There’s a lot of excitement in the medical world about a new treatment called Retatrutide. Early research suggests it may help people lose more weight than any medication currently available – and improve other aspects of health along the way.
So what is Retatrutide, how does it work, and how does it compare to treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro that are already making headlines?
What is Retatrutide?
Retatrutide (reh-ta-tru-tide) is being developed by the same company that makes Ozempic and Mounjaro. What makes it stand out is its triple action:
- GLP-1: Helps you feel full sooner and slows digestion.
- GIP: Supports insulin and fat metabolism.
- Glucagon: May boost energy use and fat burning.
By targeting all three pathways, Retatrutide could provide a more powerful and balanced effect on appetite, metabolism, and weight.
What Have Studies Shown So Far?
In a major early trial, Retatrutide produced some remarkable results:
- Average weight loss: Up to 24% of body weight after around 48 weeks.
For someone weighing 100 kg, that’s roughly 24 kg lost. - Most participants were still losing weight when the trial ended, suggesting benefits could continue with ongoing treatment.
- Improvements were also seen in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which all play a role in heart health and diabetes risk.
The most common side effects were mild and temporary, such as nausea or digestive upset, which are similar to what we see with other GLP-1–based medications.
It’s important to note that these results are based on clinical trials and not everyone will experience the same level of benefit or tolerability.
How Does Retatrutide Compare to What’s Available Now?
At present, two of the most widely used injectable weight-loss medications are:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic): Typically leads to around 15% weight loss on average.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound): Usually produces around 20–22% weight loss.
Early Retatrutide studies suggest up to 24% weight loss, making it the most effective to date in clinical trials. That’s approaching the kind of results we normally associate with weight-loss surgery, but without the need for an operation.
All weight management treatments should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. They are not suitable for everyone, and the right approach depends on your individual health and medical history.
When Might Retatrutide Be Available?
Retatrutide is still being studied in large-scale Phase 3 trials. If all goes as planned, it could be available by 2026. Until then, Wegovy and Mounjaro remain proven, effective treatments already transforming lives.
Why Does This Matter?
Obesity is complex – it’s not just about willpower. Hormones, metabolism, genetics and lifestyle all play a role. Medications like Retatrutide are designed to address these biological factors safely and effectively.
The potential benefits go far beyond weight loss alone. By improving blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, these treatments may also help reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes, fatty liver disease and heart disease.
Our Approach at sk:Inspire Medical
At sk:Inspire Medical, we stay up to date with the latest developments so we can offer the best evidence-based options to our patients. Retatrutide isn’t available yet, but its future looks very promising.
In the meantime, there are excellent weight management treatments available right now, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, which we offer as part of a comprehensive, doctor-led programme.