1st Optimal vs Maximus
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 →
Maximus
Best for: men seeking compounded GLP-1 alongside testosterone optimization
Visit Maximus →1st Optimal and Maximus 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, 1st Optimal starts lower at $99/mo versus $249.99/mo, and Maximus edges ahead overall (7.6 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
Care membership only — the GLP-1 medication is billed separately and is not priced.
Maximus
1-month plan; the 4-month is $199.49/mo and the 12-month $150.32/mo.
1-month plan; the 4-month is $298.99/mo and the 12-month $240.66/mo.
Brand-name oral GLP-1; 'Foundayo starting at $199.99 /mo'
Brand-name, dispensed as the manufacturer's pen or tablet.
Brand-name, dispensed as the manufacturer's pen or tablet.
Brand-name, dispensed as the manufacturer's pen or tablet.
Brand-name; multi-dose KwikPen at same self-pay price as vial
Brand-name; on-label tirzepatide
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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
Maximus
What the monthly price covers
Medication
Included
Provider visits
Not disclosed
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
Maximus
7.6/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Maximus |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ✓$99/mo | $249.99/mo |
| Features | ✓8 features | 5 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | 51 |
| Compounded | — | ✓ Yes |
| Brand Name | ✓ Yes | — |
| FSA/HSA Accepted | — | — |
| FDA Warnings | ✓None | 1 warning |
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 Maximus
Maximus is a men's health platform offering compounded semaglutide (from $149.99/mo with a 12-month plan) and compounded tirzepatide alongside testosterone replacement therapy and longevity treatments. Available in all 50 states + DC. Microdose protocol available for patients with less weight to lose.
Read our full Maximus 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
Maximus
What we like
- All 50 states + DC coverage
- Microdose GLP-1 protocol for patients with less weight to lose
- Established men's health brand
- Semaglutide from $149.99/mo and tirzepatide from $249.99/mo on 12-month plans, flat-rate across all dose tiers ($249.99/$359.99 month-to-month)
Watch-outs
- No LegitScript or PCAB certification found
- BBB F rating reported by third-party reviewers — complaints about unfulfilled prescriptions
- Men's health platform — TRT is the core product, GLP-1 is secondary
- Compounded only — no brand-name options
Our Verdict
Maximus edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.6/10 and is particularly strong for men seeking compounded GLP-1 alongside testosterone optimization. 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 and a starting price around $99/mo.
Choose Maximus if…
You want men seeking compounded GLP-1 alongside testosterone optimization and a starting price around $249.99/mo.
Ready to start? Vetted GLP-1 providers
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Maximus
Men seeking compounded GLP-1 alongside testosterone optimization
From $199.99/mo
Get started →Sesame Care
Brand-name GLP-1s at cash prices, no compounding
From $25/mo
Get started →Try Ageless
Lowest-tier compounded GLP-1 in injection, troche and sublingual forms
From $119/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs Maximus: 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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