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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Andrew Gregory Health editor

‘Godzilla’ of weight-loss drugs could provide other important health benefits

A gloved hand holds a syringe
While other drugs primarily suppress appetite or control blood sugar levels, retatrutide also engages the glucagon receptor, which helps increase energy expenditure. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

The ‘Godzilla’ of weight-loss drugs could help improve blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and cut a person’s body weight by a quarter, according to the largest study of its kind.

Retatrutide mimics three key gut hormones that help control appetite, blood sugar and metabolism: GLP-1, GIP and glucagon. Unlike other drugs such as Wegovy, which primarily targets the GLP-1 pathway to suppress appetite, or Mounjaro, which contains GLP-1 plus GIP to control blood sugar levels, retatrutide also engages the glucagon receptor, which helps increase energy expenditure.

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