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The Ultimate Guide to Today’s Top Weight Loss Medications: Your Questions Answered

Written by Monique Gutierrez on . Posted in Semaglutide Weight Loss, Weight Loss.

Over the past few years, new medications for weight loss have gained widespread attention — especially semaglutide (Ozempic®/Wegovy®), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®/Zepbound™), and the newest contender, retatrutide. These medications work differently from traditional diet and exercise alone, offering powerful tools for those struggling with obesity or weight-related conditions.

If you’re curious about how these medications compare, how they work, and whether one might be right for you, here are answers to the most common questions people ask.

How do semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide work?

All three belong to a class of medications that mimic hormones in your body to help regulate appetite, insulin, and blood sugar.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which helps you feel fuller longer, slows digestion, and improves insulin sensitivity.

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it targets both GLP-1 and another hormone, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which may further enhance weight loss and blood sugar control compared to semaglutide.

Retatrutide is currently in clinical trials and shows even more promise. It’s a triple agonist — targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors — which may result in greater energy expenditure and weight loss than the other two.

Why eating protein and strength training is important

While medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide can help you lose significant weight by reducing your appetite and calorie intake, it’s important to understand that not all weight loss is equal.

Without the right nutrition and exercise, some of the weight you lose may come from muscle, not just fat — and preserving your muscle is crucial for your health, strength, and metabolism.

Here’s why eating enough protein and including weight training in your routine matter:

Protects Your Muscle Mass

These medications help you eat less, but when you’re in a calorie deficit, your body may break down muscle along with fat.
Adequate protein intake and resistance training signal your body to hold onto muscle while burning fat.

Supports a Healthy Metabolism

Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat does. Losing too much muscle can slow your metabolism and make it harder to keep the weight off long term. Strength training helps maintain or even build muscle as you lose weight.

Improves Strength and Function

Keeping your muscles strong ensures you can continue to move well, stay active, and reduce your risk of injury — all of which are especially important as you lose weight.

Helps With Satiety and Recovery

Protein-rich meals help you feel fuller longer and support recovery after workouts, which is important since these medications may already reduce your appetite and make it harder to get enough nutrients.

By combining weight loss medication with a solid nutrition and exercise plan, you’re not just losing weight — you’re building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient body.

What are the side effects?

Like any medication, these have side effects — most often gastrointestinal, such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Reduced appetite

Side effects tend to be dose-dependent, often lessen as your body adjusts, and vary by person.

How long do I need to stay on the medication?

These medications work as long as you continue taking them. Stopping the medication often leads to regaining weight. That’s why they’re usually prescribed alongside lifestyle changes like improved nutrition, physical activity, and behavior therapy for long-term success.

Which medication is right for me?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Factors to consider include:

  • Your medical history
  • Weight loss goals
  • How well you tolerate each medication

Discuss your options with your healthcare provider — they can guide you toward the best fit based on your unique situation. Remember, what works well for your friend may not be the right choice for you — and that’s perfectly okay!

Our commitment to quality: lab-grade medications

At Tucson Wellness MD we prioritize your safety and effectiveness above all else. That’s why we use only lab-grade weight loss medications sourced directly from trusted manufacturers.

We do not use compounded medications or products from compounding pharmacies. Compounded medications are custom-mixed formulations that may vary in quality, potency, and safety.

By choosing lab-grade medications, we ensure you receive:

  • Consistent, reliable dosing
  • The highest manufacturing standards
  • Proven safety and efficacy

Your health and results matter to us. This commitment helps us provide you with the best care possible on your weight loss journey.

Begin your weight loss journey with Tucson Wellness MD

Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and the upcoming retatrutide represent exciting advances in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease. While they’re not magic bullets, they can provide significant support alongside lifestyle changes.

If you’re interested in learning more about these options or finding out which is right for you, schedule a consultation with a qualified provider who can help you weigh the benefits, risks, and costs.