Treatment for severe obesity has developed rapidly in recent years.
Now, new research findings from pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly suggest that a new drug may be even more effective than existing alternatives, according to Nieuwsblad.
The drug is called retatrutide and belongs to the same class of medications as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
The difference is that retatrutide targets three hormone receptors, while most similar drugs affect one or two.
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Experts see potential
According to endocrinologist Imke Matthys of UZ Gent, having several different types of medication available can be beneficial.
Some patients do not achieve sufficient results with existing treatments, while others experience side effects.
That is why it is important to have multiple options available, she told Nieuwsblad.
However, Professor Chantal Mathieu of KU Leuven believes that very rapid weight loss is not necessarily the best solution.
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She points out that sustainable weight loss often takes time.
Illegal sales raise concerns
Although retatrutide is not yet available on the general market, it is already being sold online and discussed on various internet forums. This concerns experts.
Toxicologist Jan Tytgat warns that consumers cannot be certain of the contents of illegally sold medication.
Previous investigations of similar products have revealed problems with both dosage and quality.
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The manufacturer's trial, which included 2,339 participants over 80 weeks, produced striking results.
Participants lost an average of 32 kilograms, equivalent to 28 percent of their body weight.
According to Eli Lilly, retatrutide could therefore become the most effective weight-loss drug to date if the findings are confirmed through peer review.
Source: Nieuwsblad.
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