1st Optimal vs ElleS
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 →
ElleS
Best for: compounded GLP-1 (including oral capsules) within a broad telehealth menu
Visit ElleS →1st Optimal and ElleS 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 $269/mo, and ElleS edges ahead overall (6.9 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.
ElleS
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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
ElleS
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
ElleS
6.9/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | ElleS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ✓$99/mo | $269/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Compounded | — | — |
| 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 ElleS
ElleS (ElleS Inc.) is a comprehensive compounded telehealth service. Its weight-loss line includes compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide in both injectable and oral-capsule forms (plus microdose), sold as 3- and 6-month packages bundling the telehealth visit, medication, and shipping. It also covers TRT, HRT (estradiol), sexual health, hair loss, and longevity (sermorelin, NAD+), with Registered Dietitian support. Pricing is not shown publicly (it appears after the CareValidate intake), the pharmacy partner is unnamed, and no LegitScript certification is displayed.
Read our full ElleS 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
ElleS
What we like
- Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide in both injectable and oral-capsule forms, plus microdose options
- Packages bundle the telehealth visit, medication, and shipping; Registered Dietitian support included
- Full legal suite published — Terms, Privacy Policy, Privacy Practices, and Medical Consent
- Broad menu: also TRT, HRT (estradiol), sexual health, hair loss, and longevity (sermorelin, NAD+)
Watch-outs
- Pricing not shown publicly — products and costs appear only after the intake flow
- Sold as 3- and 6-month packages rather than simple monthly plans
- Compounding pharmacy partner not named ('made in licensed US facilities')
- Not LegitScript-certified (no certification displayed)
Our Verdict
ElleS edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 6.9/10 and is particularly strong for compounded GLP-1 (including oral capsules) within a broad telehealth menu. 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 ElleS if…
You want compounded GLP-1 (including oral capsules) within a broad telehealth menu and a starting price around $269/mo.
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From $165/mo
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From $149.25/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs ElleS: 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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