Research published in the Lancet magazine shows that retatrutide reduced the weight of patients with type 2 diabetes by up to 28%. The medication acts on three hormones at the same time. The result is close to the effect obtained with bariatric surgery. Eli Lilly develops the substance. The work was presented at the American Diabetes Association conference in the United States.
The study involved 930 adults with type 2 diabetes. They received weekly doses of retatrutide or placebo for up to 80 weeks. Participants on the highest dose lost an average of 28.3% of their initial weight. The control group recorded a much smaller drop. More than 65% of those who used the high dose fell outside the obesity criteria based on body mass index. The reduction in blood sugar levels was also more than double that seen in the placebo.
How retatrutida works
Retatrutida belongs to the same class as weight loss pens such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. It mimics hormones released by the intestine after meals. These hormones signal satiety to the brain and help control insulin by the pancreas. The third mechanism activates the glucagon receptor. This stimulates energy expenditure even at rest.
Researchers highlight this triple action as a differentiator. Other medicines in the family act on one or two receptors. Glucagon may contribute to the greater weight loss observed. The medicine is injected once a week. Doses were staggered throughout treatment.
- Patients on the highest dose lost an average of 28.3% of their weight
- More than 65% no longer classify themselves as obese based on BMI
- Drop in blood glucose greater than twice that of placebo
- Additional benefits in sleep apnea and knee pain
Research provides data on other conditions
The work also evaluated effects on sleep apnea and knee osteoarthritis. In patients with obesity, retatrutide reduced the severity of apnea by 60.6%. The disorder interrupts breathing at night and increases heart risks. Mounjaro already has approval in Brazil for this use.
In the case of osteoarthritis, knee pain fell by up to 73.1%. The disease wears out joints and affects millions of people in the country. These results may support future applications to expand indications for the drug. Experts see potential to change the treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities.
The study was published this Saturday. It reinforces preliminary data that the manufacturer had been presenting. The observed weight loss places retatrutida among the most potent options in development. Comparisons with bariatric surgery were highlighted in the presentation.
Product is not yet approved
Retatrude is pending additional safety analysis and regulatory approval. Agencies like Anvisa have not released the medicine. Any version sold today is illegal. Lilly representatives warned about the risk during the congress.
In Paraguay, a company announced the production of pens with the substance in March. The product circulated at events with Brazilian influencers before the official release of the study. The Federal Revenue and Anvisa intensify inspections at the Foz do Iguaçu border. Seizures of unregistered products are growing.
In the first three months of 2026, the amount confiscated exceeded the entire previous year. Authorities reinforce that unproven substances pose a health hazard. Gastrointestinal side effects are common with this class of medications. They are usually mild to moderate, but require medical monitoring.
Advancement occurs amid boom in treatments
The market for obesity and diabetes medications is expanding rapidly. Previous options are already transforming patient care. Retatrutide emerges as a next generation molecule. Its triple mechanism attracts interest from the scientific community.
Previous research with different doses showed significant losses. The new study focuses on patients with type 2 diabetes. Results in populations without the disease are also promising in other trials. Lilly plans more studies to evaluate long-term safety.
Doctors highlight the importance of combining medication with lifestyle changes. Diet and physical activity remain fundamental. The medicine does not replace healthy habits. It offers an additional tool for cases where other methods are not enough.
The ADA congress brought together experts from around the world. Discussions about obesity gained central space. The rebound was one of the highlights. Comprehensive data published in Lancet allows for deeper analysis by the community.
Parallel market risks worry authorities
The illegal circulation of alleged retreads raises alarms. Products without quality control may contain different substances or wrong concentrations. Cases of complications have already been reported with similar unregistered medications.
Anvisa advises the population to avoid purchasing online or from unofficial sources. Any weight loss treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Individual assessment is essential before starting any therapy.
Experts recommend caution even after future approval. Monitoring for adverse effects remains necessary. Phase 3 studies provide robust evidence, but real-world use reveals more details over time.
The publication in Lancet, one of the main scientific journals, validates the findings. The regulatory process follows rigorous steps. Patients and professionals await news about release deadlines in Brazil.
The advance represents hope for those living with obesity and diabetes. Encouraging results do not eliminate the need for more data. Science advances step by step in the search for effective and safe solutions.
