Buying guide

Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide: What's the Difference?

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) is the current GLP-1/GIP dual agonist gold standard. Retatrutide is Eli Lilly's investigational triple-receptor agonist (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon) with early trial results pointing to ~24% weight loss at 48 weeks. Here's how they stack up today.

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Quick Facts

Tirzepatide weight loss (trial)
~20.9% at 72 weeks
Retatrutide weight loss (trial)
~24.2% at 48 weeks
Tirzepatide available today
Yes
Retatrutide available today
No
Tirzepatide receptors
GLP-1 + GIP
Retatrutide receptors
GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon

Mechanism of action

Tirzepatide activates two receptors: GLP-1 and GIP — together they suppress appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and slow gastric emptying. Retatrutide adds a third — glucagon — which increases energy expenditure. The triple-agonist mechanism is why retatrutide is showing higher trial weight-loss numbers.

Clinical trial weight-loss results

Tirzepatide SURMOUNT-1 trial: ~20.9% mean weight loss at 72 weeks (15 mg dose). Retatrutide Phase 2 trial: ~24.2% mean weight loss at 48 weeks (12 mg dose). Final retatrutide Phase 3 data is expected in 2026.

Availability today

Tirzepatide is FDA-approved and available branded (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and compounded through 503A/503B pharmacies on the FDA shortage list when permitted. Retatrutide is investigational — not approved or commercially available — and any 'retatrutide' sold outside a clinical trial is not legally prescribable.

Telehealth providers offering tirzepatide today

ProviderCareStatesStarting priceReviews
Marek Health
Most states served
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $80/moInformation coming soon
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AlphaMD
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $78/moInformation coming soon
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Mobile Care
Best for telehealth
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $69/moInformation coming soon
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LifeMD
Telehealth
Telehealth AvailableStarting at $75/moInformation coming soon
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Hims & Hers
Telehealth
Telehealth AvailableStarting at $35/moInformation coming soon
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Rise Men's Health
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $99/moInformation coming soon
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PeakPerforMAX
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $100/moInformation coming soon
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Cora Health
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $39/moInformation coming soon
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Henry Meds
Telehealth
Telehealth AvailableStarting at $50/moInformation coming soon
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Fridays
Most affordable
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $33/moInformation coming soon
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Marek Health hero
Premium Provider

Marek Health

We turn your data into results. We analyze 130+ biomarkers, pair you with a dedicated health coach and medical provider, then build your precision protocol. All from the comfort of your home — so you feel sharper, stronger, and more energized than you have in years.

Verified3 Trust Signals
Nationwide
  • GLP-1
  • TRT
  • Telehealth available
  • Transparent pricing
Explore Provider
AlphaMD hero
Verified

AlphaMD

At AlphaMD, we believe every patient deserves to feel their best — especially those who’ve given so much for others. That’s why we’re proud to share the story of Daniel, a U.S. military veteran whose life was transformed by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Verified2 Trust Signals
Nationwide
  • GLP-1
  • TRT
  • Telehealth available
  • Transparent pricing
Explore Provider
Mobile Care hero
Premium Provider

Mobile Care

At Mobile Care Health, our mission transcends beyond providing healthcare; we aim to revolutionize it by ensuring judgment-free, compassionate care. We’re dedicated to integrating evidence-based practices in our services, striving to improve community access to healthcare while deeply listening and responding to our patients’ needs.

Verified4 Trust Signals
Nationwide
  • GLP-1
  • TRT
  • Telehealth available
  • Transparent pricing
Explore Provider
LifeMD hero
Premium Provider

LifeMD

At LifeMD, every member of the clinical care team is dedicated to making sure you feel cared for, valued, respected, and heard.

Verified4 Trust Signals
Telehealth Available
  • GLP-1
  • Longevity
  • Telehealth available
  • Transparent pricing
Explore Provider
Hims & Hers hero
Premium Provider

Hims & Hers

The care you’ve always deserved

Verified4 Trust Signals1 Provider
Telehealth Available
  • GLP-1
  • TRT
  • Telehealth available
  • Transparent pricing
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Rise Men's Health hero
Premium Provider

Rise Men's Health

Rise provides patient-focused treatment that provides safe and effective men’s and women’s treatment in a professional clinical environment (both in-clinic or online).

Verified5 Trust Signals
Nationwide
  • GLP-1
  • TRT
  • Telehealth available
  • Transparent pricing
Explore Provider

Frequently asked questions (7)

Can I get retatrutide today?

Not legally outside a clinical trial. The compound is investigational; FDA approval and commercial availability are projected for 2026–2027.

Is retatrutide safer than tirzepatide?

Too early to say. Phase 2 side-effect profiles look similar (GI nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), but long-term safety data won't exist until Phase 3 reads out.

What's the average monthly cost of online GLP-1 programs?

Compounded semaglutide programs average $149–$299/month all-in. Tirzepatide compounded programs typically run $299–$499/month. Branded Wegovy and Zepbound run higher unless covered by insurance.

Are compounded GLP-1 medications FDA approved?

The active ingredients are FDA approved; compounded formulations are not separately FDA approved. They are dispensed by state-licensed 503A or federally-registered 503B pharmacies regulated by the FDA.

How fast does GLP-1 weight loss start?

Most patients see appetite suppression within the first 1–2 weeks and 1–2% body-weight reduction per month once titrated to therapeutic dose (typically week 8–12).

Will I regain weight if I stop a GLP-1?

Most patients regain weight after stopping unless they continue lifestyle changes, sometimes paired with a maintenance dose. The best clinics include a transition plan in their program.

Can I take a GLP-1 with other medications?

Generally yes, but oral medications may be absorbed more slowly. Always disclose your full medication list during intake — your clinician will adjust timing where needed.