After experiencing a weight loss plateau with Ozempic and tirzepatide, 64-year-old Diane Schram is turning to an experimental new obesity drug, retatrutide, which researchers believe could be more effective than its predecessors.
Schram, who had previously shed 25 pounds using Ozempic and tirzepatide, is now participating in a clinical trial for retatrutide at Renew Body Contouring and MedSpa in Houston. The drug, developed by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, is currently in clinical trials and has shown promising results, with participants losing up to 24% of their body weight over 48 weeks, according to a report by Fox 26 Houston.
“The new retatrutide has an ability to help you retain muscle while also causing fewer side effects,” said Renew owner Katina Kearns in an interview with the news outlet.
A New Frontier in Obesity Treatment
Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which contain semaglutide, work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that signals satiety after eating. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, enhances this effect by also targeting GIP, another hormone that helps regulate appetite.
Retatrutide, however, goes a step further. Dubbed “triple G,” the drug mimics GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon—a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation. This three-pronged approach has shown potential for more significant weight loss compared to previous medications.
“Retatrutide has a strong effect on visceral fat and liver obesity, which are particularly challenging to address,” said Dave Ricks, chairman and CEO of Eli Lilly, in a statement to The Wall Street Journal. “As a result, patients tend to lose even more weight than with tirzepatide.”
The drug is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials and is expected to be submitted for FDA approval in the coming years.
Balancing Weight Loss and Side Effects
While Schram remains optimistic about her progress, she acknowledges that weight loss has not been instantaneous. “Some people think the weight is just going to melt off, but it takes time,” she told Fox 26. “I had to exercise, I had to eat better. But once you start losing weight, you become more conscious of your choices and want to do better.”
Kearns noted that her clients have lost anywhere from 20 to 100 pounds with weight loss injections. However, side effects have included muscle loss, hair thinning, and facial sagging—commonly referred to as “Ozempic face.” Research published last year also cited nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation as potential adverse effects of retatrutide.
As Schram continues her journey, she hopes to shed five more pounds and is closely monitoring her body’s response to the new drug. While retatrutide shows promise, its long-term effectiveness and safety remain under scrutiny as clinical trials progress.
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