It’s a triple-hormone receptor agonist (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors) developed by Eli Lilly for managing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related conditions. Below are its key benefits based on available evidence from clinical trials and research:
Targets belly fat while preserving lean muscle 
Significant Weight Loss:
Clinical trials show retatrutide leads to substantial weight reduction, with participants losing up to 24.2% of their body weight (about 58 pounds) after 48 weeks at higher doses (8–12 mg). This surpasses results from other weight loss drugs like semaglutide (up to 15–20%) and tirzepatide (up to 22.5%).
Weight loss is dose-dependent, with higher doses yielding greater reductions, and some trials suggest weight loss may continue beyond 48 weeks.
Improved Blood Sugar Control:
Retatrutide enhances insulin secretion, reduces liver glucose production, and slows gastric emptying, leading to better blood sugar regulation. In type 2 diabetes trials, it reduced A1C levels significantly, with up to 82% of participants achieving A1C below 6.5%.
Nearly 72% of participants with prediabetes reverted to normoglycemia in trials.
Cardiometabolic Health Benefits:
Retatrutide improves metabolic markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, reducing cardiovascular risk. In trials, 40% of participants were able to stop blood pressure medications.
It may preserve lean muscle mass compared to other weight loss drugs, helping maintain metabolism during weight loss.
Potential for Fatty Liver Disease Treatment:
Over 85% of obese participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) reduced liver fat to below 5%, potentially reversing the condition. This suggests retatrutide could be a novel therapy for NAFLD.
Enhanced Energy Expenditure:
By targeting glucagon receptors, retatrutide increases fat metabolism and energy expenditure, contributing to its effectiveness in weight loss beyond appetite suppression alone.
Fewer Side Effects:
Compared to other GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide, retatrutide causes less nausea, though mild gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) are still common. These are typically temporary and manageable.