Khaksary Mahabady M et al
It permanently reduces stomach size and importantly dramatically lowers the production of ghrelin, the hormone that drives hunger
In the phase 2 trial, the 8mg group achieved approximately 17.3% weight reduction at 24 weeks, a rate of loss that would not be possible without profound appetite suppression driving significant caloric deficit
When Ozempic received FDA approval in December 2017, its labeling mentioned only mild gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting common and generally temporary reactions to GLP-1 medications
The approval is backed by positive findings from three Phase III trials, a Phase II dose-ranging study, and two Phase I pharmacokinetic studies
Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology 2025), fat accounted for approximately 62.0% to 69.3% of total weight lost across the effective retatrutide doses (4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg) in adults with type 2 diabetes