1st Optimal vs The Virtual NP
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 →
The Virtual NP
Best for: Patients in served states wanting affordable visits and FDA-approved branded GLP-1s
Visit The Virtual NP →1st Optimal and The Virtual NP 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, The Virtual NP starts at $75/mo, and The Virtual NP 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.
The Virtual NP
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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
The Virtual NP
7.5/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | The Virtual NP |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $75/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | 7 |
| Compounded | — | — |
| Brand Name | — | ✓ Yes |
| FSA/HSA Accepted | — | ✓ Yes |
| 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 The Virtual NP
The Virtual NP is a nurse-practitioner-led telehealth weight loss clinic prescribing FDA-approved branded GLP-1 medications, Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. It does not offer compounded versions. Pricing is a 99 dollar pay-as-you-go visit or a 75 dollar per month membership that includes prescription access, with medication cost billed separately and disclosed upfront. HSA/FSA is accepted and prior authorization help is offered. Founder Sandra Jordan, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, leads the practice. Most patients book within 24 hours, with home shipping.
Read our full The Virtual NP 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
The Virtual NP
What we like
- FDA-approved branded Zepbound and Wegovy only, no compounded
- Transparent fees: 99 visit or 75 per month membership
- HSA/FSA accepted and prior authorization assistance offered
- NP-led with same or next-day booking and home shipping
Watch-outs
- Branded only, so medication cost is high and billed separately
- Limited to seven states
- No compounded lower-cost GLP-1 alternative
- Single-provider practice may limit scale and hours
Our Verdict
The Virtual NP edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.5/10 and is particularly strong for Patients in served states wanting affordable visits and FDA-approved branded GLP-1s. 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 The Virtual NP if…
You want Patients in served states wanting affordable visits and FDA-approved branded GLP-1s and a starting price around $75/mo.
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Wellorithm
Compounded GLP-1 access with oral tablet options across 49 states
From $147/mo
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Mainstream telehealth GLP-1 access
From $149.25/mo
Get started →Sunlight
Compounded GLP-1 with unlimited telehealth visits and free shipping
From $159/mo
Get started →1st Optimal vs The Virtual NP: 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.