1st Optimal vs Transparent Meds
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 →
Transparent Meds
Best for: people who want transparent, upfront monthly pricing on compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide injections
Visit Transparent Meds →1st Optimal and Transparent Meds 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, Transparent Meds starts at $229/mo, and Transparent Meds edges ahead overall (7.4 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.
Transparent Meds
Intro first-month price $149 (regular $229); compounded GLP-1 weekly injection when prescribed after clinician review
Intro first-month price $249 (regular $349); compounded dual GIP/GLP-1 weekly injection when prescribed
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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
Transparent Meds
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
Transparent Meds
7.4/10
Value25%
Effectiveness25%
User Experience15%
Trust & Safety15%
Accessibility10%
Support10%
Features & Coverage
| Feature | 1st Optimal | Transparent Meds |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | — | $229/mo |
| Features | 8 features | 8 features |
| States Available | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Compounded | — | — |
| 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 Transparent Meds
Transparent Meds is an online GLP-1 weight-care service that connects you with licensed medical providers and leads with upfront pricing: compounded weekly injections of semaglutide at an intro $149/month (reg $229) and tirzepatide at $249/month (reg $349), prescribed after a quiz and clinician review. It is HIPAA-compliant with a LegitScript-style seal and a transparency-first brand, but uses a connector model, doesn't name its compounding pharmacy, and doesn't publish the states it serves; displayed prices are illustrative first-month program fees.
Read our full Transparent Meds 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
Transparent Meds
What we like
- Transparent, upfront monthly pricing — intro $149/mo for compounded semaglutide and $249/mo for tirzepatide (regular $229 / $349)
- Clean, modern telehealth experience with a quick eligibility quiz and clinician review before any prescription
- HIPAA-compliant and displays a LegitScript-style verification seal
Watch-outs
- Headline prices are intro first-month fees — the regular monthly cost is higher ($229 semaglutide, $349 tirzepatide)
- Connector model that pairs you with licensed providers; it doesn't name its compounding pharmacy
- Doesn't publish the states it serves, so confirm availability before signing up
- Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide injections only — no oral, brand-name, or insurance options
Our Verdict
Transparent Meds edges out 1st Optimal with a higher overall score of 7.4/10 and is particularly strong for people who want transparent, upfront monthly pricing on compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide injections. 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 Transparent Meds if…
You want people who want transparent, upfront monthly pricing on compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide injections and a starting price around $229/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 Transparent Meds: 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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