Sept. 12, 2024
Noom is the latest weight loss company to start prescribing compounded versions of the obesity medication semaglutide. This follows similar moves by Hims, Ro, and other telehealth companies capitalizing on shortages of brand-name obesity drugs.
Noom will sell the compounded GLP-1 drug starting at $149 a month, it says. The company, which historically offered a dieting app, has been prescribing shots like Ozempic and Wegovy since May 2023.
Noom also promised that its new program, called GLP-1Rx, will help patients taper off medication and sustain that weight loss through coaching to support behavior change. If they regain weight within 18 months of the 12-month program, they’re eligible for a free year of Noom, a value of $209, or an equivalent discount on medications.
In an interview with Endpoints News, Noom CEO Geoff Cook said the company decided to offer compounded GLP-1s to provide a “good, cash-pay, accessible, affordable option” for people who have struggled to get their hands on the branded drugs, which can cost upwards of $1,000 a month for people without insurance.
The company said it’s partnered with a 503B compounding pharmacy that’s registered with the FDA and follows good manufacturing practices. It declined to disclose the name of the pharmacy (why?).
The Noom executives said they’re also confident that users can stop the medication and keep the weight from rebounding by sticking with the “healthy habits” learned through the Noom app, things like food tracking and exercise.
DietBusinessWatch/Marketdata Commentary
Noom is making a big promise here, and, in our opinion, will be doling out a lot of refunds in the future, based on this promise. If people are not able to maintain or lose weight (by changing behavior, exercising, and eating better) BEFORE taking these meds, what makes Noom think they will be able to do it AFTER getting off the meds? That’s why they went on the drugs in the first place! Most of the clinical studies show that people gain part or all of their weight back after stopping anti-obesity medications. Yes, some do succeed, but they are in a small minority.