What Is Retatrutide? The Next Breakthrough in Weight Management

We are constantly learning more about how the body works, particularly when it comes to weight management. Weight loss can be a complex process because no two individuals respond the same way to diet, exercise, or other interventions. At Flow IV Infusion Therapy, we specialize in weight management solutions that work with your unique biology. One of the upcoming tools that is set to be on the market soon is retatrutide, a medication that will be used in combination with lifestyle changes to support weight loss. We are always looking for ways to help our patients in southeast and southwest Florida to achieve better results by addressing the challenges of weight management in a more targeted way.

The Complexity of Obesity

Obesity involves much more than cutting calories and increasing physical activity. It is affected by a complex network of hormones that influence hunger, fullness, and cravings. For example, ghrelin signals hunger, while leptin communicates when you’re full, but these hormones don’t always function optimally which makes weight management more challenging.


Other factors like genetics, metabolism, and stress can impact the body’s ability to lose weight. Some people may also experience resistance to weight loss due to underlying health conditions or medications. Because there are so many factors that may be contributing to weight gain or difficulty losing weight, it can be helpful to seek out medical professionals who can help guide you through the best way to lose weight in your situation. 

What Is Retatrutide?

Retatrutide is an injectable medical weight loss option that can help make weight loss more manageable by supporting efforts to maintain a calorie deficit. It addresses some of the challenges that come with reducing calorie intake such as cravings or hunger, and is a helpful tool that can be used alongside other lifestyle changes like healthier eating habits and regular exercise. This medication is in Phase 3 clinical trials set to conclude in 2025 and is pending FDA approval.

How Does Retatrutide Work?

Retatrutide mimics certain hormones in the body to help regulate appetite and manage hunger. It can make sticking to a reduced-calorie diet feel less difficult by helping to reduce cravings and increase feelings of fullness. It can also help improve your metabolism to burn fat faster and more effectively.

Retatrutide vs. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Single Hormone Receptor Agonist

Semaglutide falls into the category of single hormone receptor agonists, which means it targets and mimics the action of a single hormone in your body. Specifically, it mimics GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar and suppress your appetite. By this means, semaglutide slows the emptying of the stomach, reduces hunger, and enhances the feeling of fullness after eating.

Dual Hormone Receptor Agonist

Tirzepatide is a dual hormone receptor agonist, meaning it mimics not one but two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). While GLP-1 supports appetite regulation and blood sugar control, GIP works alongside it to enhance the body’s ability to manage insulin and metabolism. Tirzepatide offers broader support for weight management and metabolic health compared to single hormone receptor agonists.

Retatrutide: The Triple Hormone Receptor Agonist

Retatrutide goes a step further as a triple hormone receptor agonist, targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. In addition to the appetite-regulating and metabolic effects of GLP-1 and GIP, glucagon plays a role in energy balance by influencing how the body burns fat. By combining these three mechanisms, Retatrutide may provide more comprehensive support for weight loss and energy management.

How Each Hormone Impacts Weight Gain and Loss

GLP-1

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the gut that has multiple functions related to weight regulation. In the pancreas, it stimulates insulin production to stabilize blood sugar levels. In the brain, GLP-1 acts on appetite-regulating centers, reducing hunger and increasing the feeling of fullness. Within the GI tract, it slows stomach emptying, making meals feel more satisfying and helping to control overall calorie intake.

GIP

GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) is another hormone produced in the digestive system, and it influences multiple parts of the body. It acts on fat cells to regulate fat storage and energy use, which can influence fat accumulation. GIP also impacts bone health by promoting bone formation and density. Within the brain and GI tract, it also contributes to appetite control and energy regulation.

Glucagon

Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas that primarily acts on the liver to manage glucose levels in the bloodstream. It prompts the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the blood for energy. Glucagon helps the body produce glucose from other sources, like amino acids when energy levels are low. Because it has the potential to raise blood sugar levels, combining it with other hormones like GLP-1 can help counteract these effects while promoting its benefits such as increased energy expenditure and reduced appetite.

Retatrutide Clinical Trials

A recent study, “Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial”, published in the New England Journal of Medicine on June 26, 2023, evaluated how effective retatrutide could be for obesity. The trial included 338 adults with obesity or weight-related conditions, and those who used retatrutide for 48 weeks experienced significant weight loss. Participants in the highest dose group saw an average reduction of 24.2% in body weight, compared to just 2.1% in the placebo group. In addition to weight loss, participants experienced improved health markers, including better blood sugar control and reduced blood pressure.

Who Will Retatrutide Be For?

  • Patients Who Are Obese or Overweight With Health Conditions: Retatrutide may be suitable for individuals who are obese or who are overweight and are managing related health conditions like high blood pressure, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes.
  • Patients Seeking Comprehensive Weight Management: Retatrutide could be used for patients who want a more comprehensive weight management plan. This option will add medical weight loss to the list of strategies for many people and target multiple pathways that influence weight and metabolism.
  • People Who Have Not Had Success With Traditional Weight Loss: Some individuals struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone because of biological factors that make it more difficult to maintain a calorie deficit. Retatrutide will provide additional support for these patients by helping to control cravings, reduce hunger, and promote fat burning.
  • Patients Under Medical Supervision: Retatrutide will be suitable for individuals working closely with a healthcare provider to manage their weight. Under medical supervision, patients will be able to incorporate this medication into their treatment plan and receive ongoing monitoring for the best possible outcomes.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations of Retatrutide

Common side effects reported in clinical trials include mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment. These side effects were related to the dosage given and were often avoided by starting at a lower dose. Retatrutide may not be suitable for individuals with a history of certain medical conditions, such as pancreatitis or thyroid-related concerns.

What Does Treatment With Retatrutide Look Like?

In Phase II clinical trials, retatrutide for obesity was administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. This was continued for a period of 48 weeks. Other participants were given a placebo. The patients that received retatrutide started at a lower dose and then gradually increased every 4 weeks until the 12-week mark. During this time, patients were also part of lifestyle courses and guidance from dieticians and doctors to help them improve their diet and physical activity.

The Role of Lifestyle in Maximizing Your Retatrutide Results

During retatrutide treatments, a focus on eating habits is crucial. As with similar hormone receptor agonists, treatment with retatrutide will be accompanied by guidance from your doctor about living a healthy lifestyle. This could include information about how to make sustainable changes, finding physical activities that fit your schedule and lifestyle, and making changes to your sleeping patterns and stress levels to improve your overall health and energy levels.

Learning More About Retatrutide

How Much Will Retatrutide Cost?

The cost of Retatrutide will vary depending on factors like insurance coverage and pharmacy pricing. If your insurance covers medical weight loss treatments, it could offset a portion of the expense, but not all plans include this type of medication. Without insurance, the price can range significantly, so you will need to check with your provider and pharmacy for specific costs. 

How Accessible Is Retatrutide?

Retatrutide is still undergoing clinical trials and is not yet available on the market. Once approved, its availability will depend on your healthcare provider and local pharmacies. Medications like Retatrutide often become more accessible over time, so regular updates from your provider can keep you informed about when it might be available to you. The exact date that it will be on the market is unknown, but it may be on the market by 2027.

How Much Weight Could I Lose With Retatrutide?

Clinical trials have shown that patients using Retatrutide at the highest dose lost an average of 24.2% of their body weight over 48 weeks. This amount could vary based on factors like the dose, adherence to lifestyle changes, and individual metabolic responses. For comparison, those using a placebo in the same study lost only 2.1%. You will need to talk to your doctor to find out more information about the results that this type of medication could offer in your situation. 

Is Retatrutide Suitable for Patients With Diabetes?

Retatrutide shows promising potential for patients with type 2 diabetes. In a phase II trial for patients with diabetes, participants taking 4-12 mg doses of retatrutide over 36 weeks experienced significant reductions in average blood sugar levels, ranging from 1.3% to 2.0%, compared to no change with placebo. Type 2 diabetes patients taking the highest dose also achieved notable weight loss, averaging 16.9% of their body weight over the study period. The treatment’s safety and tolerability profile were consistent with other approved incretin-based therapies.

How Soon Will I Start Losing Weight?

Weight loss with retatrutide works gradually and patients can experience results at different times. The most significant weight loss tends to occur over several months, as the dose is adjusted and the medication begins to fully impact appetite and metabolism.

Find Out How Retatrutide Can Help You Lose Weight

At Flow IV Infusion Therapy, we provide advanced treatments to support effective weight management for patients in Weston, FL, and throughout southeast Florida and southwest Florida. We only use experienced paramedics, doctors, and an in-house pharmacist, we ensure you have the resources needed to make informed decisions about your health. As a 24/7 concierge clinic, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

We are excited about the possibilities of retatrutide and how it may be able to help our patients in the future. While it is still in the trial phases, we are committed to offering our patients the latest information in medical advancements. We also offer semaglutide and sermorelin peptide treatments to help patients stay in control of their weight. 

If you’re ready to learn more about retatrutide or our weight loss treatments, contact us today through our online form. You can also reach us by phone at (954) 546-3905.

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