How it works
Simultaneously activates GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors in a single peptide. The glucagon component increases energy expenditure and hepatic lipid oxidation, while GLP-1 and GIP suppress appetite, slow gastric emptying and improve glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
Structure: 39 amino acid triple GIP / GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist
Reported benefits
- Up to ~24% mean weight loss at 12 mg over 48 weeks in phase 2
- Large reductions in HbA1c and liver fat
- Improvements in blood pressure, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
Practical considerations
- Still investigational; long-term cardiovascular and safety data are pending
- Muscle-loss and GI tolerability concerns mirror semaglutide and tirzepatide
- Dose must be escalated slowly to improve tolerability
Side effects and risks
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Gallbladder issues
- Mild resting heart-rate increase
- Injection-site reaction
Dosing overview
Phase 2 started at 2 mg weekly and escalated to 12 mg over several weeks
This describes doses reported in published literature and community protocols. It is not a recommendation, and it is not a substitute for clinical supervision.
Research references
- Rosenstock et al., 2023 — Retatrutide for obesity in adults, phase 2, NEJM