‘Unbearable’ side effect of ‘world's most powerful weight loss drug’ revealed by users
The world's largest pharmaceutical company is developing what’s being dubbed the 'Godzilla' of weight loss drugs.
Retatrutide is an experimental medication being developed by Eli Lilly and Company - the makers of Mounjaro.
It works by targeting three different hormone receptors to dramatically suppress appetite and increase fat burning, while current medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro only target one or two.
Phased clinical trials have been taking place for both obesity and type 2 diabetes, with some remarkable results.
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In a major trial involving more than 2,300 overweight adults, people taking the highest dose lost an average of 28.3 percent of their body weight, while some patients lost around 5st.
“It was impressive to see that every dose of retatrutide resulted in clinically meaningful weight reduction for nearly all participants, and people with severe obesity on the highest dose lost on average 30 percent of their body weight over two years,” said Professor Ania Jastreboff, lead investigator on the trial at Yale School of Medicine.
‘Unbearable’ side effect of Retatrutide
Retatrutide has not yet been approved by the FDA, however, some people are already buying unregulated versions online, despite warnings that these products could be fake or unsafe.
Yet some people using unapproved versions of the drug say it has left them feeling emotionally numb and depressed.
These feelings may be linked to a condition called anhedonia, which means struggling to feel happiness or pleasure.
However, anhedonia is not an officially recognised side effect of retatrutide, and there is currently no proof that the drug directly causes it.
Researchers are looking at whether weight-loss drugs could affect dopamine, a brain chemical connected to pleasure and motivation.
In a statement given to LADbible Group, Eli Lilly and Company explained: “Retatrutide is an investigational molecule and cannot legally be sold to the public. It has not been reviewed or approved by any regulatory agency in the world.
“No one should consider taking anything claiming to be retatrutide outside of a Lilly-sponsored clinical trial.
“The company continues to warn the public about the potential dangers of fake medicines.
“Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority.
“We take reports regarding patient safety seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
“We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine.
“Side effects or adverse events should be reported to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme.
Retatrutide side effects
In Phase 2 trial data, the most commonly reported adverse effects included:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
"Retatrutide is not yet available in the UK and has not been approved for use by any regulatory bodies – it is still undergoing clinical trials to assess its safety and effectiveness," Dr Clair Grainger, from Superdrug Online Doctor, said.
Anish Vij