GLP-1 Drug Comparison Tool
Compare GLP-1 and incretin-based weight loss drugs side by side. Select 2-3 drugs to see how they differ on mechanism, weight loss, cost, and availability.
GLP-1 Drug Comparison Tool
Select 2-3 drugs to compare side by side. Click a drug to add or remove it.
Max Weight Loss
| Feature | Retatrutide | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Triple | Dual | Single |
| Brand Names | Not yet named | Mounjaro, Zepbound | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Mechanism | GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon triple receptor agonist | GLP-1 + GIP dual receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Receptors | GLP-1, GIP, Glucagon | GLP-1, GIP | GLP-1 |
| FDA Status | Pipeline | FDA Approved | FDA Approved |
| Max Weight Loss | -28.7% (68 weeks) | -22.5% (72 weeks) | -14.9% (68 weeks) |
| Key Trial | TRIUMPH-4 | SURMOUNT-1 | STEP 1 |
| Dosing | Once weekly (injection) | Once weekly (injection) | Once weekly (injection) or daily (oral) |
| Oral Option | No | No | Yes |
| Monthly Cost | Not yet priced | $1,059 (list) / ~$550 (LillyDirect) | $1,349 (list) / ~$500 (savings program) |
| Key Advantage | Largest weight loss in any trial + liver fat reduction | Largest weight loss of any approved drug | Proven cardiovascular protection (SELECT trial) |
Disclaimer: Weight loss results are from separate clinical trials with different populations and cannot be directly compared. Only head-to-head trials (like SURMOUNT-5) provide definitive comparisons. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Understanding the Drug Classes
GLP-1 and incretin-based drugs fall into distinct categories based on how many receptors they target:
| Type | Receptors | Drugs | Max Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single agonist | GLP-1 | Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), Orforglipron | -14.9% (STEP 1) |
| Dual agonist | GLP-1 + GIP | Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) | -22.5% (SURMOUNT-1) |
| Triple agonist | GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon | Retatrutide | -28.7% (TRIUMPH-4) |
| Combination | Amylin + GLP-1 | CagriSema | -22.7% (REDEFINE 1) |
Each generation has produced progressively more weight loss, though the drugs differ on other important factors including safety data, cardiovascular outcomes, oral availability, and cost.
Head-to-Head Trials
Only head-to-head trials can definitively compare drugs. Cross-trial comparisons (different patient populations, entry criteria, and trial lengths) are inherently limited.
| Trial | Drug A | Drug B | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| SURMOUNT-5 | Tirzepatide: -20.2% | Semaglutide: -13.7% | Tirzepatide superior |
| SURPASS-2 (T2D) | Tirzepatide: -12.4 kg | Semaglutide 1 mg: -6.2 kg | Tirzepatide superior |
| TRIUMPH-5 | Retatrutide | Tirzepatide | Results pending |
| REDEFINE 4 | CagriSema | Tirzepatide | Results pending |
Detailed Comparison Articles
For in-depth comparisons between specific drugs:
GLP-1 vs GLP-1 Comparisons
- Zepbound vs Wegovy — the two leading weight loss drugs head-to-head
- Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide — the generic comparison with full clinical data
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic — brand-focused practical comparison
- Ozempic vs Wegovy — same drug, different purpose
Retatrutide Comparisons
- Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide — triple vs dual agonist
- Retatrutide vs Wegovy — triple agonist vs GLP-1
- Retatrutide vs Zepbound — next-gen vs current best
- Retatrutide vs CagriSema — triple agonist vs amylin combo
- Retatrutide vs Orforglipron — injectable vs oral
Overview
- Which GLP-1 Is Best for Weight Loss? — decision framework by patient priority
Frequently Asked Questions
Which GLP-1 drug produces the most weight loss?
Among approved drugs, tirzepatide (Zepbound) produces the most weight loss at -22.5% in SURMOUNT-1. Among pipeline drugs, retatrutide has produced -28.7% in TRIUMPH-4. These results come from different trials and cannot be directly compared — only head-to-head trials provide definitive comparisons.
Can you compare drugs from different clinical trials?
Cross-trial comparisons are limited because trials have different patient populations, entry criteria, durations, and endpoints. The SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial between tirzepatide and semaglutide is the gold standard for comparing these two drugs. Other drug combinations lack head-to-head data.
What is a triple agonist?
A triple agonist activates three hormone receptors simultaneously. Retatrutide targets GLP-1 (appetite reduction), GIP (insulin and fat metabolism), and glucagon (energy expenditure and liver fat reduction). This is the most targets of any anti-obesity drug in development.
Is there an oral GLP-1 for weight loss?
Yes. Oral Wegovy (semaglutide tablets, 50 mg daily) was FDA-approved in 2025 for weight loss. Orforglipron, a daily oral non-peptide GLP-1 agonist from Eli Lilly, is in Phase 3 trials with FDA filing expected in 2025-2026.
Sources
- Jastreboff, A.M., et al. (2022). SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide for obesity). NEJM. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- Wilding, J.P.H., et al. (2021). STEP 1 (semaglutide for obesity). NEJM. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Eli Lilly. (2025). TRIUMPH-4 Results. Press release.
- Aronne, L.J., et al. (2025). REDEFINE 1 (CagriSema). NEJM. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2502081
Medical Disclaimer
The content on glp3.wiki is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All drugs mentioned are prescription medications or investigational compounds. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical decisions.
This site is not affiliated with Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, or any pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Sources
Related reading
Which GLP-1 Drug Is Best for Weight Loss? (2026 Guide)
Decision framework for choosing the best GLP-1 drug: by max weight loss, CV protection, oral option, diabetes control, or liver fat.
Zepbound vs Wegovy: Which Weight Loss Drug Is Better?
Zepbound produced -20.2% vs Wegovy's -13.7% weight loss in the SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head trial. Full comparison of cost, side effects, and CV data.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Complete Comparison (2026 Data)
Tirzepatide vs semaglutide with SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head data: -20.2% vs -13.7% weight loss. Full comparison of efficacy, side effects, and access.