Health4 min(s) read
A new weight-loss drug has been touted as being even more effective than the existing jabs - but experts have warned people not to use them.
GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy have exploded in recent years after it was discovered that they could aid in weight loss.
Initially created for people with diabetes, the drugs were found to help curb the appetite, and therefore help patients with obesity issues, too.
However, a newer version of the medication - Retatrutide - has now appeared, which is known as a triple-agonist, which targets three hormone receptors - GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and glucagon.
.jpg_RxMwyI?tr=cr-0.0.724.483,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
Retatrutide - often referred to as 'reta' online - has also attracted attention within the bodybuilding community, where some have praised it as a "fat-loss peptide", or a "cutting aid".
While it's sparked a lot of discussion online, experts have warned people against taking it - as no medication containing retatrutide has yet been approved for public use by the MHRA or any other regulator around the world yet.
That means reta is currently being sold outside of the official medicine supply chain, which could have some dangerous consequences.
Reddit users have also shared warnings of their own, with some reporting significant side-effects, including having negative impacts on their mental health.
Abdal Alvi, Chief Clinical Officer at Simple Online Pharmacy, told Unilad that the jab, nicknamed the 'Godzilla shot', has not yet been approved, explaining: "The clinical findings have understandably created considerable excitement, but promising trial results are not the same as regulatory approval."
Alvi explained: "Retatrutide is still being formally studied. Any website or social media account claiming it can currently sell the treatment to members of the public should immediately raise alarm bells."
Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company that makes reta, confirmed that genuine retatrutide is currently only available to people enrolled in its authorized clinical trials.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public not to purchase the medication through websites or social media accounts, where it is often labeled as 'research use only’ or ‘not for human consumption’, as the quality is unknown and it could potentially be harmful.
Alvi added: "'Research use only’ does not mean the product is a legitimate medicine that happens to be available early. It means it has not been supplied as an approved treatment for a patient.
"Consumers have no reliable way of knowing what is inside an unregulated vial. It may contain too much or too little of the claimed ingredient, a different substance entirely or contaminants introduced during manufacturing, storage or delivery."
Alvi also reiterated the importance of waiting for regulatory approval for any medication, which not only tests its efficacy, but also the potential side effects it could cause, and its suitability for different patients, as well as interactions with other medications.
"Skipping this process means skipping the safeguards designed to protect patients. Even approved weight-loss medicines can cause side effects and are not suitable for everyone,” Alvi explained.
"With an unknown product, the risk is greater because the patient may not know what they have taken or how strong it is. That can also make it much harder for healthcare professionals to treat them if something goes wrong."
While it may not be available to the public right now, that's not to say it won't be in the future, if it receives approval.
Alvi added: "Retatrutide may eventually become an important obesity treatment, but that decision belongs to regulators once the necessary evidence has been assessed.
"For now, the message is straightforward: there is no legitimate retatrutide available for members of the public to buy. If somebody is offering it, do not take the risk."
.webp_lli6Ty?tr=cr-74.9.445.380,f-webp,q-70,w-100)