1st Optimal vs Arc-1
An in-depth comparison of two leading GLP-1 Providers
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1st Optimal
Best for: Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program
Visit 1st Optimal →
Arc-1
Best for: patients seeking per-dose compounded GLP-1 without subscriptions
Visit Arc-1 →1st Optimal and Arc-1 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, Arc-1 starts at $199.99/mo, and 1st Optimal edges ahead overall (6.7 vs 6.5 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.
Arc-1
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What’s included
1st Optimal
Inclusions not disclosed.
Arc-1
What the monthly price covers
Medication
Included
Provider visits
Included
Shipping
Included
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
Arc-1
6.5/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Arc-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $199.99/mo |
| Features | ✓8 features | 3 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Compounded | — | ✓ Yes |
| Brand Name | — | — |
| FSA/HSA Accepted | — | — |
| FDA Warnings | None | None |
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 Arc-1
Arc-1 offers compounded semaglutide (from $249.99) and compounded tirzepatide (from $299.99) as per-dose purchases, not monthly subscriptions. Longevity-focused platform also offering ED medication, B12, NAD+, Rapamycin, Sermorelin, and Metformin.
Read our full Arc-1 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
Arc-1
What we like
- Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide available
- Per-dose purchasing — no subscription or membership required
- 25% off plus free shipping promotion
- Broader longevity formulary (rapamycin, NAD+, sermorelin)
- LegitScript Certified badge now displayed on product pages
Watch-outs
- No legal entity name or address disclosed
- State availability not disclosed
- No named clinicians or pharmacy partners
- Per-dose pricing still climbs with dose (semaglutide 2.5mg is $549.99/mo, tirzepatide 7.5mg $399.99/mo)
Our Verdict
1st Optimal edges out Arc-1 with a higher overall score of 6.7/10 and is particularly strong for Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program. Arc-1 remains a solid alternative, especially if you're looking for patients seeking per-dose compounded GLP-1 without subscriptions.
Choose 1st Optimal if…
You want Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Choose Arc-1 if…
You want patients seeking per-dose compounded GLP-1 without subscriptions and a starting price around $199.99/mo.
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Found
Mainstream telehealth GLP-1 access
From $99/mo
Get started →Breeze Meds
Compounded GLP-1 access with named prescribers and 4-pharmacy network
From $169/mo
Get started →Telos Rx
Needle-free and microdosed compounded GLP-1 options with lab-monitored care
From $49/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs Arc-1: FAQ
Key terms, explained
New to GLP-1s? Tap any term for a quick, plain-English definition.
- Semaglutide · Drugs and brands
- Tirzepatide · Drugs and brands
- Compounded GLP-1 · Pharmacy and drug forms
- 503A pharmacy · Pharmacy and drug forms
- PCAB accreditation · Pharmacy and drug forms
- Prior authorization (PA) · Insurance and regulatory
- Off-label use · Insurance and regulatory
- FDA Drug Shortage List · Insurance and regulatory
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Or see the full category ranking.
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