A Holistic Approach to Better Health

No one needs to be convinced that our health is the most important thing we have. But living a healthy lifestyle? That’s easier said than done. Our bodies are like an ecosystem, with many interconnected factors affecting our overall health, and we need to consider all of them—nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and more—to achieve optimum health. That’s why Craig Primack, MD, trusts the holistic approach of Hims & Hers. Dr. Primack, co-founder of the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center and co-author of the book Chasing Diets, says the personalized treatment plans offered through Hims & Hers “take your entire self into account.” Here, Dr. Primack, a senior vice president at Hims & Hers, explains how the program works and why it’s so effective.

Outside: Why is it so important to take a comprehensive, holistic approach to managing your health?

Craig Primack, MD: Taking a comprehensive and holistic approach to managing your health is important because it addresses the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and your environment. A comprehensive approach focuses on supporting every aspect of your health and wellness, preventing illness, and improving your general quality of life.

A holistic approach emphasizes lifestyle choices, nutrition, exercise, stress management, medications where appropriate, and early detection to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It also considers genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, leading to more personalized and effective health strategies rather than one-size-fits-all treatments.

This approach promotes the importance of sustainable habits and behaviors that enhance lifelong health, energy, and vitality, supporting not only physical health but also mental well-being and emotional stability, which leads to an overall more fulfilling life.

How does weight management impact an individual’s total health? 

There are an estimated 230 medical conditions affected by weight, including blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, and joint pain, to name a few. Weight loss also impacts kidney and liver health, sleep apnea, and at least 13 different kinds of cancer.

In addition to these medical conditions, weight loss plays a significant role in other aspects of your health, including mental, behavioral, and emotional health, as well as sexual health. Many people who lose weight report feeling healthier, more confident, and more social, along with improved sexual well-being.

How does weight loss figure into a holistic health plan?

A successful and sustainable weight-loss journey requires a comprehensive approach that takes your entire self into account. Most individuals who are overweight have previously tried to lose weight and have either been unsuccessful or have lost weight but cannot keep it off. They need a more holistic approach. When we change gears and take a medically based approach, then people are more successful. Today, comprehensive weight-loss care uses a four-pronged approach, taking into account:

1. Diet and nutrition
2. Movement and strength training
3. Behavioral education and stress control
4. Medications for weight loss

When you have been unable to lose weight on your own or if you can lose weight but cannot keep it off, it’s time to consider a comprehensive, medically based approach that takes these four pillars into account.

What kinds of tools best support a successful weight-loss journey?

The successful outcomes that Hims & Hers weight-loss customers see through our platform aren’t just thanks to medication alone—they’re byproducts of Hims & Hers’ holistic, comprehensive, and personalized approach to wellness. Our weight-loss program demonstrates the positive impact of individualized treatment plans that include medication management, holistic support, educational resources, and convenient access to a care team. We offer access to personalized treatments based on individual goals, history, and preferences, including compounded oral medications and GLP-1s. Our platform also provides nutritional support, exercise recommendations, mental health resources, sleep guidance, and progress tracking for hydration, movement, and sleep—all within the Hims & Hers app.

As part of this approach, our customers have unlimited access to personalized clinical guidance from a dedicated care team that provides the support and partnership that best works for their needs, along with educational content and resources, protein-based meal replacements, movement and strength training recommendations, as well as dietitian-approved recipes and nutritional guidance—all of it leading to meaningful impact in weight management and beyond.

Why is movement and spending time outside important?

Movement and exercise have been described as keystone habits for weight loss. If you picture an arch made of stones, the keystone is the stone that holds the whole arch together. Remove the keystone, it all falls apart.

When we move and are more active throughout our days, our entire health is positively impacted, including improving mental well-being, mood, and the length and quality of sleep. There are studies comparing movement—especially movement in the outdoors—to antidepressant medications; when compared head to head, the outdoors wins!

Why is it important to have a personalized weight-loss treatment plan?

Throughout my 20 years of medical experience, I have seen firsthand the difference that a comprehensive, individually tailored treatment approach makes in people’s weight-loss journeys. Every person’s experiences and needs are unique—their care should be, too.

Weight-loss medications in personalized treatment plans from Hims & Hers include individualized titration schedules and dosages that serve each individual’s specific needs and preferences. Each patient’s medical provider takes an in-depth look at their medical histories, their tolerance for side effects, their background, and their goals. Customers also have 24/7 access to a dedicated care team to support them on their journey and answer any questions they have related to their plan.

What results can people expect?

Every individual experience is different, but based on the self-reported data we analyzed from thousands of Hims & Hers customers as of October 1, 2024, we found that customers have experienced meaningful results while using our personalized, comprehensive weight-loss plans. Customers using oral weight-loss medication reported having lost an average of 7.5 pounds by day 28 and nine pounds by day 56.* Customers using compounded GLP-1 medications reported having lost 9.3 pounds in the first month and 12.5 pounds by day 56. Additionally, after 56 days, over 90 percent of Hims & Hers weight-loss customers reported feeling healthier and experiencing improvements in various health conditions, confidence, and mood.

Hims & Hers is on a mission to help the world feel great through the power of better health. We believe how you feel in your body and mind transforms how you show up in life. That’s why we’re building a future where nothing stands in the way of harnessing this power. No two people are the same, so we provide access to personalized care designed for results. At our core, our mission is deeply personal—because we too are customers. This is the enduring power of Hims & Hers.

Compounded products are not approved nor evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by FDA. 

*Based on self-reported data from approximately 1400 Hims customers and  2100 Hers customers on a personalized treatment plan including compounded GLP-1 injections, along with a reduced calorie diet and exercise. Customers reported their weight at their initial medical consultation and their first check-in approximately 4 weeks later. Hims customers reported an average weight loss of 11.7 pounds and Hers customers reported an average weight loss of 9 pounds. Stopping weight loss treatment has been shown to result in weight regain. 

Not available in all 50 states. Weight Loss by Hims & Hers is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and compounded GLP-1 injections  or medication kits including customized compounded medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions, including online provider consultation requirements.