Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide
Semaglutide
Approved and widely used in China, with the most mature data.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes patients
- Poor blood glucose control; can be used alone or with other antidiabetic drugs.
- Overweight / obese adults
- BMI ≥ 24 kg/m² with at least one weight-related condition (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, etc.)
- OR BMI ≥ 28 kg/m²
Features
- Moderately strong blood glucose lowering and weight loss effects
- Most extensive safety data
- Covered by medical insurance (for diabetes indication only)
Tirzepatide
GIP+GLP‑1 dual agonist; stronger than semaglutide.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes patients
- Better glucose control than semaglutide.
- Overweight / obese adults
- Significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide.
- Suitable for those wanting more weight reduction.
Features
- Strong effects on both glucose control and weight loss
- Side effects (nausea, diarrhea) may be more noticeable
- Approved and available in China
Retatrutide
GLP‑1/GIP/GCG triple agonist; currently the most potent class.
Important notes
- Not yet approved in China
- Only used in clinical trials or certain regions abroad
Theoretical indications
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity / severe obesity
- Strongest weight loss effect among all GLP‑1 agents so far
Features
- Most potent effects, but long-term safety data are still being collected
- Not legally available or prescribable in China
Simple summary
- Safe, stable, insurance-covered → semaglutide
- Stronger glucose control + weight loss → tirzepatide
- Retatrutide: not yet available in China; not recommended to purchase privately
| Item | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | Retatrutide |
| Class | GLP‑1 receptor agonist | GIP+GLP‑1 dual agonist | GLP‑1/GIP/GCG triple agonist |
| Approved in China | Approved & available | Approved & available | Not approved |
| Main Indications | Type 2 diabetes, weight management | Type 2 diabetes, weight management | Type 2 diabetes, obesity (clinical stage) |
| Glucose control | Strong | Stronger | Strongest (trial data) |
| Weight loss | Strong | Significantly stronger | Strongest so far |
| Suitable for | Diabetes, stable weight loss | Diabetes, larger weight loss goal | Severe obesity (studies abroad) |
| Common side effects | Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation | Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (may be higher) |
| Insurance | Covered for diabetes | Covered for diabetes | Not covered |
| Availability | Hospitals, licensed pharmacies | Hospitals, licensed pharmacies | Not legally available in China |
| Key points | Safe, well‑established | More potent, reliable data | Most powerful, not approved in China |