Tirzepatide
Also known as: Zepbound, Mounjaro
Profile at a glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Eli Lilly |
| Mechanism | Dual agonist — GLP-1 + GIP receptors |
| Administration | Once-weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Peak weight loss | ~21–23% at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT program) |
| Status | FDA-approved (Zepbound for weight loss, Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes) |
Tirzepatide compared
Every head-to-head we've published involving Tirzepatide.
Retatrutide vs Mounjaro vs Ozempic
How the three generations of weight loss drugs compare — single, dual, and triple agonists.
Updated February 2026
Retatrutide vs Zepbound: What's the Difference?
Same manufacturer, different drugs. Retatrutide adds glucagon agonism for 28.7% vs Zepbound's 22.5% weight loss.
Updated February 2026
Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Triple Agonist vs Dual Agonist
Retatrutide produces 28.7% weight loss (triple agonist) vs tirzepatide's 22.5% (dual agonist). A head-to-head trial is underway.
Updated February 2026
CagriSema vs Tirzepatide (Zepbound): REDEFINE 4 Head-to-Head Results
CagriSema lost to tirzepatide in REDEFINE 4: 23.0% vs 25.5% weight loss at 84 weeks. Retatrutide achieved 28.7% in TRIUMPH-4.
Updated February 2026
Cagrilintide and Tirzepatide: Stacking Amylin With a Dual Agonist
Cagrilintide + tirzepatide stacking: no human trial data, CagriSema lost to tirzepatide in REDEFINE 4, and retatrutide offers 28.7% weight loss from one molecule.
Updated February 2026
Mazdutide vs Tirzepatide: GLP-1/Glucagon vs GLP-1/GIP Compared
Mazdutide pairs GLP-1 with glucagon for liver fat clearance. Tirzepatide pairs GLP-1 with GIP for maximum appetite suppression. Different second receptors, different strengths.
Updated February 2026
Orforglipron vs Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Oral Pill vs Weekly Injection
Orforglipron offers 12.4% weight loss as a daily pill. Tirzepatide delivers 22.5% as a weekly injection. Both are from Eli Lilly.
Updated February 2026
Orforglipron vs Zepbound (Tirzepatide): Daily Pill vs Weekly Injection
Orforglipron offers 12.4% weight loss as a daily pill starting at $149/month. Zepbound delivers 22.5% as a weekly injection at $299-$449/month. Both from Eli Lilly.
Updated March 2026
Survodutide vs Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Glucagon vs GIP as the Second Target
Survodutide adds glucagon for energy expenditure and liver fat. Tirzepatide adds GIP for insulin and appetite. Different second receptors, different strengths.
Updated February 2026
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.
Updated February 2026
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.
Updated February 2026
Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which Is Better for Weight Loss and Diabetes?
Mounjaro produced twice the weight loss of Ozempic in head-to-head trials. Practical comparison of cost, insurance, and prescribing differences.
Updated February 2026
Peptides for Weight Loss vs GLP-1 Drugs: What the Evidence Says
GLP-1 drugs have Phase 3 trials and FDA approval. Research peptides have failed trials and animal data. The full evidence comparison.
Updated March 2026
Related articles
Safety, mechanism, and context pieces that reference Tirzepatide.
GLP-1 vs GLP-2 vs GLP-3: What's the Difference?
GLP-1 and GLP-2 are real hormones. "GLP-3" is not — it's slang for retatrutide. Here's what each term actually means.
Updated February 2026
Switching to Retatrutide from Tirzepatide or Semaglutide
Retatrutide is not yet available, but here is what we know about switching between GLP-1 drugs and how to access clinical trials.
Updated February 2026
Dr. Jones DC on Retatrutide Phase 3 Results (28.7% Weight Loss), Triple Agonist Mechanism, and Retatrutide vs Tirzepatide: Fact Check
Dr. Jones DC on retatrutide Phase 3 results, triple agonist mechanism, and retatrutide vs tirzepatide — fact-checked against trial data.
Updated February 2026
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