Retatrutide

       Weight-loss injections have exploded in popularity in recent years. Medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have been in the spotlight. Considering how well they work, it’s easy to see why.

But there are several other weight-loss medications that scientists are researching. And early studies suggest that some products in development might work better than those already on the market. Retatrutide is one medication in the pipeline that fits this description.

How does retatrutide work for weight loss? And when might it be FDA approved? Let’s discuss seven things you should know about retatrutide.

1. Retatrutide works differently from other weight-loss medications

Similar to Wegovy and Zepbound, retatrutide acts like natural hormones found in the body. But instead of acting like one or two hormones, retatrutide acts like three:

• Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)

• Glucagon

GIP and GLP-1 tell your pancreas to release insulin after eating. They also lower the amount of new sugar (glucose) that your liver makes. What’s more, GIP and GLP-1 slow digestion to help you feel fuller. And they target areas of your brain that regulate appetite and influence food cravings.

Glucagon is the hormone that tells our liver to make new sugar. If you’re thinking that this seems counterintuitive, you’re not alone. But retatrutide’s GIP and GLP-1 activity helps keep glucagon in check. This is why the medication doesn’t cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Glucagon does more than just create new sugar. It also:

• Speeds up your metabolism

• Helps your body break down fat cells for energy

  This added metabolism boost can add to and complement GIP’s and GLP-1’s actions. And that’s why it seems to provide significant weight loss.

  If approved, retatrutide will be the first in a new class of medications.

  2. Retatrutide has led to a 24% weight loss in studies

  Studies suggest that retatrutide could have significant weight-loss benefits. People reported an average weight loss of about 23% and 24% after using retatrutide for 11 months with the two highest doses (8 mg and 12 mg, respectively). That’s more than any of the approved weight-loss medications — and in a shorter amount of time.

  Keep in mind that these results are from a phase 2 clinical trial. This is an earlier-stage study that’s conducted in a smaller number of people. An ongoing phase 3 trial will help confirm how effective retatrutide is for weight loss. 

  3. Retatrutide is also being studied for other health conditions

  Many people are interested in retatrutide for weight loss, but that’s not all scientists are studying it for. That’s because GLP-1 medications have shown proven benefits for heart health, kidney health, obstructive sleep apnea, and more.

  Experts are also looking at whether retatrutide can treat:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) — a health condition caused by fat building up in your liver

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Cardiovascular risk reduction

  • Osteoarthritis of the knee in people with larger bodies

  This isn’t surprising when it comes to medications that act like GLP-1. Other GLP-1 medications are also being studied for these conditions and more.

  4. Retatrutide has side effects similar to other GLP-1 medications

  So far, studies suggest retatrutide causes side effects that are similar to other GLP-1 medications. These commonly include gastrointestinal side effects, such as:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  People rated these retatrutide side effects as mild or moderate. And side effects were more noticeable when people first started the medication. As with other GLP-1 medications, serious side effects were rare.