1st Optimal vs LIV by WellNow
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 →
LIV by WellNow
Best for: Patients in IL, IN, MI, NY, or PA wanting flat all-inclusive compounded semaglutide
Visit LIV by WellNow →1st Optimal and LIV by WellNow 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, LIV by WellNow starts at $279/mo, and LIV by WellNow 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
Pricing not publicly listed.
LIV by WellNow
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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
LIV by WellNow
6.9/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | LIV by WellNow |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $279/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | 5 |
| 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 LIV by WellNow
LIV by WellNow is the telehealth weight-management arm of WellNow Urgent Care, offering compounded semaglutide for weight loss. The flat $279 per month price covers medication, injection supplies, and unlimited virtual visits with board-certified online providers, plus same-day approval and monthly home delivery. Eligibility requires age 18+ and a BMI of 30+, or 27+ with a weight-related condition. Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved. Service is limited to Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania, and insurance is not accepted.
Read our full LIV by WellNow 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
LIV by WellNow
What we like
- Flat $279/month covers medication, supplies, and unlimited virtual visits
- Backed by established WellNow Urgent Care brand
- Board-certified online medical providers
- Same-day approval and monthly home delivery
- Transparent all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
Watch-outs
- Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved or evaluated
- Only available in five states (IL, IN, MI, NY, PA)
- No tirzepatide option offered
- Insurance not accepted for compounded semaglutide
Our Verdict
LIV by WellNow edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 6.9/10 and is particularly strong for Patients in IL, IN, MI, NY, or PA wanting flat all-inclusive compounded semaglutide. 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 LIV by WellNow if…
You want Patients in IL, IN, MI, NY, or PA wanting flat all-inclusive compounded semaglutide and a starting price around $279/mo.
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Sunlight
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 →Found
Mainstream telehealth GLP-1 access
From $99/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs LIV by WellNow: 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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