-name medications, its supply is more prone to shortages, which can lead to refill challenges and potential treatment gaps.

Compounded medications are manufactured by a compounding pharmacy, not a pharmaceutical company, so they can be made for each individual’s particular needs. Along with this level of personalization, compounded medications are typically more accessible than brand-name GLP-1s, which are notoriously subject to shortages and high pricing.

So, with these similar treatment offerings, what makes Zealthy and Ro different? Zealthy also offers compounded tirzepatide—a GLP-1/GIP agonist that may work better (and have fewer side effects) than semaglutide for some people. The only form of tirzepatide Ro offers is Zepbound, a branded version that’s prone to supply inconsistencies.

Related reading: How to Get Tirzepatide (Zepbound) Online

Along with GLP-1s, Zealthy can include metformin in your membership if deemed appropriate by your provider. Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication that may help with weight loss by reducing your appetite, altering the gut microbiome, increasing your caloric burn, and boosting insulin sensitivity. Ro doesn’t offer metformin as part of its weight loss program.

Zealthy vs. Ro Weight Loss Cost

When comparing Zealthy and Ro, the price difference is significant. Zealthy provides an affordable option by offering compounded semaglutide at a first-month cost of just $190 (thanks to their $96 discount) and an ongoing monthly cost of $286. In contrast, Ro exclusively provides Ozempic (brand-name semaglutide), which comes at a first-month cost of $1,090–$1,190 and an ongoing monthly cost of $1,045–$1,145. Over six months, Zealthy costs only $1,620, whereas Ro’s total cost skyrockets to $6,315–$6,915.

While some patients may be able to use insurance to cover Ozempic through Ro, insurance approval is often complex and not guaranteed. Many providers require prior authorization, and even with coverage, copays or out-of-pocket expenses can be significant. Zealthy, on the other hand, offers a clear, predictable, and budget-friendly pricing structure for compounded semaglutide, making it a more accessible and sustainable option for those seeking effective weight loss without financial strain.

Related reading: Cheapest Semaglutide – Where to Buy Affordable Semaglutide Online

Zealthy Weight Loss Review

Overview

• Price: $190 to $286 per month
• What’s prescribed: Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, Ozempic, Wegovy, metformin
• Administration method(s): Injections (GLP-1s) and oral medications (metformin)
• What’s included: Unlimited messaging with a coach, monthly video/phone visits, access to an insurance coordinator, ongoing plan adjustments, progress tracking

Try Zealthy →

Around since 2023, Zealthy is a telehealth platform that aims to make high-quality healthcare accessible with 100% virtual care, with or without insurance. Kyle Robertson, Zealthy’s founder and CEO, says: “We aim to close the gaps in the system that keep people from getting the care they need. Zealthy puts quality healthcare at your fingertips, so you can focus on your health, not the obstacles to access it”. Zealthy’s weight loss program exemplifies this mission with a range of compounded and brand-name medications, along with convenient access to one-on-one coaching.

Our Experience with Zealthy Weight Loss Program

As I got started with Zealthy’s weight loss program, I appreciated the speedy intake process—the virtual intake questionnaire takes just five minutes to complete. If you’re deemed eligible, a provider will then review your answers to recommend treatment options, including medications if appropriate. At this stage, you’ll also be matched with a weight loss coach that you can message at any time for support and nutrition or fitness recommendations.

I love that Zealthy offers compounded forms of semaglutide and tirzepatide for personalized dosages. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide require once-weekly injections, so it was fairly easy to incorporate into our regular schedule. The ability to message our provider at any time also added to the convenience of this weight loss strategy.

A Zealthy membership includes access to the platform’s insurance coordination team, who worked with me to help get my weight loss meds covered (the program is also available without insurance at an affordable flat monthly price).

Zealthy Weight Loss Pros & Cons

Zealthy Weight Loss Meds

Zealthy offers the following prescription weight loss medications to eligible members:

• Compounded semaglutide: The active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, this injectable GLP-1 can help you feel satiated with fewer calories, leading to weight loss over time. As a generic weight loss medication, compounded semaglutide is available from Zealthy for as little as $151 per month, with or without insurance. Plus, as it’s made by a compounding pharmacy, your Zealthy provider can customize the dosage to your needs. Zealthy only works with pharmacies with a National Association of Boards of Pharmacy accreditation, LegitScript certification, and 503A designation.
• Compounded tirzepatide: Tirzepatide is another GLP-1 and the generic form of Zepbound. Your Zealthy provider may recommend this medication if you experience gastrointestinal symptoms from semaglutide or if you’re looking to lose a significant amount of weight, as tirzepatide often yields greater weight loss than semaglutide.
• Wegovy: Wegovy is the brand-name version of semaglutide and, unlike Ozempic, formulated specifically for weight loss. If you’re looking to pay for weight loss medication with insurance, your Zealthy provider may recommend Wegovy, as it’s more likely to be covered than compounded semaglutide.
• Ozempic: Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and has been proven effective for weight loss. Like Wegovy, it’s a brand-name version of semaglutide.
• Mounjaro: Mounjaro is a brand-name formulation of tirzepatide that’s typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, but can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. Your Zealthy provider may recommend it if compounded tirzepatide isn’t covered by your insurance, or if you prefer brand-name medications.
• Metformin: Your Zealthy provider may include metformin, an oral medication indicated for type 2 diabetes, in your weight loss plan. Combination treatment with metformin and a GLP-1, like semaglutide, can lead to greater weight loss than taking either medication alone.

Other Zealthy Weight Management Services

Zealthy’s weight loss program was created with convenience and accessibility in mind. As Dr. Jacob Joseph, MD, notes: "Zealthy is redefining the way people approach health and wellness, making it easier than ever to prioritize a balanced lifestyle”. So, in addition to weight loss medications, Zealthy provides various virtual weight management services to support your ongoing wellness goals, including:

• Unlimited one-on-one coaching conducted over virtual chat is a convenient way to incorporate your weight loss plan into your daily routine. It also ensures you have the support you need to stick to your goals.
• Nutrition and fitness guidance from your dedicated coach helps ensure that your lifestyle habits support your weight loss efforts.
• Progress tracking and plan adjustments from the Zealthy team ensure your treatment strategy is aligned with your ongoing goals. It also makes it easy to address medication side effects and other concerns with your provider—no appointment needed.
• Insurance support: Zealthy provides insurance coverage support for brand-name GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, helping patients navigate their benefits and potentially lower out-of-pocket costs. This added support makes it easier for users to access FDA-approved treatments without the full financial burden.

Ro Weight Loss Review

Overview

• Price: $1,090 to $1,145 per month
• What’s prescribed: Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Saxenda
• Administration method(s): Injection
• What’s included: Prescription medication, unlimited messaging with your provider, ongoing support, insurance coordination, progress tracking

Try Ro →

Ro is a telehealth company offering virtual services for a range of needs, including weight loss, hair growth, skincare, sexual health, and fertility. Ro’s virtual weight loss plan, called the Body Program, provides convenient online access to prescription medications and healthcare providers, with or without insurance.

Our Experience with Ro Weight Loss Program

In my experience with Ro’s Body Program, I appreciated the brief online intake questionnaire. I liked that Ro providers may recommend a metabolic lab test before prescribing medications, as it reveals more detailed insights into your hormonal and metabolic health. Plus, the test can be conducted at home or in person at Quest Diagnostics, allowing for complete convenience throughout the intake process.

Ro Weight Loss Pros & Cons

Ro Weight Loss Meds

Ro physicians may prescribe the following weight loss medications as part of its Body Program:

• Wegovy and Ozempic are brand-name versions of semaglutide. Ro providers may recommend these options over compounded semaglutide depending on your insurance coverage and personal preferences.
• Zepbound is a brand-name version of tirzepatide that was FDA approved in 2023 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity. Unlike Mounjaro, it’s formulated specifically for weight loss, but its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, has struggled with shortages since its release.
• Saxenda is another GLP-1 medication that’s FDA-approved for chronic weight management. It contains liraglutide, which differs from other GLP-1s in that it requires daily injections.

Other Ro Weight Management Services

Along with prescription medications for eligible members, the Ro Body Membership includes the following services:

• On-demand messaging and video access to your provider allows you to receive ongoing support, ask questions, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
• Educational resources complement your treatment plan, help you cement healthy habits, and enhance your results, covering topics like nutrition, sleep, and exercise.
• Insurance support, including an initial insurance check and help with all insurance paperwork, makes it easier to get your weight loss medications covered.

Side Effects of GLP-1s for Weight Loss

Like virtually all prescription medications, GLP-1s pose a risk of side effects. Your provider will start you on a low dose and check in regularly to prevent and address side effects.

• Semaglutide
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Burping
  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Heartburn

• Tirzepatide
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn 
  • Headache

• Liraglutide
  
  • Headache
  • Heartburn 
  • Constipation
  • Tiredness
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Painful or burning urination

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.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care While Taking GLP-1s

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking GLP-1s, contact your doctor immediately 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

The Verdict: Which Is the Best Weight Loss Program for You?

If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking GLP-1s, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care:

Zealthy is the most affordable.

Zealthy is our overall pick for value, quality, and ongoing care. Over time, Zealthy offers significant cost savings compared to Ro’s Body Program, and its range of compounded GLP-1s, brand-name alternatives, and oral weight loss medications allow for a high degree of personalization. With on-demand virtual coaching and unlimited messaging with providers, you’ll have convenient support throughout your weight loss journey.

Try Zealthy →

Ro is a better fit for those relying on insurance for GLP-1s

Ro’s weight loss program is a solid option for those who have insurance coverage for brand-name GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy. While it doesn’t offer compounded semaglutide—leading to higher costs for those paying out of pocket—it provides a structured approach with metabolic lab testing and prescription support. However, for those looking for more affordable and flexible options, including compounded alternatives and additional medication choices, Zealthy remains the better choice.

Try Ro →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does 1 weight loss injection last?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide injections last for one week, while liraglutide injections last for one day.

Does the 3-month injection make you lose weight?

Weekly semaglutide injections can yield weight loss of around 5% after three months.

What is the average weight loss per month with Mounjaro?

The average weight loss with Mounjaro is around 6% after two months, 11% after four months, and 21% after 18 months.

In which states is Zealthy weight loss program available?

Zealthy is available in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

In which states is Ro weight loss program available?

Ro is available in all 50 states.

Methodology

To find the best online weight loss program, we extensively researched multiple telehealth brands and only considered those that were specifically designed for weight management. Next, we narrowed our list down to only the highest-rated and most effective, dependable options. We then evaluated the weight loss program, range of medications, and ongoing support from healthcare providers. We also considered the programs’ ease of use, effectiveness, customer service, and monthly cost. Finally, we tested weight loss programs from Zealthy and Ro to see how user-friendly, effective, and convenient it was to use.

We ultimately made our decision based on value for money, availability of FDA-approved weight loss medications, medication quality, and ongoing care.

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