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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 $80Information coming soon
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LifeMD
Telehealth
Availability under editorial reviewStarting at $75Information coming soon
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Male Excel
Telehealth
Availability under editorial reviewStarting at $99Information coming soon
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Gameday Men's Health
Telehealth
Availability under editorial reviewStarting at $199Information coming soon
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Fridays
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $33Information coming soon
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PlushCare
Most affordable
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $25Information coming soon
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Function Health
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $248Information coming soon
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Noom
Telehealth
All 50 statesStarting at $69Information coming soon
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Superpower
Telehealth
Availability under editorial reviewStarting at $199Information coming soon
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Henry Meds
Telehealth
Availability under editorial reviewStarting at $50Information 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.

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
Availability under editorial review
  • GLP-1
  • Longevity
  • Telehealth available
  • Transparent pricing
Explore Provider
Male Excel hero
Premium Provider

Male Excel

To experience the many benefits of HRT, you’ll first need to talk with a Male Excel provider and get your hormone levels tested.

Verified3 Trust Signals
Availability under editorial review
  • GLP-1
  • TRT
  • Telehealth available
  • Transparent pricing
Explore Provider
Gameday Men's Health hero
Verified

Gameday Men's Health

At Gameday Men's Health, we believe exceptional care requires exceptional expertise. That's why we've assembled an elite team of board-certified specialists who are leaders in men's health. From hormone optimization to sexual wellness, our medical board shapes every protocol and reviews all content to ensure you receive science-backed treatments that deliver real results.

Verified6 Trust Signals2 Providers
Availability under editorial review
  • GLP-1
  • TRT
  • Telehealth available
  • 2 licensed clinicians
  • Transparent pricing
Explore Provider
Fridays hero
Premium Provider

Fridays

At Fridays, your well-being and safety is our top priority which is why we partnered with compounding pharmacies that are state-regulated. These pharmacies adhere to strict regulatory board standards to ensure the safety and quality of our compounded GLP-1 medication prescriptions.

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

PlushCare

Our highly-skilled primary care doctors are equipped with a diverse set of experiences to serve the needs of our diverse patients.

Verified6 Trust Signals
Nationwide
  • GLP-1
  • Weight Loss
  • 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.