Dr. Jones DC on Retatrutide Phase 3 Results, Triple Agonist Mechanism, and Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide: Fact Check
Dr. Jones DC runs the coaching department for a GLP-1 telemedicine practice and has personal experience with retatrutide. In this video, he breaks down TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 results (28.7% weight loss), explains the triple agonist mechanism, compares retatrutide vs tirzepatide, and introduces his "food chatter" framework for choosing between the two medications.
This page fact-checks his claims against the published clinical trial data, press releases, and peer-reviewed research.
Phase 3 Breaking News: TRIUMPH-4 Results
Dr. Jones opens with breaking news from TRIUMPH-4, reporting 28.7% weight loss at 68 weeks and flagging a new side effect called dysesthesia. He also reports an 18% dropout rate.
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 28.7% weight loss at 68 weeks | TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 results (Eli Lilly press release, December 11, 2025): Retatrutide 12 mg achieved 28.7% mean weight loss at 68 weeks under the efficacy estimand. Placebo-adjusted figure was 26.6%. | Accurate |
| Highest weight loss ever recorded in a controlled obesity trial | Correct. 28.7% exceeds all previously reported results from GLP-1 class trials: tirzepatide 15 mg peaked at 22.5% (SURMOUNT-1), semaglutide 2.4 mg at 14.9% (STEP 1), and CagriSema at 23.0% (REDEFINE-4). | Accurate |
| New side effect: dysesthesia — abnormal skin sensations — 21% on high dose | TRIUMPH-4 reported dysesthesia in 20.9% of participants on the 12 mg dose (8.8% on 9 mg; 0.7% on placebo). Symptoms include tingling, burning, or hypersensitivity to touch. | Accurate |
| 18% of patients dropped out of the medication | TRIUMPH-4 discontinuation due to adverse events: 18.2% for the 12 mg dose, 12.2% for 9 mg, and 4.0% for placebo. The 18% figure is specific to the highest dose, not the overall trial average. | Approximately accurate |
Dr. Jones gets the headline TRIUMPH-4 numbers right. His characterization of dysesthesia as "abnormal skin sensations" is a fair plain-language description. The 18% dropout figure is accurate for the 12 mg dose specifically, though he does not clarify this is dose-specific.
For the full TRIUMPH-4 breakdown, see Retatrutide Results. For all side effect data, see Retatrutide Side Effects.
Three Generations of GLP-1 Medications
Dr. Jones frames the evolution of obesity medications as three generations: semaglutide (single agonist, ~15%), tirzepatide (dual agonist, ~21%), and retatrutide (triple agonist, ~24%).
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide (generation 1): about 15% body weight loss | STEP 1 trial (Wilding et al., NEJM 2021): Semaglutide 2.4 mg achieved 14.9% mean weight loss at 68 weeks (efficacy estimand). | Approximately accurate |
| Tirzepatide (generation 2): 21% weight loss | SURMOUNT-1 (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2022): Tirzepatide 15 mg achieved 22.5% at 72 weeks. Lower doses: 15.0% (5 mg) and 19.5% (10 mg). | Approximately accurate |
| GIP reduces nausea that GLP-1 can cause | While the GIP component in tirzepatide is associated with improved tolerability, the mechanism is debated. Some researchers suggest GIP may buffer GI side effects, but the evidence is not definitive. | Approximately accurate |
| GIP acts on fat cells in mobilization of fat that GLP-1 doesn't do | GIP receptors are expressed on adipocytes and may play a role in fat metabolism. However, the precise mechanism of GIP agonism in obesity treatment is still under investigation. The claim is directionally correct but oversimplified. | Approximately accurate |
The generational framing is a useful simplification. His weight loss numbers are close to published data — he rounds semaglutide from 14.9% to "about 15%" and tirzepatide from 22.5% to "21%," both reasonable approximations.
For a detailed comparison, see Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide and Retatrutide vs Wegovy.
The Glucagon "Third Engine" Mechanism
Dr. Jones uses a car engine analogy — "one engine to two engines to three engines" — and explains that glucagon activation stimulates lipolysis, increases thermogenesis, and creates a "fasting mimicking state."
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 and GIP reduce what goes in; glucagon increases what goes out | This is a reasonable simplification. GLP-1/GIP primarily act on appetite, satiety, and gastric emptying (intake side). Glucagon receptor agonism promotes hepatic fat oxidation, energy expenditure, and lipolysis (output side). | Accurate |
| Glucagon stimulates lipolysis (breakdown of fat from fat cells) | Correct. Glucagon promotes lipolysis in adipose tissue and hepatic fat oxidation. This is well-established in endocrinology literature. | Accurate |
| Glucagon increases thermogenesis (burns extra calories) | Glucagon receptor agonism has been shown to increase energy expenditure in preclinical models. The Phase 2 retatrutide data showed greater weight loss than expected from appetite suppression alone, consistent with increased energy expenditure. | Accurate |
| Glucagon creates a fasting mimicking state — your body thinks it's fasting | Glucagon is naturally released during fasting and promotes the metabolic switch from glucose to fat oxidation. Pharmacological glucagon receptor agonism likely mimics aspects of the fasted metabolic state. The term "fasting mimicking" is his own framing, not a standard clinical term. | Approximately accurate |
| Glucagon receptors are heavily concentrated in the liver, flushing fat out | Correct. Glucagon receptors are highly expressed in the liver. Glucagon receptor agonism promotes hepatic fat oxidation and glycogenolysis. The MASLD substudy data supports the liver-specific fat reduction claim. | Accurate |
Dr. Jones\u0027s explanation of the glucagon mechanism is largely accurate and well-communicated for a general audience. The "fasting mimicking state" is his own framing — researchers would say glucagon promotes a metabolic shift toward fat oxidation — but the underlying biology is sound.
For more on how retatrutide works, see How Retatrutide Works and What Is Retatrutide?.
Liver Fat Reversal Data
Dr. Jones cites the MASLD (fatty liver) substudy results from the Phase 2 trial.
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Over 80% reduction in liver fat on the 12 mg dose | Sanyal et al. (Nature Medicine, 2024): Mean relative reduction in liver fat was 82.4% for the 12 mg group and 81.4% for the 8 mg group at 24 weeks. | Accurate |
| 86% of patients normalized liver fat to under 5% | Sanyal et al.: 86% of participants on 12 mg achieved normal liver fat (under 5%) at 24 weeks. The 8 mg group achieved 79%. | Accurate |
Both liver fat claims match the published data precisely. This is one of retatrutide\u0027s most compelling differentiators — no other GLP-1 medication has demonstrated comparable liver fat reduction.
For a deep dive, see Retatrutide and Fatty Liver (MASLD/MASH).
Phase 2 Trial Numbers: Weight Loss Thresholds
Dr. Jones walks through the Phase 2 trial results, citing the headline weight loss figure and breaking down what percentage of participants hit various thresholds.
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 2: 338 adults with obesity, no diabetes, 48 weeks | Jastreboff et al. (NEJM 2023): 338 adults with BMI 30 or higher (or 27+ with comorbidities), without diabetes, treated for 48 weeks. | Accurate |
| 12 mg dose: 24.2% average weight loss | NEJM: The 12 mg group achieved 24.2% mean weight loss at 48 weeks. | Accurate |
| 100% on 12 mg lost at least 5% | NEJM: 100% of participants on both 8 mg and 12 mg doses achieved at least 5% weight loss. | Accurate |
| 93% lost at least 10% | NEJM: 93% on 12 mg achieved at least 15% weight loss (not 10%). The 10% threshold was achieved by an even higher percentage. He appears to have cited the 15% threshold number but attributed it to 10%. | Significantly wrong |
| 60% lost at least 20% | NEJM: 83% on 12 mg achieved at least 20% weight loss. The 60% figure does not correspond to any published threshold for the 12 mg dose. | Significantly wrong |
| 26% lost more than 30% | TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 data shows 23.7% achieved at least 35% weight loss on 12 mg at 68 weeks. The Phase 2 trial did not report a 30% threshold specifically. This number may be conflated from different sources. | Unverifiable |
Dr. Jones gets the headline Phase 2 number right (24.2%) and the 100% threshold correct. However, his breakdown of who lost 10%, 20%, and 30% contains significant errors — the threshold categories are mismatched. The actual Phase 2 data for 12 mg at 48 weeks: 100% lost at least 5%, 93% lost at least 15%, and 83% lost at least 20%. He understated how impressive the results actually were.
For complete results data, see Retatrutide Results.
Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide: Speed of Weight Loss
Dr. Jones makes a direct speed comparison between tirzepatide and retatrutide, arguing that retatrutide achieved more weight loss in less time.
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide: 22% weight loss at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT trials) | SURMOUNT-1: Tirzepatide 15 mg achieved 22.5% at 72 weeks. He rounds down from 22.5% to 22%. | Approximately accurate |
| Retatrutide: 24% at 48 weeks — more weight loss in less time | Phase 2 (NEJM 2023): Retatrutide 12 mg achieved 24.2% at 48 weeks. The comparison is directionally correct, but these are cross-trial comparisons with different populations and trial designs. | Approximately accurate |
| Tirzepatide weight loss curve plateaus around 20-22% | SURMOUNT-1 data shows the tirzepatide weight loss curve flattening between 60-72 weeks. This is consistent with his description. | Accurate |
| Retatrutide curve at 48 weeks had not plateaued | Confirmed by Jastreboff et al. (NEJM 2023): The weight loss trajectory showed ongoing decline at 48 weeks with no evidence of attenuation. Phase 3 confirmed continued loss to 28.7% at 68 weeks. | Accurate |
| 28-30% weight loss projected in Phase 3 | TRIUMPH-4 confirmed 28.7% at 68 weeks on 12 mg, falling within his projected range. He made this speculation before Phase 3 data dropped, and it proved accurate. | Accurate |
The speed comparison is one of the strongest points in the video. While cross-trial comparisons should always be interpreted with caution (different patient populations, trial designs, and endpoints), the directional difference is real: Phase 3 data at 68 weeks (28.7%) confirms retatrutide surpasses tirzepatide\u0027s best published result by a wide margin.
For the full comparison, see Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide.
Food Chatter: The Clinical Observation
Dr. Jones introduces his "food chatter" framework — the idea that retatrutide may provide less appetite suppression than tirzepatide for some patients, despite achieving higher weight loss in clinical trials.
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide hits appetite suppression harder than retatrutide for many patients | No head-to-head trial has compared subjective appetite suppression between retatrutide and tirzepatide. Both medications significantly reduce appetite in clinical trials. This is an anecdotal clinical observation, not evidence-based. | Anecdotal — no published evidence |
| Retatrutide patients feel satisfied after eating but food thoughts don't vanish the same way | No published data specifically compares subjective food preoccupation between retatrutide and tirzepatide. Phase 2 retatrutide data did not include patient-reported appetite scales that would allow this comparison. | Anecdotal — no published evidence |
| Some patients report no appetite suppression on retatrutide | Phase 2 data shows significant appetite reduction across all dose groups. Individual variation exists with any medication, but "no appetite suppression" contradicts the trial-level data. | Overstated |
This is the most speculative section of the video. Dr. Jones is sharing observations from his practice, which can be valuable, but viewers should understand this is anecdotal — not supported by published comparative data. No head-to-head trial has measured subjective appetite suppression between these medications. The "food chatter" framework is his clinical heuristic, not an established medical concept.
It is also worth noting that Dr. Jones runs a telemedicine practice that prescribes tirzepatide (which is FDA-approved) but cannot prescribe retatrutide (which is not approved). This creates a potential conflict of interest when steering patients toward tirzepatide.
Metabolic Markers
Dr. Jones mentions several metabolic improvements seen with retatrutide beyond weight loss.
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 2% drop in hemoglobin A1C | The 2 percentage point HbA1c reduction comes from the Phase 2 diabetes cohort (Rosenstock et al.), not the obesity cohort. In the obesity trial (Jastreboff et al.), HbA1c dropped only 0.4 points from a baseline of 5.7%. He does not specify which population he is referencing. | Misleading without context |
| Triglycerides dropped 40% | Phase 2 obesity cohort (NEJM 2023): Triglycerides dropped approximately 30% in the 12 mg group. The 40% figure may reflect the upper end across different populations but overstates the standard reference. | Overstated |
The 2% HbA1c claim is technically accurate for the diabetes population but misleading in the context of his video, which focuses on the obesity cohort. The triglyceride reduction is moderately overstated — 30% is the more commonly cited figure for the obesity trial.
Heart Rate and Side Effects
Dr. Jones warns about heart rate elevation and sleep disruption as side effects to watch for.
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Heart rate elevation of 10 to 30 beats per minute | Phase 2 data (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2023): Heart rate increased approximately 5 bpm from a baseline of 71 bpm in the 12 mg group. Placebo-adjusted increases were 5.6 bpm (obesity trial) and 7.5 bpm (diabetes trial). The 10-30 bpm range dramatically overstates published data. | Significantly overstated |
| Sleep disruption is a concern | Sleep disruption is not a commonly reported adverse event in retatrutide trials. It is not listed among the most frequent adverse events in Phase 2 or Phase 3 data. Some individual reports exist online, but clinical trial data does not support this as a notable side effect. | Not supported by trial data |
The heart rate claim is the biggest factual error in the video. Published data shows increases of approximately 5-7.5 bpm — not 10-30 bpm. His claimed range would represent a clinically concerning tachycardia, which is not what the trials showed. He may be conflating anecdotal reports from grey market users with controlled trial data.
For comprehensive side effect data, see Retatrutide Side Effects.
Peptide Recommendations: AOD-9604 and ATX-0304
Dr. Jones recommends two additional peptides — AOD-9604 (a growth hormone fragment) and ATX-0304 (an AMPK activator) — as fat mobilization supplements for patients on tirzepatide who want retatrutide-like metabolic effects.
| Claim | Published Data | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| AOD-9604 is a fragment of growth hormone that specifically targets fat metabolism | AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH 177-191). It showed some lipolytic activity in early preclinical and Phase 2 studies, but it failed to demonstrate significant weight loss in a Phase 2b/3 trial (Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, 2007). It is not FDA-approved for any indication. | Overstated |
| ATX-0304 is an AMPK activator similar to MOTC | ATX-0304 (formerly O304) is a pan-AMPK activator developed by Astellia Oncology (formerly Betagenon). It showed improvements in insulin sensitivity in a Phase 2a trial in T2D patients. It is still early-stage and not approved for weight loss or fat mobilization. | Approximately accurate |
These peptide recommendations should be viewed with significant caution. AOD-9604 failed its pivotal clinical trial for weight loss, and ATX-0304 is still in early development. Neither has strong clinical evidence supporting the use case Dr. Jones describes. Patients should discuss any peptide additions with their prescribing physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr. Jones DC?
Dr. Jones DC is a doctor of chiropractic who runs the coaching department for a GLP-1 telemedicine practice. He reports losing over 100 pounds himself and says he has personal experience with retatrutide. He is not a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). His "DC" credential is a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He positions himself as a metabolic optimization coach rather than a prescribing physician.
What are the retatrutide Phase 3 results from TRIUMPH-4?
TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 results (December 2025) showed retatrutide 12 mg achieved 28.7% mean weight loss at 68 weeks — the highest ever recorded in a controlled obesity trial. The 9 mg dose achieved 25.0%. Key safety signals included dysesthesia (abnormal skin sensations) in 20.9% of the 12 mg group and treatment discontinuation in 18.2% due to adverse events. For the full breakdown, see Retatrutide Results.
How does retatrutide compare to tirzepatide for weight loss?
Retatrutide has demonstrated greater weight loss than tirzepatide in separate trials. Retatrutide 12 mg achieved 28.7% at 68 weeks (TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3) compared to tirzepatide 15 mg at 22.5% at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1). However, no head-to-head trial has directly compared the two drugs in the same patient population. Cross-trial comparisons should be interpreted with caution. For a detailed comparison, see Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide.
What is dysesthesia from retatrutide?
Dysesthesia is a new side effect identified in TRIUMPH-4, described as abnormal skin sensations including tingling, burning, or hypersensitivity to touch. It occurred in 20.9% of participants on the 12 mg dose, 8.8% on 9 mg, and 0.7% on placebo. The mechanism is not yet fully understood. For all side effect data, see Retatrutide Side Effects.
Does retatrutide suppress appetite less than tirzepatide?
No head-to-head trial has compared subjective appetite suppression between retatrutide and tirzepatide. Both medications significantly reduce appetite in clinical trials. Some practitioners report anecdotal observations that tirzepatide may produce stronger subjective appetite elimination for certain patients, while retatrutide\u0027s additional glucagon component contributes more to metabolic output (fat oxidation, energy expenditure). This has not been validated in published research.
Does retatrutide increase heart rate?
Retatrutide causes a modest increase in heart rate. Phase 2 data shows approximately 5 bpm increase from baseline in the 12 mg group (placebo-adjusted: 5.6 bpm in the obesity trial, 7.5 bpm in the diabetes trial). Claims of 10-30 bpm increases are not supported by published clinical trial data. For full safety information, see Retatrutide Side Effects.
Is retatrutide FDA approved?
No. Retatrutide is still in Phase 3 clinical trials (the TRIUMPH program). It has not been submitted for FDA approval. The earliest possible approval is estimated for late 2027 or 2028, pending successful completion of Phase 3 trials. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is FDA-approved and has years of safety data. For the latest timeline, see Retatrutide FDA Approval Timeline.
Sources
- Jones, Dr. (2025). "Doctor Reveals The MOST POWERFUL GLP-1 Yet — Retatrutide Phase 3 Results (28.7% Weight Loss)." Watch on YouTube
- Eli Lilly and Company. (2025). "Lilly\u0027s triple agonist retatrutide delivered weight loss of average 28.7% in adults with obesity." Press release
- Jastreboff, A.M., et al. (2023). Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 389, 514-526. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2301972
- Sanyal, A.J., et al. (2024). Triple hormone receptor agonist retatrutide for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Nature Medicine, 30, 2037-2048. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03018-2
- Jastreboff, A.M., et al. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387, 327-340. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- Wilding, J.P.H., et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384, 989-1002. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Medical Disclaimer
The content on glp3.wiki is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Retatrutide is an investigational drug that has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory agency.
Dr. Jones DC\u0027s video is not medical advice. He is a Doctor of Chiropractic, not a medical doctor, and operates a telemedicine practice that sells GLP-1 coaching services. His video contains affiliate links and promotes his practice throughout. While many of his claims about clinical trial data are accurate, his heart rate claim (10-30 bpm) is significantly overstated, his weight loss threshold breakdown contains errors, and his "food chatter" framework is anecdotal rather than evidence-based.
Do not use this information to make decisions about your health without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
This site is not affiliated with Dr. Jones DC, Eli Lilly and Company, or any pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Sources
- Dr. Jones DC on Retatrutide (YouTube)
YouTube
- TRIUMPH-4 results
Eli Lilly Investor Relations
- Phase 2 trial (NEJM)
New England Journal of Medicine
Related reading
Retatrutide Results: Weight Loss Data and What to Expect
28.7% average weight loss in Phase 3 — here's the full data breakdown by dose, timeline, and what individual results look like.
Retatrutide vs Mounjaro vs Ozempic
How the three generations of weight loss drugs compare — single, dual, and triple agonists.
Retatrutide Side Effects & Safety
Clinical trial safety data, the new dysesthesia signal, and how side effects compare to existing GLP-1 drugs.
How Does Retatrutide Work? Mechanism of Action Explained
The world's first triple agonist explained — how GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors work together to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure.
Retatrutide and Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD/MASH)
Retatrutide produced up to 82.4% liver fat reduction in Phase 2 — among the strongest results for any drug in development for MASLD/MASH.