Retatrutide is a new medication in development from Eli Lilly. It uses three hormones — a completely different approach from Ozempic's single-hormone design.
Quick Comparison
| Ozempic | Retatrutide | |
|---|---|---|
| Active drug | Semaglutide | Retatrutide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 agonist | Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon agonist |
| FDA approval | Type 2 diabetes (approved) | In clinical trials |
| Dosing | Once weekly | Once weekly (in trials) |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
| Status | Available now | Not yet FDA-approved |
How They Work
Ozempic mimics one hormone (GLP-1) that signals fullness and slows digestion.
Retatrutide mimics three hormones:
- GLP-1 — signals fullness
- GIP — boosts the GLP-1 effect
- Glucagon — increases calorie burning
Three signals instead of one. That's the big difference.
Weight Loss Results
- Ozempic: ~10-15% body weight loss
- Retatrutide (in trials): ~24% body weight loss at highest dose
Retatrutide has shown much stronger weight loss in trials. But these are different drugs from different companies at different stages of development.
Side Effects
Ozempic side effects:
- Nausea (most common)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach pain
Retatrutide side effects (from trials):
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate (from glucagon)
- Diarrhea or constipation
The glucagon component in Retatrutide may cause a slightly higher heart rate, which is being monitored.
Availability
Retatrutide is not yet FDA-approved. Eli Lilly is running Phase 3 trials. It could be available in the next few years if trials succeed.
Cost
No pricing yet for Retatrutide. Likely similar to other Eli Lilly GLP-1 medications (~$1,060/month).
Who Might Benefit from Retatrutide?
- People who don't get enough weight loss from semaglutide
- People who want the strongest possible results
- People open to trying a new class of medication
Bottom Line
Ozempic is available now and works well for millions of people. Retatrutide could offer much stronger weight loss in the future, but it's still in trials.
If Ozempic is working for you, there's no reason to wait. If you're not getting the results you want, talk to your doctor about current options like tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound).
Work with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is right for you. Individual results and experiences vary.
