Initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications sold under brand names such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Zepbound® have become popular weight loss aids. By helping to regulate blood sugar, slow gastric emptying, and suppress appetite, these medications have helped many people overcome weight management struggles.
The breakout success of semaglutide has led to an ever-expanding list of GLP-1 medications, including tirzepatide and retatrutide. Each has its own mechanisms of action depending on the receptor or receptors involved.
Determining which GLP-1 is the right medication for you depends on individual factors, including your targeted weight loss, medication price, potential side effects, and how your body responds to the medication. In this article, we compare retatrutide vs tirzepatide vs semaglutide, breaking down what you need to know to make an informed decision about which GLP-1 medication is best for you.
What Are GLP-1 Injections and How Do They Work?
GLP-1 medications, or GLP-1 agonists, mimic the function of the GLP-1 hormone produced in the gut when we eat. This hormone works with the pancreas to regulate blood sugar and signal the brain when the stomach is full. GLP-1 injections enhance these functions by suppressing appetite and helping patients feel full sooner and longer. When GLP-1 medications are combined with a healthy diet and exercise, most patients overcome previous weight loss hurdles.
What Are the Types of GLP-1 Injections?
At Hydration Room, we offer three GLP-1 medications: semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide. Each GLP-1 is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection by one of our registered nurses.
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) was the first GLP-1 medication to gain wide popularity for its weight loss effectiveness. It is the most basic of the three, targeting the GLP-1 receptor only. This increases insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite and glucagon release.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is a dual agonist, meaning it binds to two receptors: the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP receptor. This further enhances insulin secretion and may reduce the possible GI side effects of semaglutide.
Retatrutide, the newest of the medications, is the most complex, a triple agonist that adds glucagon receptor activation to the previous two. This may boost energy expenditure and fat burning, adding yet another weight loss mechanism to treatment.
To learn more about the different GLP-1 medications, schedule a free virtual consultation with a nurse practitioner.
GLP-1 Medication Advantages and Disadvantages
So which GLP-1 medication is best for you? Let’s break it down.
Semaglutide Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
Price: Semaglutide is the least expensive of our GLP-1 medications, with pricing depending on the dose (.5mg to 2.5mg weekly).
Expected weight loss: 10-15% of initial body weight
Downsides
Mechanism of action: One (GLP-1)
Side effects: Mild to moderate GI symptoms are the most common (about half of patients), including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These tend to resolve as your body adjusts to treatment.
Tirzepatide Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
Mechanisms of action: Two (GLP-1, GIP)
Expected weight loss: 15% to 25% of initial body weight
Side effects: Patients report fewer side effects than with semaglutide.
Downsides
Price: More expensive than semaglutide (dosages: 2.5mg to 15mg weekly)
Retatrutide Upsides & Downsides
Upsides
Mechanisms of action: Three (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon)
Expected weight loss: 22.8% to 24.2% of initial body weight at 48 weeks
Possible better preservation of muscle mass during weight reduction
Downsides
Price: The most expensive of the three GLP-1 medications (dosages 2mg to 12mg)
Side effects: Potential side effects are similar to semaglutide, but may be slightly more likely.
Pricing includes a consultation with a nurse practitioner, lab review, medication, and treatment administration by a registered nurse.
Who Can Take GLP-1?
While GLP-1 medications can be an effective addition to your weight management routine, they are not for everyone. Before starting GLP-1 treatment at Hydration Room, a nurse practitioner will first determine if you are a good candidate during a telehealth consultation.We recommend GLP-1 for adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
- 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity)
- 25 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) + a weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia)
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have a personal or family history of certain health conditions, you may not be a good candidate for GLP-1. If you are taking diabetic medicine or insulin, you will need approval from your endocrinologist or primary doctor with a dosing schedule before starting treatment.
If you determine that GLP-1 injections aren’t for you, but would still like a boost to your weight management program, we offer several IV and injection therapies for weight management that can help. For an all-natural approach, our lipotropic treatments provide boosts of fat-burning amino acids.
So Which GLP-1 Injection Is Right for You?
Choosing between retatrutide, tirzepatide, or semaglutide comes down to several individual factors. If you are just starting with GLP-1 injections, semaglutide is a good option. It is the most affordable of the three medications and can be an effective introduction to GLP-1 for weight loss.
If your results have plateaued with semaglutide, you are experiencing side effects, or you are targeting greater weight loss, you may want to try tirzepatide instead. If your body tolerates GLP-1 medications well and you wish to receive the treatment with the greatest potential for weight loss, retatrutide may be worth the higher cost.
Why Choose Hydration Room for Your GLP-1 Program?
At Hydration Room, our licensed medical staff takes care of everything. There is no need to visit an outside doctor for a prescription or to schedule lab work. Our experienced nurse practitioners will determine if GLP-1 is right for you. Your medication will be delivered to the nearest Hydration Room location, where a trained nurse will administer your injection in under five minutes, ensuring safe and easy treatment. Our staff continues to monitor your progress throughout your treatment to ensure the most effective results.
Schedule your consultation today and start getting the weight loss results you have been looking for.
