Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that improves blood glucose control, reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and enhances insulin sensitivity. It has demonstrated some of the most significant weight-loss results of any currently approved metabolic therapy and is widely used for obesity and type 2 diabetes management. Compared with traditional GLP-1 agonists, tirzepatide's additional GIP activity appears to enhance both weight loss and metabolic outcomes.
Common Dosing Protocol:
Weeks 1-4: 2.5 mg once weekly
Weeks 5-8: 5 mg once weekly
Weeks 9-12: 7.5 mg once weekly (if needed)
Further increases may occur in 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks
Common maintenance doses: 5-15 mg once weekly
Maximum approved dose: 15 mg once weekly
Administration:
Subcutaneous injection
Administer once weekly on the same day each week
Rotate injection sites between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm
Storage:
Refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C)
Protect from light
Do not freeze
Follow manufacturer or supplier guidance after reconstitution
Notes:
Tirzepatide is commonly used for:
Weight loss
Type 2 diabetes management
Appetite control
Improved insulin sensitivity
Reduction of visceral fat
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and reduced appetite, particularly during dose escalation.
Comparison to Retatrutide:
Tirzepatide: GLP-1 + GIP agonist
Retatrutide: GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon agonist
The additional glucagon activity in Retatrutide may increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation beyond what is typically observed with Tirzepatide, which is why Retatrutide has generated substantial interest in obesity research. However, Tirzepatide currently has a much larger body of human clinical data and is available as the FDA-approved products Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that improves blood glucose control, reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, and enhances insulin sensitivity. It has demonstrated some of the most significant weight-loss results of any currently approved metabolic therapy and is widely used for obesity and type 2 diabetes management. Compared with traditional GLP-1 agonists, tirzepatide's additional GIP activity appears to enhance both weight loss and metabolic outcomes.
Common Dosing Protocol:
Weeks 1-4: 2.5 mg once weekly
Weeks 5-8: 5 mg once weekly
Weeks 9-12: 7.5 mg once weekly (if needed)
Further increases may occur in 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks
Common maintenance doses: 5-15 mg once weekly
Maximum approved dose: 15 mg once weekly
Administration:
Subcutaneous injection
Administer once weekly on the same day each week
Rotate injection sites between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm
Storage:
Refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C)
Protect from light
Do not freeze
Follow manufacturer or supplier guidance after reconstitution
Notes:
Tirzepatide is commonly used for:
Weight loss
Type 2 diabetes management
Appetite control
Improved insulin sensitivity
Reduction of visceral fat
Common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and reduced appetite, particularly during dose escalation.
Comparison to Retatrutide:
Tirzepatide: GLP-1 + GIP agonist
Retatrutide: GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon agonist
The additional glucagon activity in Retatrutide may increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation beyond what is typically observed with Tirzepatide, which is why Retatrutide has generated substantial interest in obesity research. However, Tirzepatide currently has a much larger body of human clinical data and is available as the FDA-approved products Mounjaro and Zepbound.