Head-to-head dispatch
Ascend Medical vs Strut Health
Two GLP-1 providers, one scorecard. Both are graded on the same six Desk Score dimensions — here is how they stack up, and which one fits you.
Desk Score
Ascend Medical is a virtual-first whole-person primary care practice that includes a Medical Weight Loss program among its services (alongside primary care, mental health, women's and men's health, diabetes…
Desk Score
The same molecule as a lozenge or an injection at the same price — the only place on this board where the needle is genuinely optional.
Strut Health takes this head-to-head with the higher Desk Score, 88/100 (B+) against 58/100 (C) for Ascend Medical. Ascend Medical still holds its ground where its strengths line up with yours.
Desk Score, dimension by dimension
Same six measured dimensions for both. The red flag marks the stronger side. See the methodology.
Ascend Medical
58/100
C
Strut Health
88/100
B+
Price transparency
State access
Molecule range
Onboarding speed
Support responsiveness
Licensing & trust
The spec sheet
| Field | Ascend Medical | Strut Health |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Not disclosed | From $99/mo sublingual, $149/mo injectable |
| Tirzepatide | Not disclosed | From $199/mo either route |
| Coverage | 2 states | 49 states (not Arkansas) |
| Brand-name | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Oral option | Injectable only | Yes |
| Best for | Readers who want georgia or Texas residents wanting medical weight loss inside virtual primary care. | People whose real objection is the needle rather than the medicine, and who want every route priced before signing up. |
| Desk Score | 58/100C | 88/100B+ |
The verdict
Desk pick — Strut HealthStrut Health takes this head-to-head with the higher Desk Score, 88/100 (B+) against 58/100 (C) for Ascend Medical. Ascend Medical still holds its ground where its strengths line up with yours.
Choose Ascend Medical if…
Readers who want georgia or Texas residents wanting medical weight loss inside virtual primary care.
Not disclosed sema · Not disclosed tirz · 2 states
Choose Strut Health if…
People whose real objection is the needle rather than the medicine, and who want every route priced before signing up.
From $99/mo sublingual, $149/mo injectable sema · From $199/mo either route tirz · 49 states (not Arkansas)
Assume any provider we list may compensate us — we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you, and what we file on a provider reads the same either way. Read full breakdowns: Ascend Medical · Strut Health.
Also on the board
CoreAge Rx tops every dispatch at 94/100
Whichever of these two you lean toward, the Desk's #1-rated provider outscores them both. The Desk's top dispatch: flat all-in pricing, both molecules, all 50 states — no teaser-rate traps.
More head-to-heads
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- Strut Health vs Invigor Medical
- Ascend Medical vs Vytora Health
- Strut Health vs Sesame Care
Or see the full comparison hub and the complete board.
Pricing and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last scoring; the Desk Score is our editorial judgment per the methodology. Prices change — confirm on each provider's own site. Not medical advice; see our disclosure.