1st Optimal vs Roen Rx
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 →
Roen Rx
Best for: insured shoppers wanting brand-name GLP-1, with a compounded fallback
Visit Roen Rx →1st Optimal and Roen Rx 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 $151/mo, and Roen Rx 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
Care membership only — the GLP-1 medication is billed separately and is not priced.
Roen Rx
Medication price only; a separate Roen Rx membership is required on top.
Medication price only; membership billed separately.
As low as $25 monthly copay with insurance coordination; membership still required.
First month $39. The standard recurring rate is not published, and GLP-1 medication is not included in the fee.
All-in bundle: $217 first month, then $297/mo. 'bundle' in dose keeps it out of the molecule cost-engine so it does not double-count the standalone $151 med row.
All-in bundle: $349 first month, then $449/mo.
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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
Roen Rx
Inclusions 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
Roen Rx
7.1/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Roen Rx |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ✓$99/mo | $151/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Compounded | — | ✓ Yes |
| Brand Name | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| 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 Roen Rx
Roen Rx offers compounded semaglutide as well as brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro with insurance coordination. LegitScript approved. Insurance-covered brand GLP-1s as low as $25/mo; compounded semaglutide from $151/mo quarterly.
Read our full Roen Rx 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
Roen Rx
What we like
- Insurance coordination for brand-name GLP-1s — as low as $25/mo
- Both compounded and brand-name options
- LegitScript approved with Compounded USA badge
- Compounded semaglutide from $151/mo quarterly
- Also offers primary care, mental health, and other specialties
Watch-outs
- State availability not publicly disclosed
- Insurance coordination may not work for all plans
- Broader platform (ED, hair loss, skincare, birth control)
- Requires a separate membership (first month $39); GLP-1 medications are NOT included in the membership fee - medication is billed on top
Our Verdict
Roen Rx edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.1/10 and is particularly strong for insured shoppers wanting brand-name GLP-1, with a compounded fallback. 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 Roen Rx if…
You want insured shoppers wanting brand-name GLP-1, with a compounded fallback and a starting price around $151/mo.
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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 →Sunlight
Compounded GLP-1 with unlimited telehealth visits and free shipping
From $88/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs Roen Rx: 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.