1st Optimal vs Helios 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 →
Helios Meds
Best for: Transparent low-cost compounded semaglutide from a LegitScript-approved telehealth provider
Visit Helios Meds →1st Optimal and Helios 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, Helios Meds starts at $149.99/mo, and Helios Meds edges ahead overall (7.0 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.
Helios Meds
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What’s included
1st Optimal
Inclusions not disclosed.
Helios 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
Helios Meds
7.0/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Helios Meds |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $149.99/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 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 Helios Meds
Helios Meds is a US telehealth provider based in Hockessin, Delaware offering physician-prescribed compounded GLP-1 medications for weight loss, with US board-certified physicians and LegitScript approval. Compounded semaglutide starts at $149.99/month and compounded tirzepatide at $349.97/month, with an online provider review and discreet shipping. Pricing is transparent; a public state list is not enumerated on the site.
Read our full Helios 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
Helios Meds
What we like
- Transparent compounded pricing: semaglutide from $149.99/month
- Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide via online provider review
- LegitScript-approved with US board-certified physicians
- Discreet shipping
Watch-outs
- Compounded GLP-1s are not FDA-approved finished products
- Tirzepatide is relatively pricey at $349.97/month
- Public state list is not enumerated
- Cash-pay only — no insurance billing
Our Verdict
Helios Meds edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.0/10 and is particularly strong for Transparent low-cost compounded semaglutide from a LegitScript-approved telehealth provider. 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 Helios Meds if…
You want Transparent low-cost compounded semaglutide from a LegitScript-approved telehealth provider and a starting price around $149.99/mo.
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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 →GobyMeds
Budget-conscious shoppers
From $93/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs Helios 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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