Telehealth platforms like Noom have entered the weight management medication market, offering access to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs, both in their compounded and branded forms. Noom's approach, branded as Noom Med, bundles this medication access with its established psychology-based coaching and behavioral support platform. This creates a bundled service aimed at maximizing weight loss and ensuring long-term success beyond medication alone. However, the cost of GLP 1 through Noom depends on the specific program you choose, with multiple options available to fit different needs and budgets.
Noom's GLP-1 Program Options and Pricing
Noom Med offers three primary pathways for individuals interested in GLP-1 medications, each with a distinct pricing structure. The final cost will depend on the program selected and whether you receive compounded or brand-name medications. Compounded options do not require insurance coverage, while accessing brand-name drugs through Noom's telehealth service relies on your insurance plan for medication costs.
Noom Microdose GLP-1Rx Program
This is Noom's most cost-effective GLP-1 option, designed for individuals who want to start with a lower dose to minimize potential side effects.
- Cost: $119 for the first 3 weeks, then $199 per month afterward.
- Medication: Includes compounded GLP-1 medication (likely semaglutide), shipped directly to your door.
- Inclusions: This price includes medical oversight, 1:1 health coaching, access to the Noom GLP-1 Companion program, and home delivery.
Noom GLP-1Rx Program (Standard Dose)
For those who may need a more dynamic, personalized dosing schedule, this program offers a gradual titration to a higher dose over time.
- Cost: $149 for the first month, then $297 per month billed in 3-month increments.
- Medication: Includes compounded GLP-1 medication.
- Inclusions: Like the Microdose program, this includes the full suite of Noom support, including clinical management, coaching, and the GLP-1 Companion program.
Telehealth for Branded GLP-1s
This option is for individuals who prefer or need branded GLP-1s, such as Wegovy® or Zepbound®.
- Cost: Starts at $69 (e.g., for a 21-day trial) and moves to a monthly fee, for example, $99, for ongoing access to the clinical service.
- Medication: The cost of the medication itself is not included in the membership fee and is paid separately via your pharmacy, depending on your insurance coverage. Without insurance, brand-name GLP-1s can cost over $1,300 per month.
Key Factors Influencing Your Final Cost
- Medication Type: Your primary choice is between a compounded GLP-1, which is included in the monthly fee for Noom's Rx plans, and a branded GLP-1, which requires separate payment via your pharmacy.
- Insurance Coverage: If you opt for brand-name GLP-1s, your insurance coverage will significantly impact your out-of-pocket medication costs, and it's important to understand your plan's coverage for weight loss treatments. The compounded options offered by Noom do not require insurance and offer transparent pricing.
- Program Duration: Longer commitments for the behavioral-only Noom Weight program often reduce the average monthly cost, but the Noom Med plans are billed monthly or quarterly regardless.
- State Availability: Noom Med is not available in all U.S. states, and availability can affect your access to specific plans or medications.
What's Included in the Noom Med Programs?
Noom differentiates itself by bundling medication with comprehensive support. This is designed to improve adherence, manage side effects, and provide sustainable results. When you purchase a Noom Med GLP-1 plan, you gain access to a range of features:
- Clinical Supervision: Unlimited messaging with a licensed healthcare provider and care coordinators.
- Expert Coaching: Premium 1:1 health coaching to guide you through your weight loss journey.
- Behavioral Support: The full suite of Noom's psychology-based lessons and tracking tools.
- Muscle Defense™: A specialized program designed to prevent lean muscle loss, a common side effect of GLP-1 medications, featuring protein tracking and targeted workouts.
- Home Delivery: Prescribed medication is shipped directly to your door, if eligible.
Noom GLP-1 Pricing Comparison
| Feature | Noom Microdose GLP-1Rx | Noom GLP-1Rx (Standard) | Noom Telehealth (Branded) | Other Telehealth (e.g., Hims) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $119 (first 3 weeks) | $149 (first month) | $69 (21-day trial) | Varies; compounded injectable starts at $199/mo (Hims) |
| Ongoing Price | $199/mo | $297/mo (billed quarterly) | ~$99/mo for service | Varies, e.g., $199/mo (Hims) |
| Medication Type | Compounded GLP-1 | Compounded GLP-1 | Branded GLP-1s (Wegovy®, Zepbound®) | Compounded GLP-1s |
| Insurance Required | No | No | Yes (for medication cost) | No |
| Behavioral Support | Included | Included | Included | Included (varies) |
Potential Downsides and Considerations
While Noom's bundled approach has its benefits, some users have reported issues.
- Customer Service: Some reviews mention slow or unhelpful customer service and a reliance on automated responses.
- Dose Confusion: The transition from branded GLP-1s to Noom's compounded versions has caused confusion for some users regarding appropriate dosing and effectiveness.
- Medication Sourcing: The use of compounded medications, while legal during brand-name shortages, has been flagged for regulatory scrutiny, and quality control can be a concern for some users. Noom, however, states they use carefully selected, U.S.-based pharmacy partners with third-party testing.
Conclusion
The cost of GLP 1 through Noom is not a single price point but varies depending on the specific program you choose, whether you use compounded or branded medication, and if you have insurance. Noom's compounded GLP-1 options, starting at $119 to $149 for the first month and increasing thereafter, offer a more accessible entry point for medication-assisted weight loss by including the drug and comprehensive support in one monthly fee. For those with insurance coverage, the telehealth plan offers access to branded medications but requires separate payment for the drug. Ultimately, Noom's pricing reflects its bundled offering of medication with behavioral change support, a strategy it claims leads to more effective and sustainable weight loss than medication alone. Before enrolling, prospective users should carefully consider their medication preference, insurance status, and the bundled services to determine the best fit for their budget and goals.
