Retatrutide: what to know about the new weight loss drug
Retatrutide (or ‘Triple G’) has mainly been developed as a weight loss medication, but it’s being trialled as a treatment for other metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
While retatrutide isn’t yet available in the UK, it could become an option in the future. Meanwhile, there are other treatments already helping people achieve meaningful weight loss.
If you’re ready to take a step towards better health now, Oviva’s NHS-funded programme could help. If your BMI is over 35, you may be eligible for tailored support, access to weight loss injections where appropriate, and expert guidance to help you build healthier habits for life.
Key Takeaways:
- Retatrutide is a new weight loss medication that may work by suppressing appetite, improving blood glucose control, and aid fat loss.
- It’s currently in US clinical trials which are expected to run until 2026, so it isn’t available yet.
- The medication would be taken as a weekly injection, designed to be self-administered.
- Early research shows promising results, with potential for greater weight loss than current options like Wegovy and Mounjaro – but more studies are needed.
What is retatrutide?
Retatrutide is a new weight loss treatment currently being tested in clinical trials. Early results show it may offer significant benefits for people living with obesity and related health conditions.
Nicknamed “Triple G”, this medication works in a unique way. It targets three different hormone receptors – GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon – which may help to reduce appetite, regulate blood sugar levels, and support fat loss.
Retatrutide is not designed for general weight loss. If approved, it will be offered to people who are living with obesity.
It may also be prescribed for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes or fatty liver disease.
Developed by Eli Lilly and Company – the makers of Mounjaro, another approved treatment – retatrutide is a peptide, meaning it’s made up of amino acids that act on the body’s natural systems.
Is retatrutide the same as Ozempic?
No – retatrutide and Ozempic are different medications and may be used in different clinical situations.
Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide)
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help suppress appetite and regulate blood glucose levels.
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide when used to treat type 2 diabetes.
When semaglutide is used for weight loss, it’s known as Wegovy.
Retatrutide
Retatrutide works differently to Ozempic because it has a triple-action mechanism, targeting the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors.
This means retatrutide may offer additional benefits and improve outcomes, although more evidence is needed as clinical trials continue.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is another medication with a dual-action mechanism, targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors – but, unlike retatrutide, it doesn’t target glucagon receptors.
How does retatrutide work?
Retatrutide works by supporting the way your body naturally manages hunger, blood sugar, and energy.
What makes retatrutide unique is that it targets three different hormones in the body, which is why it’s earned the nickname “Triple G”:
- GLP-1
- GIP
- Glucagon
These play a part in how full you feel, how your body handles sugar, and how it stores fat.
1. Helps you feel fuller for longer
Retatrutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally released after you eat.
This hormone sends a signal to your brain that says, “I’m full” – helping to reduce your appetite and prevent overeating.
2. Supports steady energy and blood sugar
By also working on GIP and glucagon hormones, retatrutide helps your body release insulin.
Insulin is what allows your body to use sugar from food as energy and keep your blood sugar levels stable.
3. Avoids blood sugar crashes
Stable blood sugar can help you avoid the highs and lows that often lead to cravings or irregular eating habits.
This may make it easier to stay on track with weight loss and feel more in control of your eating.
How long does retatrutide take to work?
Clinical trials have shown that retatrutide can produce weight loss results in as little as 4 weeks. At higher doses, the first 4 weeks can produce a weight loss of around 5% of total body weight.
Early results from clinical trials show that retatrutide can start producing weight loss results in just 4 weeks.
At higher doses, people saw an average weight loss of around 5% of their total body weight during the first month.
Weight loss results and benefits
Retatrutide is still going through clinical trials, but early results are looking very promising.
Trial participants experienced different levels of % total body weight loss depending on the dose:
Percentage of total body weight loss on retatrutide
| 1 mg dose | 4 mg dose | 8 mg dose | 12 mg dose | |
| 24 weeks | 7.2% | 12.9% | 17.3% | 17.5% |
| 48 weeks | 8.7% | 17.1% | 22.8% | 24.2% |
After 48 weeks, 83% of patients taking 12 mg lost at least 15% of their body weight, compared to just 2% of those who were on a placebo.
And more than 85% of people with fatty liver (NAFLD) saw their illness reversed.
As well as treating weight loss and NAFLD, may also be able to play a role in controlling type 2 diabetes.
How to take retatrutide
Retatrutide is expected to be a once-weekly injection that you can give yourself using a pen-style injector — similar to existing GLP-1 medications.
It can be injected into your thigh, upper arm, or stomach area.
To help your body adjust and reduce side effects, you’ll likely start on a low dose that gradually increases over time. This gives your body time to adjust to the medication gradually.
Retatrutide dosing schedule
The exact dosing plan hasn’t been confirmed yet, as clinical trials are still ongoing.
In one trial, the dose increased every four weeks, building up to a maintenance dose of 12 mg:
- Week 1–4: 2 mg
- Week 5–8: 4 mg
- Week 9–12: 8 mg
- Week 13+ (maintenance): 12 mg
However, this may change depending on the final trial results.
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What are the side effects of retatrutide?
Because retatrutide is still being studied, we don’t yet know all of the possible side effects.
In early trials, some people have experienced:
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These are similar to those seen with other weight loss injections, and for many people, they tend to settle as the body adjusts.
Has retatrutide been released in the UK yet?
Not yet. Retatrutide is still in the trial stage and isn’t currently available in the UK — either through the NHS or privately. It’s also not available in the United States either.
Right now, it’s going through phase 3 clinical trials, which are the final stage before approval. These trials are expected to run until 2026.
Is it available on the NHS?
No, at least not yet.
The NHS is currently running trials to see how well retatrutide works for people living with excess weight or obesity.
If those trials go well, and the medication is approved, it may become available on the NHS as a treatment option.
We don’t yet know who will be eligible — and it’s unlikely to be available over the counter.
If you’re looking for support now, Wegovy is one of the weight loss injections currently available on the NHS.
At Oviva, our NHS-funded weight loss plan helps people access professional weight loss support and, if appropriate, weight loss medication.
Want to see if you’re eligible? Take a quick survey to find out.
How much does retatrutide cost?
There’s no official price for retatrutide yet, because it hasn’t been approved or released anywhere in the world.
You might see it mentioned online — but please be careful.
An illegal market is starting to appear, selling unapproved products that may not be retatrutide at all. These can be dangerous, unregulated, and even life-threatening.
If you’re considering weight loss medication, always speak to a trusted healthcare provider first. Your safety matters most.
Retatrutide isn’t available yet – but effective weight loss support is
Can’t access retatrutide yet? You don’t have to wait to get started.
Oviva’s NHS-funded programme could help you lose weight effectively, with a tailored plan that’s backed by science.
If your BMI is over 35 and you’re living with a weight-related condition, you could be eligible.
With Oviva, you’ll get:
- A personalised plan, built by dietitians, doctors and coaches
- Ongoing, flexible, remote support — no calorie counting, no quick fixes
- Oviva app to log meals, set goals, track progress and message your team — all from the comfort of wherever you are
- Medication if it’s suitable for you, delivered to your door and covered by the NHS
Oviva is designed to fit your life — no strict rules, no pressure.
Lose weight in a way that works for you — and keeps it off.
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