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1st Optimal vs LeanDose

An in-depth comparison of two leading GLP-1 Providers

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By Eli Marsden · Founding Editor
Editorially reviewed & fact-checked against primary sources · How we verify contentLast reviewed
1st Optimal logo

1st Optimal

6.7
★★★☆☆3.4/5

Best for: GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program

Visit 1st Optimal
VS
LeanDose logo

LeanDose

7.5
★★★3.8/5

Best for: Doctor-supervised compounded GLP-1 with transparent all-inclusive pricing

Visit LeanDose

1st Optimal and LeanDose 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, LeanDose starts at $159/mo, and LeanDose edges ahead overall (7.5 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.

LeanDose

First monthCompounded
$159/mo
semaglutide

Transparent first-month all-inclusive pricing from $159; ongoing monthly cost may differ. FDA-registered compounding pharmacy.

First monthCompounded
$279/mo
tirzepatide

Transparent first-month all-inclusive pricing from $279; ongoing monthly cost may differ.

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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

LeanDose

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

Overall

LeanDose

7.5/10

Value25%

6.5A
vs
B
6.5

Effectiveness25%

7.0A
vs
B
8.0

User Experience15%

6.5A
vs
B
8.5

Trust & Safety15%

6.5A
vs
B
7.8

Accessibility10%

6.5A
vs
B
6.5

Support10%

7.4A
vs
B
7.9

Features & Coverage

Feature1st OptimalLeanDose
Starting Price$159/mo
Features8 features8 features
States AvailableNot disclosedNot disclosed
Compounded✓ Yes
Brand Name
FSA/HSA Accepted
FDA WarningsNoneNone

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 LeanDose

LeanDose is a doctor-guided compounded GLP-1 telehealth service for eligible adults, with transparent all-inclusive first-month pricing: compounded semaglutide from $159 and tirzepatide from $279. Treatment is doctor-prescribed and supervised, with personalized care plans, multi-state clinical support, and at-home delivery from an FDA-registered compounding pharmacy. It carries verifiable LegitScript certification and 119 five-star reviews. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved; ongoing pricing may differ from the first-month rate and the pharmacy is unnamed.

Read our full LeanDose 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

LeanDose

What we like

  • Transparent all-inclusive first-month pricing (compounded semaglutide from $159, tirzepatide from $279)
  • Verifiable LegitScript certification (seal ID 49840868) and an FDA-registered compounding pharmacy
  • Doctor-prescribed and supervised, with personalized care plans and multi-state clinical support
  • Convenient at-home delivery; compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide options
  • Honest, modest social proof — 119 five-star patient reviews

Watch-outs

  • Compounded medications are not FDA-approved — not brand Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro
  • Headline rates are first-month pricing; your ongoing monthly cost may be higher
  • Available in multiple states but the full list is not published on the homepage
  • The compounding pharmacy is FDA-registered but not named

Our Verdict

Winner: LeanDose

LeanDose edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.5/10 and is particularly strong for Doctor-supervised compounded GLP-1 with transparent all-inclusive pricing. 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.

Choose LeanDose if…

You want Doctor-supervised compounded GLP-1 with transparent all-inclusive pricing and a starting price around $159/mo.

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1st Optimal vs LeanDose: FAQ

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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.