Retatrutide Weight Loss Results Review - How Does Retatrutide Compare To Ozempic, Wegovy And Mounjaro

Retatrutide (LY-34379430) is an experimental weight loss drug presently under development by Eli Lilly and Company. The company is most famous for creating Mounjaro.

Mounjaro provides the drug Tirzepatide via once-weekly injections.

Although Mounjaro only has FDA approval as a medication for controlling the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label as a weight loss injection because one of the most common side effects is loss of appetite. CLICK to view safer and cheaper alternative available over the counter now

It could be some time before Retatrutide becomes available via prescription but the drug has already performed well during phase 2 clinical trials.

On average people taking Retatrutide lost about 24% of their body weight.

In June 2023, Eli Lilly shared the results of the phase 2 trial at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting. The company also published the study in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Phase 3 clinical trials are underway and are expected to continue running until late 2025.

Cheaper and Safer Alternatives to Retatrutide Injections

There are several big issues with injectable medication for treating obesity and losing weight: There are a wide range of side effects, some of the serious. There is also the cost to factor in with monthly costs reaching as high as $1000. The other factor is accessibility, the drugs are not available to all.

For these reasons there are cheaper and safer alternatives that are clinically referenced and highly recommended.

#1 - PhenQ - Fat Burner and Appetite Suppressants

PhenQ

CLICK to view PHENQ website for pricing and availability

PhenQ is an over-the-counter diet pill that helps you lose weight through multiple mechanisms.

It contains ingredients like caffeine and capsicum that boost metabolism, while nopal cactus fiber suppresses appetite. L-carnitine facilitates fat burning.

Unlike injectables like Retatrutide and Ozempic, PhenQ does not alter hormones but creates a calorie deficit naturally. This makes it much safer with less side effects.

PhenQ is meant for short term use and costs a fraction compared to prescription injectables that can have serious side effects.

For long term and permanent weight loss, PhenQ provides an affordable alternative to invasive injectables. It has established safety records and quality manufacturing being made in FDA approved facilities. Overall, PhenQ is an effective OTC option for safe, natural weight loss.

#2 - Zotrim - Hunger Reducer

Zotrim

CLICK to view ZOTRIM website for pricing and availability

Zotrim is a non-prescription herbal supplement that promotes weight loss by reducing appetite and calorie intake. It contains natural ingredients like yerba mate, guarana, and damiana which are clinically proven to control hunger.

Since it does not alter hormones or use strong drugs, Zotrim has less risk of serious side effects compared to injectable medications like semaglutide and titzepatide.

For mild to moderate weight loss, Zotrim provides a natural, affordable alternative without the need for prescriptions or injections. While not as potent, it has an established safety profile as a herbal supplement.

What Is Retatrutide and How Does It Work?

Retatrutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).

Drugs of this type mimic the effects of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released by the intestines in response to the presence of food. It plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and reducing appetite.

Retatrutide works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for controlling hunger and satiety. By activating these receptors, Retatrutide helps people feel fuller for longer. This makes it easier to remain within the parameters of a low-calorie diet.

By helping you to keep your calorie intake low, the drug makes it easier to foster and maintain a lack of energy within your body. When it does not get enough energy from food, your body begins breaking down its stores of fat to use as a secondary source of fuel. Over time, this daily breakdown of fat results in weight loss.

Additionally, Retatrutide also acts on other areas of the body to promote weight loss. One of the things it does is delay gastric emptying. By doing so, the drug causes food to remain in the stomach for longer. This prolongs the feeling of satiety you feel after eating a meal.

Retatrutide also regulates the release of insulin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, thereby aiding in blood sugar control. This can potentially prevent blood sugar crashes that may trigger cravings for sugar and carbs.

As with all weight management drugs, Retatrutide is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive weight management program, which includes dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioral modifications.

When combined with such lifestyle modifications, Retatrutide can enhance the weight loss process.

Clinical Studies on Retatrutide: Efficacy and Safety

Retatrutide's potential as an anti-diabetic and weight management drug has been evaluated in several clinical trials. The one published in The New England Journal of Medicine tends to get the most attention so we will look at that first.

Results from this phase 2 trial show the participants treated with Retatrutide experienced substantial weight loss during the 48 weeks they were taking the drug.

The researchers evaluated the abilities of the drug in doses ranging from 1 mg to 12 mg per week and compared the results to those obtained by study participants taking a placebo.

The least-squares mean percentage weight losses show the drug performed well. At the lower end of the scale, the participants taking 1 mg of Retartutide per week showed an average body weight reduction of 7.2%.

The participants taking 12 mg doses achieved an average weight loss of 24.2%.

By comparison, the placebo group weight losses were only 2.1%.

The most common side effects were gastrointestinal. Dose-related, the severity of symptoms ranged from mild to moderate. So, as well as delivering superior weight losses, higher doses also represented a greater risk of side effects. [1]

The results of a study available in The Lancet are equally supportive of the new drug's abilities as a weight loss aid. However, in this case, the weight losses were somewhat lower.

Again the most common side effects were gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. [2]

The findings of a study available in Volume 32, Issue 5 of Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs are also worthy of mention.

The researchers begin by pointing out the urgent need for effective obesity medications. They also speculate the new drug may provide results that are comparable to those obtainable by people using Semaglutide.

However, they point out that "the role of stimulating glucagon receptors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and/or obesity is poorly defined" and requires further clarification. [3]

How Does Retatrutide Compare to Other Weight Loss Medications?

Although there are similarities between Retratrutide and existing weight loss jabs, it presents itself as a promising option.

Like many of its contemporaries, it functions as a GLP-1 RA, but where it sets itself apart is in its efficacy. Clinical trials suggest that the average weight loss with Retratrutide, far exceeds the average 5-10% seen with comparable medications.

However, it's worth noting that the side effects associated with Retatrutide, particularly gastrointestinal issues, appear to be more prevalent and severe at higher doses.

This is a common trade-off with most weight loss drugs. As it stands, Retatrutide seems to be a potent contender in the field of weight loss drugs, but further research is warranted to fully understand its long-term effects and potential benefits over existing options. [3]. So what is the most effective and best weight loss injection to use.

Retratrutide Vs Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Just like Retatrutide, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) also falls into the category of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. In addition to being GLP-1 Receptor agonists, both drugs also mimic glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This hormone also plays a role in regulating appetite and satiety after eating.

However, the side effects profile of the two drugs may vary. While gastrointestinal issues appear to be more prevalent and severe with higher doses of Retratrutide, Mounjaro's side effects , although similar, are reported to be a little less harsh.

Although both medications show promise in their respective clinical trials, it's important to note that their efficacy and safety profiles are still under investigation. Therefore, any choice between these two will likely depend on the individual patient's needs and the final results of the ongoing clinical trials.

Retratrutide Vs Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy)

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that's available as Ozempic and Wegovy. The drug was originally developed to help type 2 diabetics manage their blood glucose levels. However, due to the way it influences appetite, doctors also prescribe it off-label as a weight loss treatment.

The Ozempic weight loss results are impressive to date but side effects have somewhat cooled consumer interest. Wegovy provides a slightly higher dose of Semaglutide . It has FDA approval as an anti-obesity treatment but is not generally prescribed to diabetics. Both forms of Semaglutide are delivered by weekly injections.

Semaglutide and Retratrutide appear to offer similar value as medications for weight management and diabetes. However, some fundamental differences distinguish the two.

Semaglutide has already proved to be effective when used by the general population. On the other hand, Retratrutide is still an investigational drug.

The main difference between the two drugs is that Semaglutide is only a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Retratrutide also influences GIP. This dual action might offer a more comprehensive approach to weight loss and blood sugar control than is possible with Semaglutide.

Retratrutide Vs Phentermine (Adipex and Adipex-P)

Phentermine is a stimulant similar to an amphetamine. It's a very popular prescription diet pill that suppresses appetite. The phentermine weight loss results are well documented.

Unlike Retratrutide, Phentermine is not a GLP-1 receptor agonist, nor does it mimic the function of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). The medication works by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, triggering a stress response called fight or flight.

Phentermine side effects often include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and other cardiovascular issues. Heart attacks and strokes are two of the more worrying possibilities.

As with other stimulants, Phentermine can also cause insomnia, restlessness, and jitters. Due to its link to amphetamine, the drug poses a threat of dependency too.

In terms of efficacy, Phentermine works well for many people. As with any weight loss drug, though, its success rate is not 100%.

Partly due to the risk of addiction, Phentermine is strictly for short-term use only. However, Retratrutide is being evaluated for long-term use.

It's also worth noting that the weight loss seen in clinical trials with Retratrutide appears to significantly exceed that typically seen with Phentermine.

Retratrutide: The Potential Risks and Side Effects

Just like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, Retratrutide comes with a set of potential risks. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials are gastrointestinal in nature, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.

Although they are classified as low-risk, GLP-1 receptor agonists may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). They have also been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis and changes in kidney function.

Perhaps more worryingly, this type of medication may also increase the risk of thyroid cancer. A study published in Diabetes Care in February 2023 is particularly damming. The researchers found an increased risk of thyroid cancer, particularly after 1-3 years of treatment. [4]

However, it is essential to note that these risks are based on data from other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Whether these risks apply to Retratrutide remains to be determined by ongoing clinical trials.

Also, as with any medication, there may be unforeseen side effects that only become apparent after the drug has been in use for some time in a large population. Thus, while Retratrutide shows promise, potential users must remain aware of these potential risks and discuss them with their healthcare provider before accepting a Retratrutide prescription if the drug gains FDA approval.

Retatrutide FAQs

How is Retatrutide administered?

Retatrutide is administered through subcutaneous injections. The dosing and administration schedule has yet to be established.

How long does it take to see results with Retatrutide?

Clinical evidence suggests the drug may help people to reduce their weight by over 20% in 48 weeks. However, the results this type of drug provides can vary from one person to the next. Some people may start noticing changes within weeks, while others may require more time.

Influencing factors include diet and activity levels. Personal genetics also come into play.

Are there any contraindications or precautions for using Retatrutide?

Contraindications and precautions for Retatrutide will depend on the user's medical history and underlying conditions. GLP-1 RAs like Retatrutide, generally require special precautions relating to pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and hypersensitivity reactions.

Will Retatrutide be available to everyone who needs help to lose weight?

If it gains FDA approval, it seems likely that Retratrutide will only be available to people who have a high BMI. This is the case with similar medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.

Doctors can only prescribe these drugs to people who have a BMI of 30 or higher. This is the tipping point where you stop being overweight and become classed as obese.

Weight loss drugs may also be available to people who have a BMI of 27 to 29, but only if they are suffering from a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure.

How Much Will Retratrutide Cost?

The cost of Retratrutide is yet to be determined. However, analyzing the price trends of comparable GLP-1 receptor agonists and other weight loss drugs, we can anticipate that it may not be cheap.

Most prescription weight loss medications are priced to reflect the high costs associated with their development and approval process. Furthermore, insurance companies often do not cover weight loss medications, which could leave patients bearing the entire cost out-of-pocket.

Most of the popular weight loss injections cost $1000 to $1,500 per month.

Retratrutide Conclusion

Retratrutide is an investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist that seems to offer significant advantages over other existing drugs for weight loss and diabetes management. It may provide greater weight loss, but potential users will need to consider the various health implications the drug may present.

Furthermore, if the cost of using the new drug is similar to that of Wegovy and Mounjaro, many people who would like to use Retratrutide may not be able to afford it.

Retratrutide Clinical Data and Sources 2023

Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial: https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2301972
Retatrutide, a Gip, Glp-1 and Glucagon Receptor Agonist, for People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo and Active-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Phase 2 Trial Conducted in the USA: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01053-X/fulltext
Is Retatrutide (LY3437943), a Glp-1, Gip, and Glucagon Receptor Agonist a Step Forward in the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity?: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13543784.2023.2206560
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article-abstract/46/2/384/147888/GLP-1-Receptor-Agonists-and-the-Risk-of-Thyroid?redirectedFrom=fulltext

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