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Are Retatrutide side effects different from other GLP-1s?
Retatrutide is a triple-action GLP-1 medication that can help you lose weight. It shares similar targets with Wegovy and Mounjaro, which means it has a comparable side effect profile. But because it targets an additional type of receptors, some side effects may be more prevalent with Retatrutide.
In this guide, we’ll examine how the side effects of Retatrutide compare to other GLP-1 treatments.
Medically reviewed by
Sanjeda Chowdhury, Superintendent Pharmacist + Independent Prescriber
Which side effects do Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Retatrutide share?
As Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Retatrutide work in similar ways in the body, they share a similar side effect profile. But the frequency of side effects can differ depending on the medication and dose.
The occurrence of side effects varies by dose. Generally, a higher dose means side effects are more likely, but this isn’t always true. A higher frequency of side effects doesn’t always correlate directly with a higher dose.
For instance, an 8 mg dose of Retatrutide resulted in a nausea occurrence rate of 60%, while a 12mg dose had a lower rate of 45%. This could be because your body adjusts to the medicine as you continue taking it. So with the 12mg dose, the body might have adapted to the medicine, resulting in a lower occurrence of nausea.
Additionally, some side effects might not be quantified in studies. This doesn’t mean that the side effects don’t occur for the particular treatment; rather, they might not have been documented in clinical trials or other research.
It’s also important to recognise that results can vary slightly between different studies. This could be because of differences in population, sample sizes, and the methods researchers use to measure the frequency of side effects.
Shared GLP-1 side effects
Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Retatrutide contain GLP-1 receptor agonists, which tell the brain that you feel full and make you less hungry. These drugs also slow down food from leaving your stomach to make you feel satiated. Because of these effects, gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are common.
The side effects are usually experienced when you start treatment and after each dose increase. But they typically subside as your body adjusts to the medication. There are several things you can do to lower the risk of experiencing these side effects, including:
- Eating smaller, more frequent portions
- Consuming bland foods
- Staying hydrated
Shared GIP side effects
Mounjaro and Retatrutide both contain a GIP receptor agonist. Similar to GLP-1, GIP acts on the brain to make you feel fuller and slows down food digestion.
While there isn’t much difference between the two, studies show you might experience more side effects with Mounjaro than with Wegovy because of its dual effect.
What side effects are unique to Retatrutide?
Retatrutide is a triple agonist that targets three different receptors: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Each of these hormones works in a different way to achieve weight loss.
Glucagon, the additional hormone, signals the body to break down stored fat for energy, which increases overall calorie expenditure, further supporting weight loss.
Side effects are more common with Retatrutide than with other weight-loss treatments due to its triple action. But as with all medications, these side effects should subside as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Increase in resting heart rate
Retatrutide shares similar gastrointestinal side effects as Wegovy and Mounjaro, but it has a few side effects that are slightly more common, such as an increased resting heart rate.
Studies suggest that a person’s heart rate may rise by 5 to 7 beats per minute when using Retatrutide. This isn’t a significant increase and usually isn’t something to worry about. The increase in heart rate with Retatrutide treatment is dose-dependent, meaning the higher the dose, the more that heart rate increases. Further research suggests that this increase tends to peak at 24 weeks and then decline. While increases in heart rate are also common with Mounjaro and Wegovy, it typically ranges from about 1 to 3 beats per minute.
Skin sensitivity
Skin sensitivity is slightly more common with Retatrutide than with other GLP-1 medications. This could be because Retatrutide targets three different hormone pathways, although the exact reason why skin sensitivity happens isn’t fully understood.
The sensitivity can manifest as tenderness, such as increased sensitivity to light touch or pressure, or a burning sensation in the skin even with little to no UV exposure. You might also experience a general tingling sensation. These side effects seem to be more prevalent at higher doses of Retatrutide. While skin sensitivity isn’t a medical concern, it can have an effect on someone’s daily life.
When will Retatrutide be available in the UK?
Retatrutide is currently in the development stages, so it won’t be available in the UK for quite some time, and we don’t know exactly when it will be released.
In the meantime, other weight loss treatments are available, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.
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Triple–hormone-receptor agonist retatrutide for obesity — A phase 2 trial. The New England Journal Of Medicine, [online] 389(6).
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Abouelmagd, A. A., et al. (2025).
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