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1st Optimal vs Alan Meds

An in-depth comparison of two leading GLP-1 Providers

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By Eli Marsden · Founding Editor
Editorially reviewed & fact-checked against primary sources · How we verify contentLast reviewed
1st Optimal logo

1st Optimal

6.7
★★★☆☆3.4/5

Best for: Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program

Visit 1st Optimal
VS
Alan Meds logo

Alan Meds

7.8
★★★3.9/5

Best for: budget-conscious shoppers

Visit Alan Meds

1st Optimal and Alan Meds are both GLP-1 Providers competing for the same patients, but they make different trade-offs on price, coverage, and what's included. In our scoring, Alan Meds starts at $99/mo, and Alan Meds edges ahead overall (7.8 vs 6.7 out of 10). Below we break down pricing, what each plan covers, the six-dimension score, pros and cons, and exactly who should pick which.

Pricing

1st Optimal

Pricing not publicly listed.

Alan Meds

InjectableCompounded
$158/mo
semaglutide
MicrodosingCompounded
$99/mo
semaglutide
Oral MicrodosingCompounded
$135/mo
semaglutide
InjectableCompounded
$295/mo
tirzepatide
MicrodosingCompounded
$145/mo
tirzepatide

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What’s included

1st Optimal

Inclusions not disclosed.

Alan Meds

What the monthly price covers

Medication

Included

Provider visits

Included

Shipping

Not disclosed

Lab work

Not disclosed

Coaching

Not disclosed

Score breakdown

Both providers are scored on the same six-dimension framework. The gradient bar marks the stronger side on each dimension.

1st Optimal

6.7/10

Overall

Alan Meds

7.8/10

Value25%

6.5A
vs
B
9.0

Effectiveness25%

7.0A
vs
B
7.5

User Experience15%

6.5A
vs
B
7.0

Trust & Safety15%

6.5A
vs
B
7.3

Accessibility10%

6.5A
vs
B
7.5

Support10%

7.4A
vs
B
7.4

Features & Coverage

Feature1st OptimalAlan Meds
Starting Price$99/mo
Features8 features5 features
States AvailableNot disclosed46
Compounded✓ Yes
Brand Name
FSA/HSA Accepted
FDA WarningsNoneNone

About 1st Optimal

1st Optimal is a Michigan-based telehealth and functional-medicine platform offering GLP-1 weight loss medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, as once-weekly injections or daily oral tablets. Its model pairs prescription GLP-1 therapy with at-home lab testing, blood-work interpretation, unlimited coaching, and personalized protocols framed around long-term weight loss and longevity. Care is delivered virtually by credentialed providers, and treatments ship to the home with no long-term contracts. The site does not publish monthly pricing or a state list.

Read our full 1st Optimal review →

About Alan Meds

Telehealth platform offering compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide with multiple administration formats including microdosing and oral options.

Read our full Alan Meds review →

Pros & Cons

1st Optimal

What we like

  • Offers both semaglutide and tirzepatide with injectable and oral formats
  • Functional-medicine approach with at-home labs and blood-work interpretation
  • Unlimited coaching and ongoing support included
  • No long-term contracts
  • Board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners referenced

Watch-outs

  • No public monthly pricing disclosed
  • No published state availability list
  • Compounded vs branded sourcing not clarified on site
  • Pricing only revealed after quiz or consultation

Alan Meds

What we like

  • Aggressively low monthly pricing
  • Both semaglutide and tirzepatide available
  • Compounded GLP-1 access
  • Multiple administration formats

Watch-outs

  • Limited public information on program details

Our Verdict

Winner: Alan Meds

Alan Meds edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.8/10 and is particularly strong for budget-conscious shoppers. 1st Optimal remains a solid alternative, especially if you're looking for Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.

Choose 1st Optimal if…

You want Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.

Choose Alan Meds if…

You want budget-conscious shoppers and a starting price around $99/mo.

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7.3

Sunlight

Compounded GLP-1 with unlimited telehealth visits and free shipping

7.4

MadeMed

Compounded GLP-1 in both injection and oral forms

8.3

Found

Mainstream telehealth GLP-1 access

1st Optimal vs Alan Meds: FAQ

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