Medically supervised weight loss has changed a lot in the last few years. GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have helped many Illume patients lose weight in a steady, sustainable way with support from a medical team. Now, there is a next-generation option on the horizon that takes this science even further: Retatrutide.
Patients are already hearing about it in the news, so it is natural to ask: What is Retatrutide? How does it work? And where does it fit with the options Illume already offers?
This guide will walk you through what we know so far, how Retatrutide compares to Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, and what to expect from Illume’s program and pricing.
What Is Retatrutide?
Retatrutide is a next-generation triple agonist that activates three different receptor pathways at once:
- GLP-1
- GIP
- Glucagon receptors
Because it works on all three, Retatrutide represents one of the most advanced developments in metabolic therapy so far. Early data from the SURMOUNT-3 trial (48 weeks) show an average 24–26% reduction in body weight, which is why you may be seeing such buzz about it.
How Retatrutide Works in the Body
Retatrutide does more than curb appetite. With its triple-pathway activation, it is designed to:
- Boost metabolic rate, so your body burns more energy
- Enhance fat oxidation, meaning your body is more likely to use stored fat as fuel
- Promote lean muscle preservation, so weight loss is more focused on fat rather than muscle
- Improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, which supports better metabolic health
- Reduce systemic inflammation and support cardiometabolic health, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease over time
In simple terms, Retatrutide is meant to do what current GLP-1 medications do, and then layer on additional benefits related to metabolism, inflammation, and long-term heart health. It is this combination that creates the potential for profound, durable fat-loss results.
How It Compares to Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Illume already offers two powerful, physician-supervised injectable weight loss options:
Both work by acting on gut-derived hormone pathways that help control appetite and blood sugar. Tirzepatide is often described as “next generation” because it activates both GLP-1 and GIP, which can enhance appetite control and metabolic effects compared to GLP-1 alone.
Retatrutide takes the concept one step further by adding glucagon receptor activation, which is where the “triple agonist” description comes from. Early research suggests it may offer even greater average weight loss than the medications available today, but long-term safety, ideal dosing, and side-effect profiles are still being studied.
Because of that, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide remain the established, widely used options in Illume’s current Weight Loss & Wellness programs, while Retatrutide is emerging as a new, advanced option that requires very careful medical supervision.
Monthly Retatrutide Pricing at Illume
For patients who are appropriate candidates and choose to move forward under Illume’s medical supervision, Retatrutide is structured as a monthly program based on dose:
Monthly (4 injections) pricing:
- Low Dose (≤ 4.99 mg): $530 per month
- Middle Dose (5–9.99 mg): $780 per month
- High Dose (10 mg+): $920 per month
Dosing is not chosen for cost alone. Your provider will base your dose on your medical history, treatment response, side effects, and safety considerations. Pricing simply reflects that higher doses use more medication over the month.
During your consultation, Illume’s team will also review how Retatrutide compares in cost and expected outcomes to established options like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, so you can make an informed decision.
Safety, Monitoring, and Medical Supervision
Because Retatrutide is a newer advancement in metabolic medicine, careful medical oversight is an essential part of treatment. At Illume, weight loss medications are never approached as a one-size-fits-all solution. Each patient’s plan is guided by medical history, current health, and individual response to treatment.
At Illume, you can expect:
- A detailed medical history and assessment before starting
- Discussion of potential side effects and how they compare to other injectables
- Regular check-ins and dose adjustments as needed
- Guidance on nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle to support healthy, sustainable loss
- Clear direction on what symptoms should prompt a call or visit
Illume’s philosophy remains the same, no matter which medication you use: weight loss should be effective, medically sound, and as safe as possible for your long-term health.
Your Next Step With Illume
The online buzz around “next-generation” injections can feel overwhelming, especially when you see dramatic before-and-after photos and mixed messages about safety. You do not have to sort through all of that alone.
Illume’s weight loss team can:
- Explain Retatrutide in plain language
- Compare it honestly to Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
- Walk you through monthly pricing, dose ranges, and expectations
- Build a realistic plan that fits your health, your lifestyle, and your timeline
If you are curious about Retatrutide or ready to explore your medical weight loss options with a trusted team, start with a consultation at Illume Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa. You will leave with clear information, a recommended path forward, and a better sense of which option can support your goals right now.
