Promising active ingredient: Retatrutide outperforms Ozempic

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro—the so-called weight-loss injections —are experiencing a real boom. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, millions of people now use these medications for weight loss. But besides weight loss, GLP-1 drugs offer other health benefits.

Nina Ruge studied biology. She began her more than 30-year television career in 1987 at RIAS TV in Berlin. She has also appeared on ZDF's "heute journal," "heute Nacht," and "Leute heute," as well as on talk shows and magazines on ARD, Phoenix, and 3sat. Today, she is a specialist author in the field of "Cell Biology of Aging." Since 2020, she has authored four popular science books on this topic, all five of which have become bestsellers. She also writes columns, produces podcasts such as "The Short Podcast for a Long Life - Zwäg hoch zwei," gives lectures, and develops her own channels on the gigantic research field of "Healthy Longevity."

Recent studies show that GLP-1 drugs not only suppress appetite, but also improve inflammation and can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia. Despite these benefits, they are expensive, not well-tolerated for everyone, and can lead to muscle loss.

Researchers are working intensively on new active ingredients to overcome the disadvantages of existing medications. These include more cost-effective tablets instead of injections, monthly depots instead of weekly injections, and combinations that specifically prevent muscle atrophy.

A particularly promising candidate is retatrutide – a triple agonist. Unlike its predecessors, it acts not only on the GLP-1 receptor, but also on the receptors of the intestinal hormones GIP and glucagon. This combination suppresses appetite, improves blood sugar levels, and significantly stimulates fat burning.

A Phase II study at the Yale University School of Medicine delivered initial positive results: Participants lost an average of 24 percent of their body weight—significantly more than with Ozempic or Mounjaro. In addition, cholesterol levels, long-term blood sugar, and triglycerides improved significantly.

Retatrutide could set new standards in preventive medicine, as it not only helps with weight loss but also reduces multiple risk factors simultaneously. However, the drug is not yet approved. Phase III trials are ongoing, and data on its effectiveness in normal-weight individuals are lacking. Long-term studies and a clear strategy for targeted and affordable use as part of an overall preventive concept are now crucial.

What role do diet, exercise, and hormones play in cell rejuvenation? Can a consistently "rejuvenating lifestyle" actually help us age more healthily? In their new book , " Rejuvenation is Possible: Scientifically Researched - What Really Helps ," Nina Ruge and Dr. Dominik Duscher explore this scientifically proven lifestyle.

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of selected experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.