New trial data on the experimental weight-loss drug retatrutide show it produced the largest weight loss recorded in a drug trial for diabetes patients, according to NBC News. The drug is not yet approved by the FDA or any other regulatory agency, multiple outlets reported.
Retatrutide works by mimicking three gut hormones — GLP-1, GIP and glucagon — that help control appetite, blood sugar and metabolism, according to The Guardian and Ars Technica. This differs from existing drugs such as Wegovy, which targets only the GLP-1 pathway, and Mounjaro, which combines GLP-1 and GIP, per The Guardian.
Outlets reported varying figures for the weight loss observed in trials. NBC News reported that people with obesity and type 2 diabetes lost up to 50 pounds, or 21% of body weight, while those without diabetes lost up to 70 pounds, or 25% of body weight. Ars Technica and The Guardian also reported weight loss of up to 25% of body weight. The Daily Mail, citing the same research, reported users shed a fifth of their body weight while also seeing improved blood pressure and cholesterol.
The Guardian reported that beyond weight loss, retatrutide could also help improve blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation, according to the study, described by researchers as the largest of its kind.
Separately, New Scientist reported on research into tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, finding that combining it with a second, complementary medicine produced what the outlet described as 'astonishing' weight loss results.
How each side covered it
Left
- NBC News reported trial participants without diabetes lost up to 70 pounds, or 25% of body weight.
- The Guardian and Ars Technica detailed retatrutide's triple-hormone mechanism (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon).
- Outlets including CBS News and The Guardian noted the drug is not yet FDA or regulatory approved.
- The Guardian cited additional potential benefits, including improved blood sugar and reduced inflammation.
“New trial data for the weight loss drug called retatrutide shows it helped people living with obesity and type 2 diabetes lose up to 50lbs or 21% of their body weight.” — NBC News
Center
- New Scientist reported on tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) combined with a second medication.
- The outlet described the resulting weight loss as 'astonishing.'
“'Astonishing' weight loss when GLP-1 drug used with second medication” — New Scientist
Right
- The Daily Mail reported retatrutide could help users shed a fifth of their body weight.
- The outlet also cited improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Coverage addressed potential availability of the drug in Britain.
“'Godzilla' fat jab retatrutide sheds more fat than Mounjaro, new study finds - here's when you can get it in Britain” — Daily Mail
Questions readers ask
What is retatrutide?
Retatrutide is an experimental weight-loss drug that mimics three gut hormones — GLP-1, GIP and glucagon — to help control appetite, blood sugar and metabolism, according to The Guardian and Ars Technica. It is not yet approved by the FDA or any other regulatory agency.
How much weight did people lose in the retatrutide trial?
According to NBC News, people with obesity and type 2 diabetes lost up to 50 pounds (21% of body weight), while those without diabetes lost up to 70 pounds (25% of body weight). The Daily Mail reported users shed about a fifth of their body weight.
How does retatrutide differ from Wegovy and Mounjaro?
The Guardian reported that Wegovy primarily targets the GLP-1 pathway and Mounjaro combines GLP-1 and GIP, while retatrutide targets three hormone pathways — GLP-1, GIP and glucagon.
Is retatrutide available to the public?
No. CBS News, NBC News and The Guardian reported that retatrutide has not yet been approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency. The Daily Mail addressed when it might become available in Britain, though no specific date was given in the supplied summary.
What did the center-leaning coverage focus on?
New Scientist, a center-leaning outlet, focused on separate research showing that combining tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) with a second medication produced what it called 'astonishing' weight loss results.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Ars TechnicaLeft-leaningMost powerful obesity drug yet: People lost up to 25% of weight in trial
- CBS NewsLeft-leaningExperimental weight loss drug yields big results, but not yet FDA approved
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningNew Weight Loss Drug Shows Promising Results Over GLP-1s
- The GuardianLeft-leaning‘Godzilla’ of weight-loss drugs could provide other important health benefits
- New ScientistCenter‘Astonishing’ weight loss when GLP-1 drug used with second medication
- Daily MailRight-leaning'Godzilla' fat jab retatrutide sheds more fat than Mounjaro, new study finds - here's when you can get it in Britain