Reta vs Tirz, for Weight Maintenance

7 replies8 peopleJul 29, 2026☆ Follow

Summary

Which works better for long-term weight maintenance after hitting goal weight: retatrutide or tirzepatide?

Forum users report that both compounds can support maintenance, though individual tolerance to reta side effects varies and some combine low-dose reta with tirz for better results. Low weekly reta doses around 3 mg have kept weight stable for some while preserving enjoyment of food. Maintenance success appears tied more to dose level than to the specific drug chosen.

What this discussion establishes

Reta may offer extra benefits like reduced visceral fat and protection against fatty liver at low doses.
Side effects from reta often appear above 4 mg for some users, making personal testing necessary.
Tirz at 10 mg weekly proved insufficient for one user, who added reta and later planned to switch fully.
Dopamine and reward effects stem mainly from GLP-1 action and are not unique to reta.
Some maintain successfully on 1-2 mg reta weekly.

Where people disagree

Whether reta's impact on dopamine is distinct from other GLP-1 drugs or applies equally to tirz.

Still open

Suitability of reta's glucagon component for multi-year use versus tirz's cleaner profile.

Nothing here is advice.

7 replies · 8 people

WarmSparrow92archiveopening postJul 29

Once people hit their goal weight and stay in maintenance, which option supports that phase better, Reta or Tirz? Does the added glucagon action in Reta suit extended use, or does Tirz's GLP plus GIP action work better given Reta can increase resting heart rate, trigger allodynia, and blunt dopamine while Tirz feels cleaner overall? Planning to stock several grams of whichever looks suitable and continue for at least two to three years before tapering off.

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CopperMeadow64archiveJul 29

Most people find either one effective, though Reta brings side effects for certain users, including myself once I go over 4mg. Best to test it personally to check what sides show up and whether they're tolerable.

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SteadySignal69archiveJul 29

One thing to think about is Reta's potential to protect against fatty liver and cut down visceral fat. If a low enough dose controls the unwanted effects, those additional metabolic perks could tip the scale toward Reta. Lots of folks in maintenance are using just 1-2 mg, so the amount needed might be small.

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SharpAlder88archiveJul 29

↳ replying to @WarmSparrow92 (opening post)

Tirz at 10mg per week didn't hold my weight during maintenance. So I added reta gradually while lowering the tirz dose. Currently at 5T and 6R each week, and it's working well. The goal was to get the glucagon benefit from reta. Once the tirz is gone, I'll likely switch to reta only.

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GreyHarbour55archiveJul 30

I've been maintaining since May 25th using 3mg of Reta once weekly. My weight stays steady and food still tastes good.

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QuietFenwick11archiveJul 30

The key for maintenance seems to be the amount taken rather than which drug it is. Not sure what studies mention retatrutide reducing dopamine activity.

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SharpThistle77archiveJul 30

↳ replying to @QuietFenwick11

It's not that Reta blocks dopamine directly, but activating the incretin receptors cuts down on the dopamine spikes from enjoyable things like eating.

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CopperSignal27archiveJul 30

Changes to the reward system and dopamine happen mainly through GLP-1 action, so they show up with any GLP-based medication, not limited to reta.

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