Vitamin Shoppe launches telehealth platform — with focus on weight reduction
The Vitamin Shoppe is rolling out a virtual healthcare service that will offer access to weight management solution such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Rybelsus.
The health and wellness products retailer is introducing Whole Health Rx, a telehealth service that it said will offer "a holistic approach encompassing prescription medications, nutritional supplements for whole-body health, and expert guidance on lifestyle practices designed to support lifelong wellness."
Whole Health Rx enables access to a virtual care platform, powered by WellSync, that seamlessly connects patients with licensed healthcare providers in real time. The service is initially launching with a focus on weight-management solutions, offering virtual access to GLP-1 agonist medications (a class of diabetes drugs that also promote weight loss), including Ozempic, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, and compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, via licensed medical providers.
Whole Health Rx will offer customers a virtual patient experience from licensed medical providers with an online questionnaire regarding medical history and goals, as well as a live video interview if deemed necessary for further assessment.
If approved for a prescription, orders will be fulfilled through Whole Health Rx's pharmacy partners and delivered in the mail. Monthly medication subscriptions start at $219 per month with introductory pricing ($269 at regular price), with no insurance required.
The Vitamin Shoppe is also offering education resources and nutritionist-recommended supplements to help optimize healthy weight loss. Supplement products that can support weight loss are available in-store and online at The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements, within dedicated Whole Heath Rx displays.
"Whole Health Rx by The Vitamin Shoppe is a meaningful evolution in our company's mission to consistently and comprehensively support the health needs of our customers,” said Lee Wright, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe. “As a pioneer in the wellness space since 1977, The Vitamin Shoppe is uniquely positioned to offer a truly holistic approach to weight loss that unites proven pharmaceutical interventions with our unmatched expertise in nutrition support and whole-body health. As we continue to enhance The Vitamin Shoppe's position as the leading destination for lifelong wellness, Whole Health Rx will expand to meet other health needs beyond weight management."
"Data shows that a significant percentage of the population is not meeting the daily requirements for key nutrients, such as vitamins C, D, and magnesium,” said Brian Tanzer, director of scientific and regulatory affairs at The Vitamin Shoppe. “This problem will be further exacerbated by the use of GLP-1 medications which decrease overall food intake. Whole Health Rx is a multidimensional service that can help ensure individuals have the proper nutrition information and products to manage weight loss in a healthy and effective manner."
Based in Secaucus, N.J., The Vitamin Shoppe operates 700 company-operated retail stores under The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements banners, as well as an e-commerce site.