Retatrutide in Bali

Tirzepatide works through two receptors, GIP and GLP-1. Retatrutide adds a third, the glucagon receptor. GLP-1 and GIP reduce appetite and slow digestion; glucagon signalling raises energy expenditure and pushes the liver to burn stored fat. The combination is why researchers call it a triple agonist.

Like tirzepatide, it has a long half-life, about six days, so it is injected once a week under the skin.

In the Phase 2 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2023, adults with obesity on the 12 mg weekly dose lost 24.2% of their body weight on average after 48 weeks. The Phase 3 TRIUMPH programme is now testing it at scale; the first readout, TRIUMPH-4, reported 28.7% over 68 weeks on the highest dose.

Retatrutide is still investigational. Several more Phase 3 trials, in type 2 diabetes, heart and kidney disease and other areas, are running, which is why it draws so much attention from researchers: it is the first triple agonist to reach this stage.

The research community most often stays at 2 to 4 mg a week. At 2 mg a week a 10 mg vial lasts about five weeks and a 30 mg vial about fifteen.

The 10 mg size suits a first try or a short course. If you already know the dose that works for you and plan a longer run, the 30 mg vial costs less per milligram and means fewer orders. Both sizes come as a vial, reconstituted or dry, or as a pre-filled pen.

A once-a-week injection fits island life well. Pick a fixed day, keep the vial or pen in the fridge between doses and you only think about it once a week. If you move between Canggu, Ubud and the Bukit, a pen in an insulated pouch travels more easily than a vial and syringes.

As with tirzepatide, the trial results came alongside diet and activity. Enough protein, regular strength training and plenty of water in the heat help you keep muscle while the weight comes down. To compare the two compounds side by side, with the doses and results of each trial, see the retatrutide vs tirzepatide page linked below.