Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Marek Health vs ZYP Medical
Two GLP-1 programs on the bench, scored on the same six factors. Here's how their real cost of ownership compares — and which one we'd start with.
Marek Health
Cost-first shoppers who want not a fit for this GLP-1 comparison -- best suited to shoppers seeking TRT/hormone optimization, not GLP-1 weight-loss prescribing.
Visit Marek HealthZYP Medical
Cost-first shoppers who want men in IA, NE, SD, MN, KS, CO or AZ wanting a low starter rate with an oral needle-free option.
Visit ZYP MedicalThe verdict
Marek Health and ZYP Medical tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 56/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with Marek Health (ranked #329, a hair above #333) — Cost-first shoppers who want not a fit for this GLP-1 comparison -- best suited to shoppers seeking TRT/hormone optimization, not GLP-1 weight-loss prescribing. But ZYP Medical is a genuine coin-flip alternative here.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the ranking). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs Marek Health.
Factor by factor
Both providers scored on our six Cost-Efficiency Index factors. The stronger side on each row is marked in teal.
Normalized Cost/Month
Price Transparency
Nationwide Access
Formulation Options
Clinical Oversight
Contract Flexibility
Pricing, coverage & formulary
The disclosed facts behind the scores. Lower price wins its row (teal).
| Spec | Marek Health | ZYP Medical |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 56/100 | 56/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | Not disclosed | $150/mo (starting dose, 3 month plan, plus a separate fee, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | Not disclosed | $233/mo (starting dose, 3 month plan, plus a separate fee, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | — | $1,800 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | — | $2,796 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | 6 states |
| Oral / sublingual | No | Yes |
| Brand-name access | Yes | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #329 | #333 |
Marek Health
56/100Where the value is
- Established, well-known brand in the hormone-optimization/longevity space
- Comprehensive lab-based intake process ($299 assessment) rather than a bare online form
- Broad treatment-goal menu covering multiple health areas
The tradeoffs
- No evidence of an actual GLP-1/semaglutide/tirzepatide product line despite 'weight loss' being listed as a goal
- Every guessed GLP-1-related URL path returned 404
ZYP Medical
56/100Where the value is
- Offers a genuine needle-free oral tirzepatide (ODT) option, not just injectable
- Consult fee is disclosed and itemized ($50, or $29.99 for a shorter returning-patient visit)
- Recently expanded to 7 states (added Minnesota)
The tradeoffs
- Advertised $150/$233 prices are explicitly labeled 'starter plans (initial 3 months)' — what they become after 3 months is not published anywhere on the site
- One-time consult fee ($29.99-$50) is charged on top of the medication price and is non-refundable once the visit occurs
Assume any provider we list may compensate us — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. It never changes the Cost-Efficiency Index. Pricing, states and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last review; prices change — confirm on the provider's site. Not medical advice. See our disclosure.