Alternatives to Mochi Health for online weight loss medications?
Executive summary
Telehealth clinics and digital programs that compete with Mochi Health include direct telemedicine prescribers (Hims, Hers, LookMeds, FuturHealth), specialty obesity clinics (Calibrate, Form Health), and broader digital-weight programs (Noom, Levity); many of these emphasize GLP‑1 medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, Mounjaro and brand options such as Wegovy [1] [2] [3] [4]. Comparisons in the trade press and vendor blogs stress differences in pricing, inclusion of dietitian or coaching services, compounded vs. branded meds, and insurance support as the main axes of choice [5] [6] [7].
1. Who the main alternatives are — familiar names and niche players
If you’re looking beyond Mochi, published competitor lists and vendor comparisons repeatedly name Hims, Hers, LookMeds, FuturHealth, Calibrate, Form Health, Levity, Noom and specialty offerings such as Fella Health — each presents itself as an alternative for online weight‑loss care or GLP‑1 access [3] [7] [1] [2] [8] [4] [9]. Industry directories and “alternatives” pages aggregate many more options, so the market is broad and fragmented [10].
2. How the offerings differ — medications, coaching, and clinical depth
Alternatives vary by whether they prioritize branded FDA‑approved GLP‑1s (Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic) versus compounded or oral experimental agents, and by what non‑pharmacologic supports are bundled: some services emphasize ongoing registered‑dietitian access and 24/7 support (a distinguishing claim made about Mochi), while others focus on low‑cost medication access or behavioral coaching as the core product [5] [6] [2] [7].
3. Pricing and insurance navigation — a key differentiator
Several reviews flag pricing and insurance handling as decisive. Mochi is described as accepting insurance and providing prior‑authorization help and compounded alternatives when insurance won’t cover brand drugs; other vendors emphasize lower out‑of‑pocket membership models or fixed monthly prices for compounded meds [5] [6] [4]. If cost or insurance coverage matters to you, comparing each provider’s stated approach to prior authorization and cash‑price lists is essential [5] [6] [4].
4. Clinical model — telemedicine alone vs. integrated obesity medicine
Some competitors present as telehealth prescription platforms (Hims, Hers, LookMeds), where an online assessment and video visit lead to prescriptions; others market a structured obesity‑medicine program with ongoing coaching, labs and multidisciplinary teams (Calibrate, Form Health) [1] [7] [3] [8]. The choice depends on whether you want episodic prescribing or an integrated, clinician‑led program with behavioral components [3] [5].
5. Claims about medications — branded, compounded, and new pills
Reporting notes that many platforms list access to GLP‑1s — branded injectables like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound and even compounded alternatives — and some platforms indicate they will offer future oral agents (Mochi’s blog references orforglipron plans) once available [6] [11]. If you prioritize a specific drug (brand or delivery form), confirm availability and whether the provider uses in‑house prescribing, partner pharmacies, or compounding [6] [11].
6. Evidence and outcomes — what is (and isn’t) reported
Vendor comparisons and company surveys sometimes present self‑reported weight‑loss figures (for example, a Hers survey noting average losses in one sample), but independent outcome comparisons across providers are sparse in the sources provided [7]. Published reviews highlight program features and processes rather than head‑to‑head randomized outcomes, so rigorous comparative effectiveness data across these telehealth vendors is not found in the current reporting (available sources do not mention head‑to‑head randomized trials comparing these vendors).
7. How to choose — practical questions to ask each provider
Ask whether they: accept your insurance and handle prior authorization; prescribe branded vs. compounded meds; provide RD or behavioral coaching and how often; offer lab monitoring and physician follow‑ups; publish pricing or out‑of‑pocket estimates; and what their escalation and adverse‑event procedures are [5] [6] [2]. Reviews emphasize these as the concrete differences buyers should confirm before enrolling [5] [2].
Limitations: reporting in the available links is mainly vendor pages, review sites and competitor lists rather than independent comparative research; precise cost comparisons, quality metrics and long‑term outcome data across platforms are not present in these sources (available sources do not mention independent head‑to‑head effectiveness studies).