There is no denying that GLP-1 medications are quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools in modern medicine’s arsenal for supporting long-term metabolic health, sustainable weight loss, cognitive health, and longevity.
While these medications were initially developed to manage type 2 diabetes, they’ve proven to be game-changers for a wide range of individuals struggling with insulin resistance, stubborn weight gain, inflammation, and chronic fatigue. Similar to all medications, different GLP-1s work more effectively for different patient populations. That’s why, at R3 Health, we take the time to educate our patients and tailor each protocol to their unique biomarker blueprint.
Are you interested in starting a GLP-1? Or simply just curious what exactly they are? Keep on reading! We’re going to break down the differences between the three most talked-about GLP-1 medications: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide and how we use them at R3 Health to create lasting results.
What Are GLP-1s and Why Do We Use Them?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone released after you eat. It helps regulate:
- Blood sugar levels
- Insulin secretion
- Satiety (your “I’m full” signal)
- The rate at which your stomach empties
At R3 Health, we use these medications as part of a comprehensive metabolic health program. This goes far beyond weight loss, with our goal primarily being to address the root causes of dysfunction, including:
- Insulin resistance
- Inflammation
- Hormonal imbalance
- Poor mitochondrial function
- Chronic fatigue or brain fog
When used alongside nutrition, movement, hormone support, peptide therapy, and functional testing, GLP-1s can optimize physiology at the cellular level, not just help you lose pounds (though it should help you do that, too).
Semaglutide
Mechanism:
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Mimics natural GLP-1 to promote satiety, slow digestion, and stabilize blood sugar.
At R3 Health, we use it for patients who are:
- New to weight loss medications
- Struggling with prediabetes or PCOS
- Experiencing hormonal weight gain (often during perimenopause or post-andropause)
- Seeking body recomposition and metabolic reset
How we personalize it:
We always start with a baseline biomarker panel, including insulin, fasting glucose, thyroid function, and inflammatory markers. Based on those results, we titrate dosage slowly and combine Semaglutide with weekly B12/methylation support, gut healing protocols, or hormone therapy as needed.
Clinical outcomes:
Most patients on Semaglutide can see 10–15% weight reduction, improved energy, and more stable moods within 12–16 weeks.
Tirzepatide
Mechanism:
Dual agonist (GLP-1 + GIP)
GIP enhances insulin release and supports deeper fat loss and appetite suppression.
When we choose Tirzepatide at R3 Health:
- You’ve hit a plateau with Semaglutide
- You need more aggressive metabolic support
- You’re dealing with fatty liver, visceral fat, or post-menopausal weight retention
- You’re metabolically inflamed and have stubborn cardiometabolic dysfunction
Why it’s effective:
Tirzepatide typically produces 15–22% weight loss and improves markers like triglycerides, A1c, and liver enzymes faster than Semaglutide.
Our approach:
We often pair Tirzepatide with IV nutrient therapy, liver support (like Plaquex or NAD), and muscle preservation protocols (such as resistance training, creatine, or peptide blends like BPC-157 + Tesamorelin).
Retatrutide
Mechanism:
Triple agonist (GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon receptor)
The first triple agonist to hit the market; effectively making it the most groundbreaking GLP-1 medication to hit the market. This product has not yet hit the traditional pharmaceutical market, but is showing extremely promising clinical data in trials thus far.
What makes it different?
By adding glucagon receptor activation, Retatrutide boosts energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which may support greater fat loss without muscle compromise. This is a major breakthrough in metabolic care.
What we’re watching closely at R3 Health:
- Up to 24.2% body weight reduction in early trials
- Promising effects on cholesterol, inflammation, and lean mass retention
- Potential applications for metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, and aging-related weight gain
The R3 Health Difference: It’s Not Just About the Shot
At R3 Health, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” medicine. We believe in data-driven, physician-guided protocols that combine GLP-1 medications with:
- Comprehensive lab analysis: insulin, thyroid, hormones, inflammation, genetics)
- Advanced diagnostic tools: Body Composition Scanning, CardioIQ Panels, and 3×4
- Adjunctive therapies: IV drips, ozone therapy, bioidentical hormones, peptides, and more
- Lifestyle guidance: licensed dietician support, movement plans, and gut support.
- Ongoing monitoring: with Heads Up Health and digital health optimization
Whether you’re starting your weight loss journey or looking to break through a plateau, GLP-1 therapy at R3 Health is never just a shot. It’s part of your precision longevity plan.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re curious about Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or emerging options like Retatrutide, our team is here to help you navigate your options safely and effectively. Call R3 Health or visit our website to schedule a personalized consultation. Let’s build a plan tailored to your biomarkers, your lifestyle, and your goals.
