Frequently Asked Questions
General information
Retatrutide is a new experimental medication from the GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon agonist class, developed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and affecting hormones that regulate metabolism and body weight.
Retatrutide is intended for people with obesity or overweight, as well as those with type 2 diabetes. It is not yet officially approved and is currently available only in clinical trials.
In studies, participants lost about 25% of their body weight over 48 to 72 weeks of treatment. Results depend on the dosage and individual response.
Early clinical trial data shows Retatrutide may lead to up to 24% body weight reduction, compared to around 15% with Semaglutide and up to 22% with Tirzepatide. This suggests Retatrutide could outperform both, though long-term safety and real-world effectiveness are still under investigation.
Retatrutide is primarily being developed for obesity, but it also benefits people with type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar.
Switching may be possible under medical supervision. Patients who plateau or experience side effects with Semaglutide sometimes transition to Tirzepatide for stronger results. Switching to Retatrutide is not yet available outside clinical trials, but it may become an option once the drug is FDA-approved.
Initial weight loss results are usually noticeable after 4–8 weeks. The most significant weight reduction typically occurs within the first 12–18 months of treatment.
As with other GLP-1 drugs, some weight regain is possible after discontinuation. Long-term therapy combined with lifestyle changes is recommended.
Early results suggest it is safe, but further research is needed. It is not yet available outside clinical studies.
Yes, it helps regulate blood sugar, insulin, appetite, and energy expenditure, improving overall metabolism.
FDA and EMA approval is expected in the coming years, likely around 2026–2027.
Currently, it cannot be purchased – it is only available through clinical trials. Once approved, it will be available in pharmacies with a prescription.
Comparison: Retatrutide vs. Semaglutide
Retatrutide is a new drug that acts on three receptors (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon), while Semaglutide only targets the GLP-1 receptor. This gives Reta the potential for stronger effects on weight loss and metabolism.
Clinical studies show that Retatrutide can lead to greater weight loss (up to 24% of body weight) compared to Semaglutide (around 15%). This makes Reta potentially more effective for obesity treatment.
Yes, early research suggests weight loss starts earlier and progresses more quickly with Retatrutide compared to Semaglutide.
There is not enough long-term data for Retatrutide yet, but due to its triple hormone action, it may provide more lasting results. Semaglutide already has proven long-term safety and effectiveness.
With Retatrutide, results are often noticeable within 4–6 weeks, while with Semaglutide it usually takes 6–8 weeks.
Yes, Retatrutide affects GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, giving it broader effects on fat metabolism and energy expenditure compared to Semaglutide.
Semaglutide is already available in pharmacies by prescription. Retatrutide will also require a prescription once it receives regulatory approval.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is already on the market. Retatrutide is expected to become available around 2026–2027.
Yes, once approved, it will only be available with a prescription under medical supervision.
Comparison: Retatrutide vs. Tirzepatide
Retatrutide activates three receptors (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon), while Tirzepatide targets two (GLP-1 and GIP). This gives Retatrutide the potential for stronger effects on metabolism and weight loss.
Clinical studies suggest Retatrutide may lead to greater weight loss (up to 25% of body weight) compared to Tirzepatide (around 20%).
Both significantly reduce appetite, but Retatrutide may provide stronger suppression due to its triple-hormone mechanism.
Early data suggests Retatrutide may achieve greater weight loss than Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), but head-to-head trials are still limited.
Tirzepatide affects GLP-1 and GIP, while Retatrutide also targets glucagon, potentially increasing fat burning and energy expenditure.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) is already available on the market, while Retatrutide is expected to launch around 2026–2027.
Tirzepatide is available by prescription in pharmacies today, while Retatrutide will require a prescription once it gains FDA approval.