Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
ZipHealth vs Male Excel
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.
ZipHealth
Shoppers in one of its 19 named states who want a low compounded-GLP-1 starting price and will call to confirm the branded-drug price.
Visit ZipHealthMale Excel
Men who want GLP-1 weight care alongside testosterone or thyroid treatment from one physician-led team.
Visit Male ExcelThe verdict
ZipHealth and Male Excel tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 53/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers, so choose on fit. ZipHealth: Shoppers in one of its 19 named states who want a low compounded-GLP-1 starting price and will call to confirm the branded-drug price. Male Excel: Men who want GLP-1 weight care alongside testosterone or thyroid treatment from one physician-led team.
Worth knowing either way: CoreAge Rx is one of our partners and leads our leaderboard, where partners are listed first (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs ZipHealth.
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 | ZipHealth | Male Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 53/100 | 53/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $149/moStarting dose, compounded | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $1,788 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | — | — |
| Coverage | Coverage not published | 39 states |
| Oral / sublingual | No | Yes |
| Brand-name access | Yes | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #438 | #439 |
ZipHealth
53/100Where the value is
- Named, NPI-verifiable prescribers: Laurie Lowe Nelson, APRN (NPI 1467595330) and Dr. Abhishek Patel, MD (NPI 1780944918)
- LegitScript verification referenced with a link on its site
- Free shipping with delivery speed options from USPS 1-5 day to FedEx overnight
The tradeoffs
- The advertised $149/month floor excludes a separate $79 clinical service fee that recurs on repeat visits, not just at intake -- true floor is closer to $228
- Branded medication programs (Zepbound, Wegovy Pen/Pill, Foundayo) are priced separately with no dollar figure published anywhere on the site
Male Excel
53/100Where the value is
- Semaglutide injections, semaglutide pills and tirzepatide are all part of its program
- The $99 monthly membership covers unlimited provider access, check-ins every 60 days and blood work every six months
- No contract: you can cancel your treatment plan at any time
The tradeoffs
- GLP-1 medication is billed on top of the $99 monthly membership, and its price isn't published
- Starting requires a $99 online consultation with an at-home lab kit
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.