Effects of once-weekly subcutaneous retatrutide on weight and metabolic markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Pasqualotto E, Ferreira ROM, Chavez MP, Hohl A, Ronsoni MF, Pasqualotto T, Moraes FCA, Hespanhol L, Figueiredo Watanabe JM, Lütkemeyer C, van de Sande-Lee S

Metabolism open13 Sept 2024Cited by 11 (Europe PMC)

PMID39318607PMCIDPMC11420505DOI10.1016/j.metop.2024.100321PepBankPUB-39318607

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Summary

AimTo assess the effects of once-weekly subcutaneous retatrutide on weight and metabolic markers and the occurrence of side effects in patients with overweight, obesity and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for binary endpoints were computed, with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide. Compared with placebo, retatrutide significantly reduced body weight (WMD -10.66 kg; 95 % CI -17.63, -3.69), body mass index (WMD -4.53 kg/m²; 95 % CI -7.51, -1.55), and waist circumference (WMD -6.61 cm; 95 % CI -13.17, -0.05). In addition, retatrutide significantly increased the proportion of patients who achieved a weight reduction of ≥5 % (RR 2.92; 95 % CI 2.17-3.93), ≥10 % (RR 9.32; 95 % CI 4.56-19.06), ≥15 % (RR 18.40; 95 % CI 6.00-56.42), and ≥20 % (RR 16.61; 95 % CI 4.17-66.12).ConclusionsIn this meta-analysis, the use of once-weekly subcutaneous retatrutide was associated with a significant reduction in body weight and improvement of metabolic markers in patients with overweight, obesity and/or T2D, compared with placebo, with an increase in non-severe gastrointestinal and hypersensitivity adverse events. Phase 3 RCTs are expected to shed further light on the efficacy and safety of once-weekly subcutaneous retatrutide over the long term.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study9

9 results from studies that gave the peptide. 9 results from people.

01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of three placebo-controlled trials in people with overweight, obesity or type 2 diabetes, retatrutide reduced body weight versus placebo (WMD -10.66 kg).
In plain wordsIn people with overweight, obesity or type 2 diabetes, retatrutide lowered body weight more than placebo across three pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
DecreaseBody weight (WMD)
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
WMD body weight
−10.66 kg
retatrutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
Compared with placebo, retatrutide significantly reduced body weight (WMD -10.66 kg; 95 % CI -17.63, -3.69)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860701
02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of three placebo-controlled trials in people with overweight, obesity or type 2 diabetes, retatrutide reduced body mass index versus placebo (WMD -4.53 kg/m2).
In plain wordsIn people with overweight, obesity or type 2 diabetes, retatrutide lowered body mass index more than placebo across three pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
DecreaseBody mass index (WMD)
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
WMD BMI
−4.53 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
retatrutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
body mass index (WMD -4.53 kg/m²; 95 % CI -7.51, -1.55)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860702
03HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of three placebo-controlled trials in people with overweight, obesity or type 2 diabetes, retatrutide reduced waist circumference versus placebo (WMD -6.61 cm).
In plain wordsIn people with overweight, obesity or type 2 diabetes, retatrutide shrank waist size more than placebo across three pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
DecreaseWaist circumference (WMD)
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
WMD waist circumference
−6.61 cm
retatrutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
waist circumference (WMD -6.61 cm; 95 % CI -13.17, -0.05).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860703
04HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of three placebo-controlled trials, retatrutide increased the proportion of patients with a weight reduction of 5% or more versus placebo (RR 2.92).
In plain wordsMore people on retatrutide than on placebo lost at least 5% of their body weight in three pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
IncreaseWeight reduction of 5% or more (responders)
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
RR weight reduction >=5%
2.92
retatrutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
In addition, retatrutide significantly increased the proportion of patients who achieved a weight reduction of ≥5 % (RR 2.92; 95 % CI 2.17-3.93)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860704
05HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of three placebo-controlled trials, retatrutide increased the proportion of patients with a weight reduction of 10% or more versus placebo (RR 9.32).
In plain wordsMore people on retatrutide than on placebo lost at least 10% of their body weight in three pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
IncreaseWeight reduction of 10% or more (responders)
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
RR weight reduction >=10%
9.32
retatrutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
≥10 % (RR 9.32; 95 % CI 4.56-19.06)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860705
06HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of three placebo-controlled trials, retatrutide increased the proportion of patients with a weight reduction of 15% or more versus placebo (RR 18.40).
In plain wordsMore people on retatrutide than on placebo lost at least 15% of their body weight in three pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
IncreaseWeight reduction of 15% or more (responders)
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
RR weight reduction >=15%
18.4
retatrutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
≥15 % (RR 18.40; 95 % CI 6.00-56.42)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860706
07HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In a meta-analysis of three placebo-controlled trials, retatrutide increased the proportion of patients with a weight reduction of 20% or more versus placebo (RR 16.61).
In plain wordsMore people on retatrutide than on placebo lost at least 20% of their body weight in three pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
IncreaseWeight reduction of 20% or more (responders)
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
RR weight reduction >=20%
16.61
retatrutide vs placebo
Source sentences
Summary
≥20 % (RR 16.61; 95 % CI 4.17-66.12).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860707
08HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials, retatrutide was associated with an increase in non-severe gastrointestinal adverse events versus placebo.
In plain wordsIn people with overweight, obesity or type 2 diabetes, retatrutide was linked to more mild stomach and gut side effects than placebo in pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
IncreaseGastrointestinal adverse events
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
with an increase in non-severe gastrointestinal and hypersensitivity adverse events.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860708
09HumanSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials, retatrutide was associated with an increase in non-severe hypersensitivity adverse events versus placebo.
In plain wordsIn people with overweight, obesity or type 2 diabetes, retatrutide was linked to more mild allergy-type side effects than placebo in pooled trials.
Peptide
Retatrutide
Outcome
IncreaseHypersensitivity adverse events
Study
n = 640
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Adverse events · Immune and inflammation
Studied dose
Dose not stated · subcutaneousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
with an increase in non-severe gastrointestinal and hypersensitivity adverse events.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched for placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published up until February 23, 2024.
Summary · context
A total of three studies were included, comprising 640 patients, of whom 510 were prescribed retatrutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3931860709

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PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
10 Oct 2026, 10:21 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

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Keywords

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