Head-to-head · WeighScore
Ascend Medical vs The Virtual NP
The verdict
The Virtual NP takes it — 60.8/100 to 55.9/100.
The Virtual NP grades higher on WeighScore, our editorial score across cost value, dose & formulation, clinical oversight, labs & monitoring, fulfillment and contract terms. The Virtual NP is a nurse-practitioner-led telehealth weight loss clinic prescribing FDA-approved branded GLP-1 medications, Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
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Factor by factor
The same six graded dimensions, side by side. See the methodology.
The numbers
| Metric | Ascend Medical | The Virtual NP |
|---|---|---|
| WeighScore | 55.9/100 | 60.8/100 |
| Grade | C | C |
| Scorecard rank | #426 | #316 |
| Semaglutide | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Coverage | 2 states | 7 states |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Yes |
| Oral / sublingual | Injection only | Injection only |
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
Graded #316 · C
Strengths
- FDA-approved branded Zepbound and Wegovy only, no compounded
- Transparent fees: 99 visit or 75 per month membership
- HSA/FSA accepted and prior authorization assistance offered
- NP-led with same or next-day booking and home shipping
Where it loses points
- Branded only, so medication cost is high and billed separately
- Limited to seven states
- No compounded lower-cost GLP-1 alternative
- Single-provider practice may limit scale and hours
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.