1st Optimal vs Harper Meds
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 →
Harper Meds
Best for: flat-rate compounded GLP-1 with everything bundled into one price
Visit Harper Meds →1st Optimal and Harper 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, Harper Meds starts at $149/mo, and Harper Meds edges ahead overall (7.7 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.
Harper Meds
Flat price at every dose; includes consult, prescription, 4 weeks of medication, and free shipping.
Flat price at every dose; all-inclusive (consult, prescription, medication, shipping).
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What’s included
1st Optimal
Inclusions not disclosed.
Harper Meds
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
Harper Meds
7.7/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Harper Meds |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $149/mo |
| Features | ✓8 features | 4 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 Harper Meds
DTC telehealth weight-loss program (Nexus Health Solutions LLC) offering flat-rate compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, with the consultation, prescription, medication, and shipping bundled into one monthly price.
Read our full Harper 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
Harper Meds
What we like
- Flat pricing — same cost at every dose, no escalation as you titrate up
- All-inclusive: doctor consultation, prescription, medication, and free shipping in one price
- LegitScript-certified; prescriptions reviewed by US-licensed M.D.s
- Offers both compounded semaglutide ($149/mo) and tirzepatide ($196/mo)
Watch-outs
- Membership fee is non-refundable once paid
- Partner pharmacy is not publicly named
- State availability not published (limited to 'certain states')
Our Verdict
Harper Meds edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.7/10 and is particularly strong for flat-rate compounded GLP-1 with everything bundled into one price. 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 Harper Meds if…
You want flat-rate compounded GLP-1 with everything bundled into one price and a starting price around $149/mo.
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Compounded GLP-1 with unlimited telehealth visits and free shipping
From $159/mo
Get started →MadeMed
Compounded GLP-1 in both injection and oral forms
From $219/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs Harper Meds: 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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