How it works
Activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The added GIP activity appears to improve insulin sensitivity and lipid handling while blunting some of the nausea associated with pure GLP-1 agonism.
Structure: 39 amino acid dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist
Reported benefits
- Up to ~21% mean weight loss at 15 mg in SURMOUNT-1
- Superior HbA1c reduction versus semaglutide in head-to-head trials
- Improvements in sleep apnoea and blood pressure
Practical considerations
- Same muscle-preservation caveats as semaglutide
- Slow titration is essential
- High cost and periodic supply constraints
Side effects and risks
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite to the point of undereating
- Diarrhoea
- Rare pancreatitis
Dosing overview
2.5 mg weekly starting dose, escalating in 2.5 mg steps up to 15 mg
This describes doses reported in published literature and community protocols. It is not a recommendation, and it is not a substitute for clinical supervision.
Research references
- Jastreboff et al., 2022 — SURMOUNT-1, NEJM