§ Glossary · biology

GIP

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, an incretin hormone with metabolic and adipose effects.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), formerly called gastric inhibitory peptide, is an incretin hormone secreted by intestinal K-cells. It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion (like GLP-1) and has direct effects on adipose tissue including modulation of insulin sensitivity and lipid handling. The GIP receptor is the second receptor target of tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) and retatrutide (LY-3437943). The mechanistic explanation for tirzepatide's larger metabolic effects vs. semaglutide cites GIP-mediated adipose-tissue effects on top of shared GLP-1 satiety / gastric emptying actions.

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