Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Strut Health vs Optimized Health
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.
Strut Health
Anyone optimising total monthly outlay who will keep an auto-refill running, and anyone whose real objection is the needle.
Visit Strut HealthOptimized Health
Patients in MO/IA/KS/UT/WA wanting transparent, lab-guided compounded GLP-1 weight loss.
Visit Optimized HealthThe verdict
Strut Health takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 87 to 61. The lowest true entry cost on this board — $99/month sublingual semaglutide — and the only place selling the same molecule as a lozenge or an injection at one price. Optimized Health still earns a C — Patients in MO/IA/KS/UT/WA wanting transparent, lab-guided compounded GLP-1 weight loss.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the board). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs Strut 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 | Strut Health | Optimized Health |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 87/100 | 61/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | From $99/mo sublingual, $149/mo injectable | $200/mo (starting dose, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | From $199/mo either route | $250/mo (starting dose, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $1,188 | $2,400 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $2,388 | $3,000 |
| Coverage | 49 states (not Arkansas) | 5 states |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | Yes |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank on the board | #4 | #225 |
Strut Health
87/100Where the value is
- Cheapest disclosed monthly cost here at $99/mo for sublingual semaglutide; tirzepatide $199 either route
- Sublingual lozenges for both molecules at the same price as the injection
- Free physician visit, free shipping and free follow-up care included rather than billed separately
The tradeoffs
- The $99 and $149 headline figures require auto-refill — a one-off order costs more, so the true cost depends on staying subscribed
- Asynchronous by design: their FAQ notes some states need no phone consultation, so you may never speak to the prescriber
Optimized Health
61/100Where the value is
- Fully transparent pricing published on the website
- Semaglutide from $200/mo and tirzepatide from $250/mo
- Lab panels included with clinician-supervised dosing
The tradeoffs
- Telehealth limited to MO, IA, KS, UT, and WA
- Compounded GLP-1 only, not brand-name
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.