Obesity is no longer viewed simply as a failure of willpower. Modern medicine recognizes it as a complex metabolic disease, driven by hormonal signalling, insulin resistance, genetics, and environmental factors. Over the last few years, GLP-1-based medications have transformed how we approach non-surgical weight loss. Now, a next-generation investigational therapy, retatrutide, is pushing this field even further.
We first saw GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy become popular. Next came Mounjaro and Zepbound, which introduced a second hormone. Now, as we focus on the future of metabolic health at Healthy Life Bariatrics, Retatrutide is getting a lot of attention.
Currently, the most anticipated drug in Eli Lilly’s pipeline is Retatrutide, which isn’t just another “weight loss shot.” It is being hailed as the “Godzilla” of obesity treatments. Early clinical trials suggest it may achieve results previously only seen with bariatric surgery.
The medical community is excited about Retatrutide because of its unique “Triple G” mechanism. Unlike earlier medications that focused on one or two hunger hormones, Retatrutide targets three. It works by stimulating three different hormone receptors:
When these three are combined, Retatrutide not only helps reduce your appetite but also boosts your metabolism. For many patients at Healthy Life Bariatrics who have a slow metabolism, this could be the breakthrough they have been hoping for.
The data surrounding Retatrutide is, quite frankly, unprecedented in the history of pharmacology. In a Phase 2 clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants taking the highest dose of Retatrutide lost an average of 24.2% of their total body weight in just 11 months.
Here’s how that compares to other treatments:
At this level of efficacy, the line between medical weight loss and surgical intervention blurs. For a person weighing 250 lbs, a 24% loss means dropping 60 lbs in less than a year.
| Feature | Medical (Retatrutide) | Surgical (Sleeve/Bypass) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Non-invasive weight loss | Permanent metabolic reset |
| Typical Results | Significant (20-25%) | Exceptional (30-40%+) |
| Timeframe | Ongoing management | One-time procedure |
| Fatty Liver Benefit | Extremely High | High |
| Recommended For | BMI 30+ or comorbidities | BMI 35+ or severe obesity |
As a premier destination for both surgical and non-surgical weight loss, Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki and our team often face the question: “If these drugs are so good, do I still need surgery?”
The answer is deeply personal and depends on your biological history. While Retatrutide offers surgical-level weight loss for many, there are key differences to consider:
Bariatric procedures like the Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy) or Gastric Bypass provide a permanent structural change to the digestive system. Medications, including Retatrutide, are generally considered long-term (potentially lifelong) commitments. If you stop the medication, the hormonal signals of hunger often return.
Surgery provides an immediate, profound metabolic reset that often puts Type 2 Diabetes into remission within days. Retatrutide achieves this gradually through chemical signaling. For patients with a BMI over 40 or those with severe comorbidities, Revision Bariatric Surgery or primary surgery may still be the most reliable “one-time” intervention.
Currently, Retatrutide is moving through Phase 3 trials and is not yet FDA-approved for general use. Once released, cost and insurance coverage will be major factors. In contrast, many insurance plans provide robust coverage for bariatric surgery.
One of the most exciting aspects of Retatrutide is its effect on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Because of the inclusion of the Glucagon receptor agonist, Retatrutide is incredibly effective at clearing fat from the liver.
In trials, a staggering 90% of patients with fatty liver saw their liver fat levels return to a normal range while on the drug. This makes Retatrutide not just a “vanity drug,” but a life-saving intervention for those at risk of cirrhosis and liver failure.
Furthermore, by reducing visceral fat (the dangerous fat around your organs), Retatrutide significantly lowers blood pressure and improves cholesterol profiles. If you are interested in how weight loss impacts your overall health, read our blog on the long-term benefits of weight loss surgery.
No medication can promise perfect results. Because Retatrutide is strong, it may cause side effects that require medical care.
Some common side effects are:
At Healthy Life Bariatrics, we prioritize patient safety beyond simply prescribing medication. Our weight loss program includes regular monitoring of your vitals, dosage adjustments based on your response, and nutritional counseling to help you maintain muscle while losing fat.
With so many “quick-fix” clinics in the city, finding the right provider is crucial. At Healthy Life Bariatrics in Los Angeles, we do more than write prescriptions. Led by dual board-certified surgeon Dr. Babak Moein, our clinic combines surgical skill with the latest medical treatments, including oral wegovy.
We differ from most med-spas because we provide a complete medical environment. We monitor your metabolic health, help you maintain muscle mass, and can offer surgical options, such as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, if needed. Trust our expertise to keep you safe and support your long-term success.
Retatrutide is now in Phase 3 clinical trials, the final and most rigorous stage before FDA approval. Many people are looking forward to this “Triple G” medication, and it is expected to be available for purchase in late 2025 or early 2026. In the meantime, we use approved, effective alternatives to help our patients begin treatment now.
Based on the data, the answer seems to be “Yes.” Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) works on two hormones, but Retatrutide adds a third hormone, Glucagon, which can increase energy use. Still, what is “better” depends on the person. The best treatment is the one your body can handle, your insurance will pay for, and your doctor thinks is right for you.
Once Retatrutide is approved by the FDA, many people who have stopped seeing results with single- or dual-agonist medications may be able to switch. If you feel your current treatment is no longer working, please reach out to us. We can talk about a plan to help keep your progress going. Butt” or other skin changes?
Rapid weight loss, whether via surgery or medication,can lead to significant subcutaneous fat loss. This often leads to what social media calls “Ozempic Butt,” in which the gluteal area loses volume and the skin begins to sag.
In women, this loss of supportive fat can even extendIn women, this loss of fat can also affect more sensitive areas, causing a condition called “Ozempic Vulva.” This means there is less volume and the skin of the labia majora becomes looser. Dr. Moein is an expert in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, so we can help with these concerns through body contouring and volume restoration after you reach your goal weight.
Advancement is within reach, but you don’t need to wait to begin your transformation. At Healthy Life Bariatrics, we combine innovative science with proven results. Whether you are considering the latest “Triple G” injections or gastric bypass, we offer precision medicine to help you achieve lasting metabolic health.
Don’t wait to prioritize your health. Regain your confidence and vitality with experts dedicated to your long-term success.
Whether you are interested in the latest pharmacological treatments or surgical options, Dr. Moein and his team are prepared to guide you.