A new experimental weight-loss drug, Retatrutide, is showing impressive results, outperforming current FDA-approved treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy. In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, Retatrutide helped obese adults lose up to 22% of their body weight in just 48 weeks, making it more effective than other drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), which resulted in 13.9% and 17.8% weight loss, respectively.

Retatrutide works by mimicking three hormones: GLP-1 (which reduces appetite), GIP, and glucagon, which together help regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss. This combined approach seems to make it particularly effective. Participants also showed improvements in blood pressure, although weight loss tended to plateau after the initial phase of treatment.

The study reviewed 26 clinical trials involving nearly 15,500 people, examining both approved and experimental weight-loss drugs. It also explored alternatives like a pill form of semaglutide (Rybelsus) and drugs in development, such as Lilly's daily pill orforglipron and the weekly injection mazdutide.

While mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea were common side effects, there was no direct link to fatalities during the trials. However, researchers emphasized the need for further studies, particularly direct comparisons between different GLP-1 drugs, to better understand their long-term safety and effectiveness.

Though still in Phase 3 of trials with expected completion by 2026, Retatrutide’s potential has raised hopes for a new breakthrough in obesity treatment. Despite its promising results, it may take several years before the drug is approved for public use.

Reference:

1. Efficacy and Safety of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss Among Adults Without Diabetes, Annals of Internal Medicine (2025). 

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sruthi Suresh/MSM)