What are the benefits and potential side effects of the experimental weight loss drug retatrutide for people with obesity and diabetes?

### Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Retatrutide for Obesity and Diabetes Retatrutide is an experimental injectable drug that has shown promising results in clinical trials for weight loss, particularly for people with obesity and those who also have type 2 diabetes. According to a mid-stage clinical trial, participants taking the highest dose of retatrutide lost an average of up to 24% of their body weight, or almost 60 pounds, after 48 weeks of treatment. This is a more significant weight loss compared to other obesity drugs currently on the market, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. In a separate study involving adults with type 2 diabetes, those on the highest dose of retatrutide lost about 17% of their weight after nine months of treatment. This is notable because people with obesity and type 2 diabetes often find it harder to lose weight. Retatrutide works by mimicking three hormones in the body that regulate hunger and feelings of fullness: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. This multi-hormone approach may contribute to its effectiveness in promoting weight loss. However, retatrutide does come with potential side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are similar to those experienced with other weight loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Overall, retatrutide appears to offer faster and more dramatic weight loss results compared to its competitors, making it a promising option for people struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Further studies are ongoing to assess its long-term efficacy and safety.