Willow vs Hers

Willow and Hers are two very popular, but very different, GLP-1 providers that target women specifically. I took a close look at both Hers and Willow to discover what each provider has to offer, where they shine, any possible red flags, and, finally, which demographic of people I would recommend for each.

I did not order medication from either brand; however, I spent copious amounts of time researching and dissecting both providers’ websites and intake processes to get the most accurate feel I could for each. My goal is always to help the consumer align with the GLP-1 provider that’ll best satisfy their needs.

Differences

When it comes to Willow and Hers, I decided to go ahead and start with their differences, because there are many. The biggest and most glaringly obvious difference between Willow and Hers is the medication they offer. Willow exclusively offers compounded GLP-1 medications, and Hers exclusively offers brand-name medications. In my opinion, this should be the first thing you consider when choosing between the two of these providers. You’ll want to know what type of medication you’re looking for: compounded or brand-name.

Do your own research on the difference between compounded medications and medications direct from the manufacturer, but the main differences typically lie in potency and price. Generally speaking, the medications coming directly from the manufacturer are free of any additives, and therefore, more potent than those that are compounded with another added ingredient like B-12 or glycine. From a pricing perspective, compounded GLP-1s are typically more affordable; however, companies like Hers are making accessing brand-name medications more affordable as well.

The next major difference between these two providers is that Hers has a membership model and Willow does not. With Hers, you will be required to pay a monthly membership fee, which is $39 for your first month and then $149 per month thereafter. The Hers membership is billed separately and does not include or guarantee a prescription, but also, medication is not available without the membership. So, essentially, you will be required to pay for the membership up front, at the first-month price of $39, before you are even approved for the medication. If you are approved, you would then be billed for the price of the medication, and your membership fee would be ongoing so long as you continue with your prescription.

Willow does not have a membership model; everything they offer is included with the price of the medication. As a Willow patient, you get access to your prescription, a licensed US doctor, and their dashboard, which allows you to manage your account and speak with either your clinician or their customer support team.

Another noteworthy difference between Hers and Willow is their target demographic and who they market their products to. Hers seems to follow traditional GLP-1 eligibility guidelines, focusing on approving patients with obesity or who are overweight and have weight-related health conditions. Willow markets more heavily toward people seeking body composition changes, maintenance support, or smaller amounts of weight loss. Willow appeals to individuals who might not meet the typical BMI thresholds that are held by many weight loss programs.

Similarities

While there are some pretty significant differences between Willow and Hers, there are also some similarities between the two providers. Both providers provide very similar care, regardless of the type of medication they offer.

Whether you choose Willow or Hers, you can expect that the price you pay (a separate membership fee in the case of Hers) will include access to a US doctor who’s licensed in your state to review and approve or deny your medication, ongoing care and check-ins, direct access to your provider via secure messaging, and medications delivered to your doorstep from a licensed pharmacy.

Both providers also mainly target women. Hers has a brother company, His, to handle the male side of things, while Willow will serve both men and women, but specifically targets women in their marketing.

Finally, both providers offer both injections and oral pill forms of GLP-1 medications.

Main Takeaways/My Recommendations

After reviewing both Willow and Hers, it’s clear to me that these two companies are for two very different customers. Willow is great for those who want fast, discreet, hassle-free approval of GLP-1 medications without significant BMI barriers. Willow is also perfect for those who are seeking and/or are ok with utilizing a compounded version of the medication.

For those who want name-brand medication, Hers is the clear choice. So long as your BMI and medical history necessitate your prescription, Hers will give you access to name-brand GLP-1 medications at an affordable starting price. Keep in mind that the cost of medication is likely to increase as your dosage increases and that you will be paying the separate monthly membership fee to maintain your access.