With an initial focus on weight-management solutions, Whole Health Rx is offering virtual, streamlined access to GLP-1 agonist medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Rybelsus and compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide via licensed medical providers. The company said these telehealth services are offered alongside The Vitamin Shoppe’s nutritionist-recommended supplements to help optimize the weight-loss journey for healthy results.
In addition to nutrition support, education will also be central to the Whole Health Rx experience, with access to online resources to inform the decisions while also highlighting the clinical, nutritional and lifestyle options that can support healthy weight loss and blood sugar management.
Initial conversations about launching Whole Health Rx began internally in the Fall of 2023, which led to consumer research to gauge interest in such an offering.
The research, which included a survey of over 1,500 U.S. adults, revealed that there is a strong appetite for the concept.
Key findings:
- 40% of respondents say they are “extremely” or “very likely” to use a telehealth service from The Vitamin Shoppe
- Interest in the service is even higher among current TVS customers (82%), indicating pre-existing experience with the brand is a major factor, and confirming that these customers trust The Vitamin Shoppe with their health choices.
- Interest in the telehealth service from TVS is also higher among Millennials, ages 27-42 (55%)
- When asked what they like about the concept, respondents most likely say “convenience” and “ease of use”
- Almost all respondents would be comfortable with prescriptions written from a virtual consultation
- Whole Health Rx customers can expect to receive a virtual patient experience from licensed medical providers, beginning 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 vy mail. Monthly medication subscriptions start at $219 per month with introductory pricing ($269 at regular price), with no insurance required.
"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."
Supplements still crucial
Dietary supplement products will also play an important role in supporting weight loss. Dedicated Whole Heath Rx displays will be present in-store and available online. Nutritionist-recommended products for GLP-1 users include: protein supplements that can help offset a reduction in muscle mass when losing weight; a high-quality multivitamin that can provide crucial vitamins and minerals when significantly limiting food intake; a probiotic to support the microbiome and healthy digestion; and fiber supplements to meet daily requirements for this key macronutrient as appetite decreases.
The Vitamin Shoppe’s nutrition and scientific and regulatory teams selected the four key categories to focus on for GLP-1 nutrition support:
- Multivitamin: foundational health needs for anyone getting fewer calories and nutrients in their diet
- Fiber and probiotics: the necessity of supporting gut and digestive health while on GLP-1s
- Protein: the importance of preserving muscle while losing fat and overall weight
"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."
Whole Health Rx enables access to a virtual care platform, powered by WellSync, which connects patients with licensed healthcare providers in real time. The Vitamin Shoppe said the new service will deliver a high standard of personalized care and prescription medications, with lower costs and greater convenience.
