Recently, retatrutide – a still experimental drug developed by the Lilly laboratory with the aim of combating obesity and type 2 diabetes – became part of the protocol of most professional bodybuilders.
The medicine in question, which is a peptide that simultaneously activates the receptors for the hormones GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, promises to generate fewer side effects than its predecessors, such as Mounjaro.
Despite seeming like a miraculous substance, retatrutide is still in phase 3 of clinical studies and has not been released anywhere on the planet. To date, its known possible side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation – manifested mainly at the beginning of treatment or when the dose is increased.
The sale and use of this medicine in Brazil is not authorized.
In an interview with the column, pharmacist and biochemist Alexandre Zambrotta explains that the main difference between the new substance and other drugs developed with the same objective is its connection to glucagon, a hormone formed by 29 amino acids that acts as a counter-regulator of insulin. It provides energy to the body by increasing the amount of glucose – the main cellular fuel – present in the patient’s blood.
“Therefore, it doesn’t deplete your energy and disposition. (…) It’s as if it connects to your body and obtains energy even in an environment of scarcity”, highlights the professional.
Several reports also point to the discontinuity of addictions, such as smoking and alcoholism, after using the medication.
Professional bodybuilder in category 212, Fabrício Moreira gave a personal account on the subject: “I met her six weeks ago at Mr Olympia Brasil 2025 (…); Depending on the dose and your objective, it helps a lot. What do we, bodybuilders, want? Lose as much fat while maintaining as much muscle mass as possible. You need to eat right, you need to do everything that needs to be done. It helped me in general.”
“You practically don’t go hungry. In particular, it helped me a lot with my focus too”, adds the athlete.
Although the drug’s adversities are considered moderate at best, Zambrotta emphasizes that “only the long term can answer” what the true dangers of the drug are.
Most peptides have legitimate medical applications, such as stimulating hormone production or modulating metabolic processes. However, its use without professional guidance can generate several risks to the user’s health. Among the possible adverse effects of this class of medication are allergic reactions, changes in insulin sensitivity, impact on thyroid function and even imbalances in the hormonal axis.
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