As GLP-1 medications become more accessible in 2025, patients and providers are asking an important question:
Which option is best for weight loss, metabolic health, and long-term results?
In this post, we’ll compare the top GLP-1 and dual/triple agonist therapies available now—or coming soon—including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and emerging options like CagriSema and Retatrutide. We’ll also touch on combination protocols that may enhance outcomes for specific patients.
📊 Quick Comparison: GLP-1 Therapy Options in 2025![]()
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🧪 1. Semaglutide (Ozempic® / Wegovy®)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for both diabetes (Ozempic®) and weight loss (Wegovy®).
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Pros:
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Weekly injection
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Strong weight loss and glycemic data
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Broad insurance coverage for diabetes
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Available in branded and some compounded forms (in rare, compliant use cases)
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Cons:
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Cost remains high without insurance
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Common side effects: nausea, bloating, constipation
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Slower ramp-up and weight loss than tirzepatide
🧪 2. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro® / Zepbound®)
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, offering stronger weight loss effects than semaglutide in head-to-head studies.
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Pros:
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Highest weight loss outcomes currently FDA-approved
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Dual hormone effect improves appetite regulation
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Weekly injection with flexible dosing
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Cons:
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Weight loss version (Zepbound®) may have limited insurance coverage
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Cost prohibitive for some patients
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GI effects can be more pronounced at higher doses
🧪 3. Liraglutide (Saxenda® / Victoza®)
An earlier-generation GLP-1, liraglutide is FDA-approved for both diabetes and weight loss. It requires daily dosing but may still be effective for certain patients.
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Pros:
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Long safety record
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Lower cost and wider availability
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Used in combination protocols
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Cons:
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Daily injection may affect adherence
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Less weight loss than semaglutide or tirzepatide
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Can lead to earlier plateaus
🧪 4. Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
Approved for diabetes, dulaglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 that may support modest weight loss in certain patients.
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Pros:
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Weekly injection
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Affordable with insurance
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Good starting option for metabolic support
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Cons:
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Limited data on significant weight loss
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May be less effective at suppressing appetite
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Some patients experience injection site irritation
🔬 5. CagriSema (Semaglutide + Cagrilintide – In Clinical Trials)
CagriSema is a dual therapy combining semaglutide (GLP-1) with cagrilintide, a long-acting amylin analogue. This therapy aims to mimic the natural synergy between GLP-1 and amylin in controlling appetite and glucose levels.
🧠 Early trial data shows:
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Greater weight loss than semaglutide alone
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Improved feelings of satiety
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Better glucose regulation
CagriSema is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, and if approved, may mark a major shift toward multi-hormone strategies.
🔬 6. Retatrutide (Triple Agonist – In Clinical Trials)
Retatrutide is a GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon receptor agonist that may offer the most potent weight loss to date. Early studies show weight reduction exceeding that of tirzepatide.
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Mechanism:
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GLP-1: Reduces appetite
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GIP: Enhances insulin response
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Glucagon: Increases energy expenditure
Retatrutide is not yet FDA-approved but is being closely watched as a next-gen obesity and metabolic treatment.
💊 Bonus: Custom Combination Protocols (Off-Label Use)
Some providers are beginning to explore off-label combination therapies when branded options are not accessible or when patients experience diminished results.
🧪 Common strategies include:
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GLP-1 + Pramlintide (FDA-approved amylin analogue)
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Liraglutide or Dulaglutide + Nutraceuticals (e.g., SLM+)
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Stacked dosing protocols to mitigate plateaus
These approaches are still under clinical evaluation and should be supervised by experienced medical professionals.
📌 Final Takeaways for Providers & Patients
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Semaglutide and tirzepatide remain the top-tier FDA-approved options for most patients
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New therapies like CagriSema and Retatrutide may soon redefine the treatment landscape
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Liraglutide and dulaglutide still have roles—especially when cost, tolerance, or accessibility are factors
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Emerging combination protocols may help close the gap for patients who’ve plateaued or need a more tailored plan
📄 Disclosures & Disclaimers
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Patients should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or modifying any medication or supplement.
Regulatory Disclaimer: Some therapies discussed are investigational or used off-label. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and may only be used when appropriate under federal and state guidelines.
Collaborative Disclosure: STAAR LABS collaborates with licensed providers and pharmacies to support ongoing research into combination therapies and nutraceutical protocols. These collaborations are designed to improve clinical understanding and patient outcomes.
