Retatrutide is getting a lot of attention right now, and for good reason. If you’re already familiar with GLP-1 medications, you’ll know they’ve completely changed how we think about weight loss. Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro have made it possible for millions to lose weight, get healthier and actually maintain it without the need for bariatric surgery which is absolutely incredible. I’ve been on Mounjaro since January and am now within 10kg of my target weight which is mind blowing to me, after struggling for years with what seemed like a hopeless situation I'm now happier than I ever thought possible. It’s been the only things that’s ever made this kind of progress feel possible, and so when something new shows even better results, it’s worth paying attention.
What the trials are showing so far
This one’s still in trials but the early data is hard to ignore. In one study, participants lost up to 24 percent of their body weight over 48 weeks. That’s higher than anything on the market right now, and some people were still losing weight at the end of the trial. It suggests that the full effect may take longer to hit, and that makes it even more promising. That doesn’t mean it’s right around the corner, though, It’s still in Phase 3 trials, so it won’t be available this year. The most realistic guess for us in the UK is late 2026, depending on how the trials go and how quickly approval moves after that. For anyone already on a weight loss journey, it’s not an immediate option, but it’s worth keeping in mind for the future. It will possibly be something that many of us who use Mounjaro right now will use for maintenance in the future.
How it works differently
If you’ve been on GLP-1 meds like Ozempic or Mounjaro, you already know how powerful they can be for managing hunger. Retatrutide builds on that, but it’s not just a stronger version. It targets three hormones instead of one, and that’s what makes it different. GLP-1 is the one most people are familiar with, it slows digestion, helps with blood sugar control, and makes you feel full faster. Then there’s GIP, which is also in Mounjaro. On its own, GIP doesn’t do a lot for weight loss, but when it’s combined with GLP-1, it seems to make the appetite control stronger and side effects more manageable. The third part is what sets Retatrutide apart. It also activates the glucagon receptor. That’s a hormone your body normally uses to raise blood sugar, but in this case, it seems to help increase how much energy your body burns. So while GLP-1 and GIP are helping you eat less, glucagon might be helping your metabolism work harder in the background. All three working together means you’re getting appetite control, better insulin response, and potentially higher calorie burn. It’s not just about eating less, it’s about changing how your body handles food and fat altogether.
Why it’s still worth knowing about
There’s always going to be hype around anything new, especially in this space. But Retatrutide isn’t just being talked about because it’s next, it’s being talked about because the early results are genuinely better. If you're someone who’s tried existing options and hit a plateau, this could be what comes next. And if you’re just starting out, it shows that the science behind this approach is only getting stronger.
