Retatrutide Vs Ozempic: Double the Weight Loss, Different Side Effects

Key Points:

• Eli Lilly announced that retatrutide, their next-generation injectable for obesity and type 2 diabetes, significantly outperformed Ozempic in a clinical trial, with patients losing nearly double the weight (44-47 pounds vs. 21 pounds) and achieving better blood sugar control.
• Retatrutide mimics three hormones (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon), earning nicknames like "triple G" and "King Kong," and is expected to be submitted for FDA approval in early 2027, potentially rivaling bariatric surgery in effectiveness.
• Side effects were generally similar between retatrutide and Ozempic, though retatrutide users reported slightly more diarrhea and rare sensory issues, while Ozempic users experienced more constipation.
• Despite still being in trials, retatrutide has already spawned a black market of unregulated "reta" peptides sold online, prompting Eli Lilly to warn consumers that these products are illegal and unapproved.
• The clinical trial results have not yet been peer-reviewed or published, but were released ahead of Eli Lilly’s quarterly earnings announcement.