From the Guidelines
Retatrutide has been studied for weight loss at doses ranging from 1 mg to 12 mg given as a weekly subcutaneous injection, with the most effective dose being 12 mg weekly, reached through a gradual dose escalation protocol 1. The studied dose of Retatrutide for weight loss is based on clinical trials that have evaluated its efficacy and safety in promoting weight loss.
- The dose escalation protocol typically starts at a lower dose, such as 1 mg or 2 mg weekly, and increases by small increments every 4 weeks until reaching the target dose of 12 mg weekly.
- This gradual titration helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are common with this class of medications.
- Retatrutide is a triple agonist that targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, which helps regulate appetite, increase feelings of fullness, slow gastric emptying, and potentially increase energy expenditure.
- In phase 2 trials, the 12 mg dose produced average weight loss of approximately 24% of body weight over 48 weeks, making it one of the most potent weight loss medications studied to date, as noted in recent studies 1. However, it's essential to note that Retatrutide is still investigational and not yet FDA-approved for weight loss or any other indication, highlighting the need for further research and evaluation before it can be widely recommended for clinical use 1.
From the Research
Studied Dose of Retatrutide for Weight Loss
The studied dose of Retatrutide for weight loss has been explored in several clinical trials, with varying doses administered to participants.
- The doses of Retatrutide studied for weight loss were:
- 1 mg
- 4 mg (with initial doses of 2 mg or 4 mg)
- 8 mg (with initial doses of 2 mg or 4 mg)
- 12 mg (with an initial dose of 2 mg)
- 0.5 mg
Efficacy of Retatrutide for Weight Loss
The efficacy of Retatrutide for weight loss has been demonstrated in several studies, with significant weight loss observed in participants receiving the medication compared to those receiving placebo 2, 3, 4.
- The percentage change in body weight from baseline to 24 weeks ranged from -7.2% to -18% as the dose of Retatrutide increased from 1 mg to 12 mg 2.
- At 48 weeks, the least-squares mean percentage change in body weight in the Retatrutide groups was -8.7% in the 1-mg group, -17.1% in the combined 4-mg group, -22.8% in the combined 8-mg group, and -24.2% in the 12-mg group, as compared with -2.1% in the placebo group 4.
Safety Profile of Retatrutide
The safety profile of Retatrutide has been evaluated in several studies, with mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal adverse events being the most common adverse effects reported 2, 3, 4.
- The most common adverse events in the Retatrutide groups were gastrointestinal, and were dose-related, mostly mild to moderate in severity, and partially mitigated with a lower starting dose (2 mg vs. 4 mg) 4.
- Dose-dependent increases in heart rate peaked at 24 weeks and declined thereafter 4.
Relationship Between Retatrutide Dose and Efficacy
The relationship between Retatrutide dose and efficacy has been explored in several studies, with greater weight loss observed at higher doses 2, 3, 4.
- The percentage change in body weight from baseline to 24 weeks increased as the dose of Retatrutide increased from 1 mg to 12 mg 2.
- At 48 weeks, a weight reduction of 5% or more, 10% or more, and 15% or more had occurred in 92%, 75%, and 60%, respectively, of the participants who received 4 mg of Retatrutide; 100%, 91%, and 75% of those who received 8 mg; 100%, 93%, and 83% of those who received 12 mg; and 27%, 9%, and 2% of those who received placebo 4.
The studied dose of Retatrutide for weight loss has been shown to be effective in achieving significant weight loss, with a safety profile consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonists and GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists 5, 2, 3, 4, 6.