Head-to-head · WeighScore
Arc-1 vs Ascend Medical
The verdict
Arc-1 takes it — 56.3/100 to 55.9/100, but only just.
Arc-1 grades higher on WeighScore, our editorial score across cost value, dose & formulation, clinical oversight, labs & monitoring, fulfillment and contract terms. Arc-1 offers compounded semaglutide (from $249.99) and compounded tirzepatide (from $299.99) as per-dose purchases, not monthly subscriptions. Ascend Medical is close behind and may still be the better fit — see the factor split below.
We may earn a commission if you start care through some of these links, at no extra cost to you. It never moves the WeighScore, which is the weighted average of the six factors shown for every provider, and what we write about a provider is the same either way. See our disclosure.
Factor by factor
The same six graded dimensions, side by side. See the methodology.
The numbers
| Metric | Arc-1 | Ascend Medical |
|---|---|---|
| WeighScore | 56.3/100 | 55.9/100 |
| Grade | C | C |
| Scorecard rank | #416 | #426 |
| Semaglutide | $200/mo (0.5 mg dose, compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide | $200/mo (2.5 mg dose, compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Coverage | Coverage not published | 2 states |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Oral / sublingual | Injection only | Injection only |
Graded #416 · C
Strengths
- Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide available
- Per-dose purchasing — no subscription or membership required
- 25% off plus free shipping promotion
- Broader longevity formulary (rapamycin, NAD+, sermorelin)
- LegitScript Certified badge now displayed on product pages
Where it loses points
- No legal entity name or address disclosed
- State availability not disclosed
- No named clinicians or pharmacy partners
- Per-dose pricing still climbs with dose (semaglutide 2.5mg is $549.99/mo, tirzepatide 7.5mg $399.99/mo)
Graded #426 · C
Strengths
- Whole-person virtual primary care that includes a medical weight loss program
- Staffed by licensed MDs, DOs, NPs and PAs
- Integrates weight loss with primary, mental health and diabetes care
- Clear state availability (Georgia and Texas)
Where it loses points
- Available only in Georgia and Texas
- Specific GLP-1 medications and branded-vs-compounded status not published
- No pricing disclosed on public pages
- Weight loss is one service among many, not a dedicated GLP-1 specialist
Also worth a look
Neither is our top-graded pick — CoreAge Rx leads the scorecard
Across all 499 providers, CoreAge Rx grades highest at 91.8/100 (A−). Top of the scorecard: flat transparent pricing, both molecules, nationwide — no teaser-rate games.
Pricing/verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last grading; the WeighScore is our editorial judgment per the methodology. Prices change — confirm on each provider's site. Not medical advice; see our disclosure.