Compound Profile · Metabolic
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in several jurisdictions.
Peptide Score
Evidence
Safety
Regulatory
Transparency
Quick verdict
Strongest weight-loss results among approved peptides. Head-to-head data favours tirzepatide over semaglutide. Approved in Australia under prescriber pathways.
Reality check
What this isn't
- Prescription only — requires clinician oversight
- Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumours (rodent data)
- Gastrointestinal events common, particularly during titration
- Cardiovascular outcome data less mature than semaglutide
- Effect partially reverses if discontinued
- Educational research review only — not medical advice
~21%
Mean weight loss (SURMOUNT-1, 72 wks)
72
Weeks
2,539
Participants
Approved
Trial phase
What this means: SURMOUNT-1 reported mean body weight reduction of ~21% at top dose over 72 weeks. SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head vs semaglutide showed greater weight reduction with tirzepatide. SURPASS demonstrated HbA1c reductions in T2D.
What participants experienced
- 1
Week 0–4
Dose titration; gastrointestinal events common
- 2
Week 12
Early weight reduction; appetite changes reported
- 3
Week 24
Substantial reductions reported in trial cohorts
- 4
Week 72
Peak reductions in pivotal SURMOUNT-1 trial; HbA1c improvements in SURPASS
- 5
Beyond Week 72
Cardiovascular outcome trials ongoing; long-term real-world data still maturing
Full Tirzepatide review
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
16 more articles on Tirzepatide
How Tirzepatide Works: A Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
MechanismDual Agonism Explained: Why Tirzepatide Targets Two Receptors
MechanismThe Mechanism of Tirzepatide-Induced Weight Loss
EvidenceThe SURMOUNT Trial Program: Tirzepatide for Weight Management
EvidenceThe SURPASS Trial Program: Tirzepatide for Type 2 Diabetes
EvidenceTirzepatide Weight Loss Evidence: A Research Review
Looking at alternatives?
Compounds with comparable research interest but different evidence, regulatory status, or risk profile.
Metabolic
Semaglutide
Why consider it: More mature long-term safety data and established cardiovascular benefit (SELECT). Slightly smaller effect on weight loss in head-to-head trials.
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Retatrutide
Why consider it: Investigational triple-agonist with even larger reported weight loss. Not approved — Phase III ongoing.
View profileMetabolic
Liraglutide
Why consider it: Daily-dose alternative with the longest real-world safety record in the GLP-1 class. Smaller effect size.
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