States retreat from covering drugs for weight loss Some health professionals say covering GLP-1 drugs will save money in the long term
Too much can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or even more severe complications like pancreatitis

Best For Patients who have plateaued on semaglutide or tirzepatide Patients with significant weight to lose (50+ pounds) Patients with fatty liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD) or metabolic syndrome Patients who want access to the most advanced mechanism currently available Patients with established GLP-1 experience and good tolerance Side Effect Comparison All three medications share a similar side effect profile driven primarily by gastrointestinal effects: Common Side Effects (All Three) Nausea most common during dose escalation, usually resolves within 2 to 4 weeks at each dose level Diarrhea reported by 15 to 25 percent of patients Vomiting reported by 8 to 15 percent Constipation reported by 6 to 12 percent Decreased appetite nearly universal and considered therapeutic Tirzepatide and retatrutide may have slightly higher rates of GI side effects than semaglutide due to the additional pathway activation
Injections generally range from $100 to $200 each
Appetite is typically lower in the morning as a result
Protein optimization to prevent muscle loss Autoimmune patients face a higher risk of sarcopenia (muscle wasting) than the general population, driven by chronic inflammation, corticosteroid use, and reduced physical activity during flares