1st Optimal vs Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center
An in-depth comparison of two leading GLP-1 Providers
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1st Optimal
Best for: GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program
Visit 1st Optimal →
Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center
Best for: sublingual ODT GLP-1 tablets or a needle-free weight-loss option
Visit Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center →1st Optimal and Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center 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, 1st Optimal starts lower at $99/mo versus $149/mo, and Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center 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
Care membership only — the GLP-1 medication is billed separately and is not priced.
Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center
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What’s included
1st Optimal
What the monthly price covers
Medication
Not disclosed
Provider visits
Included
Shipping
Included
Lab work
Not disclosed
Coaching
Included
Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center
Inclusions 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
Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center
7.4/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ✓$99/mo | $149/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | 50 |
| Compounded | — | ✓ Yes |
| Brand Name | ✓ Yes | — |
| 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 Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center
Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center is a Maine-based clinic (Oakland) offering nationwide telehealth for GLP-1 weight loss. It prescribes semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide in both injectable and sublingual ODT (orally dissolving tablet) forms, a differentiator for needle-averse patients. A semaglutide starting dose runs $150 and monthly plans start at $149 with no contracts and flexible weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly scheduling. Care is led by Dr. Gillis, a board-certified physician and surgeon with 25-plus years in gut health who serves on the Maine State Medical Board.
Read our full Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center 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
Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center
What we like
- Sublingual ODT tablets offered as needle-free alternative
- Broad GLP-1 menu: semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide
- Transparent pricing: $150 starting dose, plans from $149/mo
- Led by board-certified physician/surgeon with 25+ years experience
- No contracts; flexible weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cadence
Watch-outs
- Specific dose-tier pricing beyond starting plan not detailed
- Compounded vs brand not explicitly stated for all meds
- Smaller clinic vs national telehealth brands
- State licensing list not published
Our Verdict
Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.4/10 and is particularly strong for sublingual ODT GLP-1 tablets or a needle-free weight-loss option. 1st Optimal remains a solid alternative, especially if you're looking for GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Choose 1st Optimal if…
You want GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program and a starting price around $99/mo.
Choose Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center if…
You want sublingual ODT GLP-1 tablets or a needle-free weight-loss option and a starting price around $149/mo.
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Get started →1st Optimal vs Dr. Gillis' Wellness Center: 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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