The one corner of this site where the hype mostly matches the data

A GLP-1 receptor agonist with one of the largest clinical trial programmes in modern metabolic medicine.

Receptor targets

GLP-1 receptor

Clinical maturity

Approved, multiple completed Phase 3 programmes and cardiovascular outcome trials

Regulatory status

Approved in multiple regions for type 2 diabetes and, in separate formulations, for weight management. In March 2024 the FDA approved Wegovy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke in adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity, and in August 2025 granted accelerated approval for Wegovy in adults with noncirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-advanced (F2-F3) fibrosis. Every approval is product- and indication-specific.

Proven in trials

• · Weight reduction versus placebo in randomised trials
• · HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes
• · Cardiovascular risk reduction in specified higher-risk populations

Claimed but not established

• · Addiction and 'anti-craving' effects
• · Broad anti-inflammatory or anti-ageing benefit

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist with strong Phase 3 weight and glycaemic data.

Receptor targets

GLP-1 receptor · GIP receptor

Clinical maturity

Approved, large completed Phase 3 programme

Regulatory status

Approved in multiple regions for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro) and, under a separate brand (Zepbound), for chronic weight management. In December 2024 the FDA approved Zepbound as the first medication for obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity. Additional indications vary by regulator.

Proven in trials

• · Large average weight reduction in randomised trials
• · HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes
• · Improvement in obstructive sleep apnoea severity in trial populations

Claimed but not established

• · Guaranteed superiority for every individual
• · Fat loss without any lean mass loss

An investigational GIP/GLP-1/glucagon triple agonist in an advanced Phase 3 metabolic programme.

Receptor targets

GLP-1 receptor · GIP receptor · Glucagon receptor

Clinical maturity

Advanced Phase 3 investigational programme

Regulatory status

Not approved in any region. In advanced Phase 3 development (the TRIUMPH programme) for obesity and related metabolic conditions. Anything sold to the public as 'retatrutide' today is outside approved medical supply.

Proven in trials

• · Large weight reduction in randomised mid-stage human trials

Claimed but not established

• · Safe for unsupervised long-term self-administration
• · Proven superiority over approved options in routine care

The older once-daily GLP-1 agonist, with long real-world follow-up and modest effect sizes.

Receptor targets

GLP-1 receptor

Clinical maturity

Approved, long post-marketing history

Regulatory status

Approved for type 2 diabetes and, in a separate formulation, weight management.

Proven in trials

• · Weight reduction
• · HbA1c reduction
• · Cardiovascular risk reduction in defined groups

Claimed but not established

• · Equivalent weight outcomes to newer weekly agents

A long-acting amylin analogue, mostly studied in combination with a GLP-1 agonist.

Receptor targets

Amylin receptors · Calcitonin receptor

Clinical maturity

Late-stage investigational, largely as combination therapy

Regulatory status

Investigational. Studied alone and as part of a fixed-dose combination with semaglutide (CagriSema, in Phase 3); not a generally approved standalone medicine.

Proven in trials

• · Additive weight reduction in combination trials

Claimed but not established

• · Standalone superiority to GLP-1 therapy

A GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist developed largely in Chinese trial populations.

Receptor targets

GLP-1 receptor · Glucagon receptor

Clinical maturity

Approved in China (2025); development status elsewhere not established

Regulatory status

Approved in China by the NMPA: for chronic weight management in June 2025, and for glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes in September 2025. Not approved in the US, UK or EU — a regional approval, not a global one.

Proven in trials

• · Weight reduction in randomised trials
• · Liver fat reduction in trial populations

Claimed but not established

• · Established global efficacy and safety equivalence with approved agents