Verdict94/ 100
Grade A · #1CoreAge Rx
The most honest middle of the market: nationwide access, both molecules at one flat, no-surprise price.
Visit CoreAge RxHead-to-head verdict
CoreAge Rx vs 1st Optimal
Two GLP-1 providers, compared side by side on The Verdict Score — our published six-factor rubric. Same yardstick, and no score is adjusted for payment.
Published by The GLP-1 Verdict
Pricing sources checked: CoreAge Rx: August 2026 · 1st Optimal: Check date not recorded
vs
Verdict56/ 100
Grade C · #4161st 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.
Visit 1st OptimalThe verdict
Winner: CoreAge Rx
CoreAge Rx takes it with a higher Verdict Score — 94/100 to 56/100 (grade A vs C). Anyone who wants transparent flat pricing and nationwide access without a teaser-rate bait-and-switch. 1st Optimal still earns its place — patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
The score compares published program terms and features; it does not measure clinical outcomes or predict which treatment will suit you.
Factor by factor
Both scored on the same six factors — see the methodology. The brass bar marks the stronger side on each.
92Real-world results64
92
Real-world results64
97Price honesty20
97
Price honesty20
96Prescriber access54
96
Prescriber access54
88Formulary choice46
88
Formulary choice46
95Cancellation fairness92
95
Cancellation fairness92
93Member support74
93
Member support74
Price, coverage & features
| Metric | CoreAge Rx | 1st Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Score | 94/100 | 56/100 |
| Grade | A | C |
| Semaglutide | $99/mo | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide | $149/mo | Not disclosed |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Not disclosed |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Oral / sublingual | No | Yes |
CoreAge Rx
What we like
- Flat, all-in monthly price with no intro-rate step-ups after month one
- Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide on one account
- Available in all 50 states
- Straightforward, low-friction cancellation
The caveats
- Not the cheapest — flat-price challengers like Trimi Health and Alan Meds undercut its sticker price
- No FDA-approved brand-name option (compounded only)
- Does not yet publicly name its 503A/B pharmacy partner
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
The caveats
- 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
Our pick — visit
Anyone who wants transparent flat pricing and nationwide access without a teaser-rate bait-and-switch.
Visit CoreAge Rx Read the full CoreAge Rx review →Also worth a look
Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Visit 1st Optimal Read the full 1st Optimal review →Keep comparing
Neither of these has to be the answer: the rivals we rank against CoreAge Rx cover the 7 programs closest to it, and the same shortlist for 1st Optimal does the reverse.
More on CoreAge Rx
More on 1st Optimal
Or browse the full comparison hub, every head-to-head A to Z and the complete rankings.
Pricing, states and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last review; the Verdict Score is our editorial judgment per the methodology. Prices change — confirm on each provider's site. Not medical advice; see our disclosure.