Noom Adds $29 Oral Weight Loss Med Dubbed a “Miracle Drug”
Could needle-free weight loss drugs take a back seat in 2025 to oral medications? We may be about to find out
Noom is introducing oral medications for weight loss at a $29 entry price for those who are uneasy about needles, have a lower BMI than needed to qualify for GLP-1s or are preparing to transition off of the industry-disrupting weight loss drugs.
The first oral medication from the digital healthcare platform will include Metformin, a medication designed for managing type 2 diabetes that can be prescribed to boost weight loss. Metformin will be available for eligible new members this month and will be offered an upgraded service for Noom Weight members in early 2025.
“This product is about more than a pill. It represents lasting change and includes Noom’s complete weight loss program,” Noom CEO Geoff Cook said. “Combining medication with behavior change is powerful because the patient is more likely to experience early success, leading to a greater likelihood to stick with the program and transform a new habit into permanent lifestyle change. With the addition of oral medications, we provide a meaningful weight loss treatment option at a lower price.”
The FDA-approved medication has been referred to as a “wonder drug” for its versatility and minimal side effects. In addition to diabetes and pre-diabetes, Metformin has been used to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and could extend lifespan, making it a medication of interest for those invested in anti-aging solutions. Telemedicine platform AgelessRx offers the medication as not just a weight-busting drug, but a longevity tool.
Dr. Adonis Saremi, Noom’s chief medical officer, explained that Metformin increases the levels of an “anti-hunger” molecule.
“This is the same molecule that is produced after vigorous exercise, a time when hunger is naturally suppressed,” Dr. Saremi said. “Metformin also helps lower glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, both of which aid in weight loss. It also stabilizes blood sugar, which normalizes insulin levels, helping to burn fat.”
Noom has been laser-focused on the weight loss medication space this year, launching a Muscle Defense fitness program to safeguard GLP-1 users against losing lean muscle mass and adding in-app body scanning technology for GLP-1 users to track their body composition. More recently, Noom created a GLP-1 Supply Tracker and unveiled high-protein meal replacement bars and shakes for those on weight loss medication users.
