Retatrutide won’t be available until 2027-2028. Is it worth waiting or should I start tirzepatide now?
So I’ve been doing a ton of research and it looks like retatrutide won’t hit the market until at least 2027, maybe even 2028 depending on FDA approval timelines. I’m really interested in it because of the triple receptor action and the trial results look incredible – better weight loss than anything currently available.
But here’s my dilemma… I’m 38F, need to lose about 60lbs, and I’m not sure I want to wait another 3-4 years to get started. My A1C is creeping up (5.9 last check) and my doctor is starting to talk about intervention sooner rather than later.
For those of you on tirzepatide or semaglutide – do you think it’s worth just starting now? Or would you wait for retatrutide if you were in my shoes? I keep thinking maybe I should just get the weight off now with what’s available rather than waiting for the “perfect” option that might not even be that much better in real world results.
Also wondering if insurance formularies will even cover retatrutide right away or if there’ll be a long wait for that too. Would love to hear from anyone who’s been through this decision process!
Don’t wait imo. I went through this same thought process last year waiting for tirzepatide to become more available and I wish I’d just started on semaglutide earlier. Three years is a LONG time to put your health on hold, especially with your A1C already in prediabetic range. You can always switch to retatrutide when it comes out if it makes sense. I’m down 52lbs on tirzepatide since March and honestly the results have been life changing. The best medication is the one you can actually take NOW rather than some theoretical future option.
I hear what Mike is saying but there’s another angle to consider. If you start tirzepatide now, there’s no guarantee your insurance will approve switching to retatrutide later, especially if you’ve already had success on tirz. Insurance companies are weird about changing medications that are “working.” That said, 2027 is still optimistic – could easily be 2029 before it’s widely available and covered. My doctor mentioned that new drugs often have limited supply issues for the first year or two as well. Just something to think about regarding the waiting game.
Start now for sure. I was 41 when I started semaglutide and waiting even 6 more months would have meant 6 more months of joint pain, sleep apnea, and feeling miserable. The health benefits of losing weight now will compound over those 3-4 years you’d be waiting. Plus like ResearchRabbit said, there’s no guarantee on the timeline or that retatrutide will even be better for YOU specifically – everyone responds differently to these medications. Talk to your doctor about starting tirzepatide given your A1C situation. You can always reassess in a few years when reta is actually available.