1st Optimal vs Luci
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 →Luci
Best for: low-cost compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, including oral pill options
Visit Luci →1st Optimal and Luci 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, Luci starts at $99/mo, and Luci edges ahead overall (7.1 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.
Luci
'As low as $99/month' (asterisked intro/lowest rate); actual monthly cost may be higher. Oral semaglutide pill kit also offered.
'As low as $145/month' (asterisked intro/lowest rate); actual monthly cost may be higher. Oral tirzepatide pill kit also offered.
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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
Luci
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
Luci
7.1/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Luci |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $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 Luci
Luci is a budget-focused GLP-1 telehealth platform offering compounded medications with upfront pricing: compounded semaglutide as low as $99/month and compounded tirzepatide as low as $145/month, plus oral semaglutide and tirzepatide pill kits. Care is delivered through DrTelx, an independent US telehealth medical group, after a short questionnaire and provider review, with ongoing support. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved for weight loss; Luci serves only select U.S. states (the full list is not published) and the pharmacy is not named.
Read our full Luci 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
Luci
What we like
- Budget-friendly compounded GLP-1 pricing (compounded semaglutide as low as $99/month, tirzepatide as low as $145/month)
- Multiple formats: compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide injections plus oral semaglutide and tirzepatide pill kits
- Upfront pricing with no insurance required and a fast 3-minute questionnaire to start
- Care delivered through DrTelx, an independent US telehealth medical group, with ongoing support and dose optimization
- HIPAA-compliant platform with a large self-reported member base (50,000+)
Watch-outs
- Compounded medications are not FDA-approved for weight loss (the site discloses this) — not brand Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro
- Available only in select U.S. states, and the full state list is not published
- The compounding pharmacy partner is not named
- Headline prices are 'as low as' rates (asterisked) — your actual monthly cost may be higher
- No LegitScript certification displayed; marketing leans heavily on testimonials
Our Verdict
Luci edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.1/10 and is particularly strong for low-cost compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, including oral pill options. 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 Luci if…
You want low-cost compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide, including oral pill options and a starting price around $99/mo.
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Gala
Compounded GLP-1/GIP combo on a yearly plan with free shipping
From $129/mo
Get started →TMates
Nationwide compounded GLP-1 availability including Puerto Rico
From $249/mo
Get started →Found
Mainstream telehealth GLP-1 access
From $99/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs Luci: 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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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.