GLP-1 Studies Flag New Risks as Retatrutide Shows 25% to 30% Weight Loss
Updated
Updated · WAFB · Aug 18
GLP-1 Studies Flag New Risks as Retatrutide Shows 25% to 30% Weight Loss
3 articles · Updated · WAFB · Aug 18
Summary
Pennington researchers said GLP-1 drugs are showing effects beyond weight loss, including lower alcohol cravings, less arthritis pain and reduced cardiovascular risk after about five years of wider use.
Doctors said some benefits may stem from anti-inflammatory effects rather than weight loss alone, but that same uncertainty is driving off-label use in patients not approved for the drugs.
Reported downsides include vitamin deficiencies such as scurvy, loss of enjoyment in eating, and muscle and bone loss that can be especially harmful for frail older patients.
Retatrutide — a triple agonist now in phase 3 trials — has produced 25% to 30% weight loss, roughly matching bariatric surgery, though researchers said it also brings more side effects.
Researchers said current GLP-1s are generally safe when prescribed, but benefits fade after stopping treatment, making weight regain common and pushing development toward monthly shots and muscle-sparing drugs.