1st Optimal vs AskRx
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 →
AskRx
Best for: People who want a brand-name-only GLP-1 prescriber routing to NovoCare or LillyDirect.
Visit AskRx →1st Optimal and AskRx 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, AskRx starts at $199/mo, and AskRx edges ahead overall (7.4 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.
AskRx
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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
AskRx
7.4/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | AskRx |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $199/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | 50 |
| Compounded | — | — |
| Brand Name | — | ✓ Yes |
| FSA/HSA Accepted | — | ✓ Yes |
| 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 AskRx
AskRx is a US telehealth platform whose board-certified physicians exclusively prescribe FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medications for weight loss - no compounded drugs. Offerings include the Wegovy pen and pill (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). AskRx does not dispense, compound, or sell medication; prescriptions are routed to manufacturer pharmacies such as NovoCare and LillyDirect at the patient's choice. A physician subscription runs $99-149/mo and medication is billed separately. LegitScript approved, HIPAA compliant, all 50 states. Subscription may be HSA/FSA eligible.
Read our full AskRx 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
AskRx
What we like
- Prescribes only FDA-approved brand-name GLP-1s, no compounded drugs
- LegitScript approved and HIPAA compliant
- Board-certified physicians trained in obesity medicine
- Transparent dose-based pricing published on site
- Available in all 50 states
- Physician subscription may be HSA/FSA eligible
Watch-outs
- Cash-pay model; medication cost billed separately by the pharmacy
- Does not dispense medication itself, so fulfillment depends on third-party pharmacies
- No compounded lower-cost alternative offered
- Specific list of supported states is not published
Our Verdict
AskRx edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.4/10 and is particularly strong for People who want a brand-name-only GLP-1 prescriber routing to NovoCare or LillyDirect.. 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 AskRx if…
You want People who want a brand-name-only GLP-1 prescriber routing to NovoCare or LillyDirect. and a starting price around $199/mo.
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RNK Health
Compounded GLP-1 alongside NAD+, peptide and longevity add-ons
From $197/mo
Get started →Wellorithm
Compounded GLP-1 access with oral tablet options across 49 states
From $147/mo
Get started →SkinnyRx
Mainstream telehealth GLP-1 access
From $149.25/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs AskRx: 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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Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus® are trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. All other product names and trademarks referenced on this page belong to their respective owners. WeightLossRankings.org is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical manufacturer. See trademark disclaimer.