What is Retatrutide? Is it Safe & Legal for Weight Loss in the UK?

06 November, 2025  |  Holy Winter - Healthcare Writer

Learn about Retatrutide - the new experimental weight loss drug. Is Retatrutide safe or legal in the UK? Discover approved alternatives like Wegovy and Mounjaro at iQ Doctor.

Understanding Retatrutide

Retatrutide is a new experimental medication being researched as a potential weight loss treatment. Developed by Eli Lilly (the same company behind weight management injection Mounjaro), Retatrutide has shown promising early results in clinical trials for reducing body weight - in some cases even more significantly than current medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide). However, while these early findings are exciting, Retatrutide is still under investigation. It has not yet been approved for medical use in the UK, EU, or US for weight loss purposes and therefore cannot be recommended as safe and effective at this time.

How Does Retatrutide Work?

Retatrutide is part of a new class of weight loss medicine referred to as triple agonists. It targets three key hormone receptors in the body:

• GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
• GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
• Glucagon

By stimulating these receptors, Retatrutide aims to help regulate appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism - three major factors that influence weight gain and fat loss.

This triple action may help users experience stronger effects on satiety (fullness) and energy expenditure compared to current GLP-1 medications.

Is Retatrutide Safe for Weight Loss?

At this stage, it’s too early to confirm Retatrutide’s long-term safety. While initial clinical trials have reported encouraging average weight loss results, they have also highlighted possible common side effects similar to those seen with GLP-1 agonists, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Fatigue
• Headaches

Because Retatrutide is still in development, the full risk profile remains unknown, and no regulatory body has approved it for public use. Until more research is completed, using or sourcing Retatrutide online could pose serious health risks.

Is Retatrutide Legal in the UK?

Currently, Retatrutide is not legal for sale or prescription in the UK. It has not been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) or the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for any medical use, including weight loss.

Any websites or sellers claiming to offer Retatrutide for purchase in the UK are likely operating illegally and may be selling unregulated or counterfeit products. Using such products can be dangerous and is strongly discouraged.

Approved and Safe Weight Loss Alternatives to Retatrutide in the UK

If you’re considering weight loss injections, it’s important to choose clinically approved and regulated options.

At iQ Doctor, we offer safe, MHRA-approved treatments including:

1. Wegovy (Semaglutide)

• Mimics the GLP-1 hormone to control appetite and calorie intake through helping you feel fuller for longer
• Clinically proven to help users lose up to 15% of their body weight
• Once-weekly injection with a clear dosing schedule
• Available via prescription through iQ Doctor

2. Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

• Dual-acting injection that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
• Helps reduce appetite and improve blood sugar regulation
• Strong clinical evidence for significant weight loss results
• Available through iQ Doctor with medical supervision

Both of these treatments are licensed in the UK for weight management and prescribed safely by registered healthcare professionals.

The Bottom Line on Retatrutide in 2025

Retatrutide may represent the next generation of weight loss medications — but as of now, it’s not approved, not legal, and not safe for consumer use in the UK.

If you’re looking for reliable, medically approved treatments, consider Wegovy or Mounjaro, both available from iQ Doctor following an online consultation.

Your health and safety should always come first. Stick to regulated, evidence-backed treatments that are prescribed by trusted UK professionals to assist you on your weight loss journey.

At iQ Doctor, you can access trusted menopause treatments and supplements to help you feel balanced, energised, and in control of your health again.

iQ Doctor is a registered UK pharmacy that specialises in medical remedies for weight loss, erectile dysfunction, hair loss support and much more. Whether you require over-the-counter relief, or prescription-only medication, the experts at iQ Doctor can assist. Please get in touch if you need any further advice.

Also, be sure to keep in touch with iQ Doctor via our social media channels as well as keeping up to date with us by signing up to the mailing list.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Retatrutide used for?

Retatrutide is an experimental weight loss and diabetes medication currently under clinical research. It is not approved for medical use anywhere yet.

2. Is Retatrutide legal in the UK?

No, Retatrutide is not legal in the UK. It has not been approved by the MHRA or NICE for any medical purpose.

3. Is Retatrutide safe to buy online?

No. Any Retatrutide sold online in the UK is unregulated and may be counterfeit or unsafe. Always purchase only MHRA-approved treatments.

4. What are safer alternatives to Retatrutide?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are there to reduce the risk associated with medically assisted weight loss, and are both approved weight management injections available in the UK through iQ Doctor, with proven effectiveness and medical supervision.

5. How does Retatrutide compare to Mounjaro and Wegovy?

Early trials suggest Retatrutide may be more potent, but it’s still under study. Wegovy and Mounjaro are currently the safest and most effective approved options.