While some online pharmacies may claim to sell retatrutide, the only safe and legal way to get retatrutide today is with a clinical trial. As this promising treatment for weight loss works toward FDA approval, it is not yet available via standard prescription. But we understand why you may be looking for it: Recent data shows it delivers even greater weight loss and blood sugar control than current GLP-1s by targeting three distinct hormone receptors. Although Midi clinicians cannot prescribe retatrutide today, we are committed to keeping you informed on the latest science, advising you on how to join a clinical trial if that’s the best option for you, or helping you find alternatives to reach your health and wellness goals sooner.
In the world of weight-loss medications, there’s a new one—retatrutide—that could be a game-changer in treating obesity and morbid obesity and improving blood sugar levels. Here’s how it’s different from previous meds: Retatrutide is a triple agonist, meaning it targets three different hormone receptors, rather than one (like Ozempic) or two (like Mounjaro or Zepbound).
With this triple action, early trials have shown, this GLP-3 to be even more effective than the currently available weight-loss medications. And recent findings show that participants on the highest dose of retatrutide lost an average of 28.7% of their body weight over 68 weeks. This is double the percent body weight loss seen with Ozempic and Wegovy.
While we anticipate retatrutide being a strong option for many people seeking weight loss, it may be particularly useful for anyone who falls into one or more of these categories:
Retatrutide is currently undergoing clinical trials necessary for it to obtain FDA approval (which is anticipated by summer), so it's not yet available to be prescribed. But if you go online today, you’ll find some online pharmacies already selling it even though it’s technically not approved for use outside of clinical trials. Read on for more on what that means, how clinical trials work, who may qualify, and what to do if a trial isn’t an option for you (spoiler alert: you have options!).
Similar to other GLP-1 medications, retatrutide is an injectable medication that targets hormone receptors in your body that directly impact metabolism and appetite. Retatrutide targets three different receptors:
By targeting all three, the medication delays how fast your stomach digests food, lowers your appetite, and ultimately reduces how much food you eat.This can lead to numerous improvements in health, including:
But retatrutide does still carry the risk for side effects that most in this category do, most commonly GI issues like nausea, constipation, or vomiting. While higher doses of retatrutide are linked to more weight loss, dosing is titrated up over time, just like with other injectables. When retatrutide does become available, we suspect the guidance will be the same “low and slow” approach to upping doses.
Retatrutide phase 3 trials are winding up in 2026 with trial results that will lead to the anticipated FDA approval by summer 2026. As a result, retatrutide is only legally available through clinical trials.It cannot be prescribed by a clinician, dispensed by a pharmacy, or legally sold online. Any website or individual claiming to sell retatrutide outside of a trial is not offering a legitimate product.
Clinicaltrials.gov is one of the best places to look for clinical trials on retatrutide. The site is a longstanding, government-run database of human clinical trials that are being run worldwide.
You’ll be able to find clinical trials at all different phases, including:
One thing to keep in mind: Clinicaltrials.gov is maintained by The National Library of Medicine (NLM), but the government doesn’t review or approve the safety of the clinical trials.
That’s why it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional, like a Midi clinician, before applying to enroll in a study to make sure it’s a safe option for your wellness journey. For instance, those with GI disease, a history of gallbladder disease, a high risk for pancreatitis, or kidney and liver issues would likely be advised not to take retatrutide.
You should also go over all medications you currently take, such as glucose-lowering diabetes medications, blood pressure or thyroid meds, or anticoagulants. Retatrutide slows the emptying of your stomach, so it can affect how certain oral medications are absorbed.
To find out how to get retatrutide with a clinical trial, follow these steps:
The best place to start is a reputable clinical trial registry, like clinicaltrials.gov. When searching, use terms like:
From there, you’ll see a list of results. Filter for trials that are recruiting or enrolling. And keep an eye on ones that are not yet recruiting, as you may be a candidate for them in the future.
Not surprisingly, criteria for clinical trials can be very specific. Before applying, you’ll want to take note of any of the following to make sure the study makes sense for you, your health history, and your lifestyle. Pay close attention to:
For instance, some retatrutide clinical trials are only enrolling people with obesity, which means you must be above a certain BMI to qualify. Other studies may be looking at retatrutide’s benefits beyond just weight and may need patients with other health conditions, like kidney disease or Type 2 diabetes.
When you find a trial that you think is right for you, you’ll need to reach out to the sponsor listed on the trial. There’s usually contact information available. If you’re having trouble figuring out who to call or email, your current healthcare provider may be able to help you get enrolled.
If you do apply, you’ll typically go through:
This is your opportunity to ask questions and decide if participation feels right for you.
The risks for participating in a retatrutide clinical trial are the same for any clinical trial. Because the medication is still being studied, there will always be known and unknown risks. In current clinical trials, retatrutide side effects have been mild to moderate and most often included:
As noted above, in many of these randomized trials there is a chance that you will be receiving a placebo, so no active drug at all. So if you are feeling a sense of urgency or firmly want to get started, the risk of delaying other effective treatments (see below) until the duration of the study is completed may not be worth it.
Other side effects included decreased appetite and fatigue. Side effects happened more often when people went up in their dose or were at a higher dose—but even then, the impact tended to be in that mild to moderate range.
Before enrolling, you’ll receive detailed information through an informed consent process so you can weigh all the pros and cons of participating first. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and get a second opinion on joining.
For many women, weight gain is one of the most frustrating changes during perimenopause and menopause—especially as hormones shift and metabolism slows. As estrogen levels decline, women may burn 250–300 fewer calories per day, making weight gain easier and weight loss harder.
Menopause is also linked to increased belly fat (aka meno belly), which carries greater health risks. Lower estrogen, reduced activity over time, and menopause-related sleep disruption often work together to drive steady weight gain—about 1.5 pounds per year on average after menopause. Excess abdominal fat is associated with higher inflammation and increased risk of insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, which is why many menopausal women consider GLP-1 medications as part of a broader, clinician-guided weight management plan.
Working with a healthcare professional who understands your hormone needs is important. Any approach to sustained weight loss should be multifaceted, encompassing various elements that contribute to your overall well-being. So while diet and exercise are important, so is addressing hormones, reducing stress, and prioritizing sleep.
My clinician is amazing. She prescribed me a GLP-1 for weight loss and HRT. I’ve lost 20 pounds. I feel so much better now that I’m getting the right support.
- Laura M.
With my Midi care plan, I’m now halfway towards my weight loss goal! I’m getting back to feeling like myself again.
- Deanna W.
I've struggled with menopausal weight gain. My Midi clinician helped address this and more; I felt heard and validated. I’ve been looking for this for a long time.
- Jessica M.
My life has changed thanks to Midi. Within two weeks, my hot flashes disappeared, and in the last two months, I've lost 10 pounds. I feel like I can breathe again.
- Kelleyene P.
My weight gain was out of control, and I tried other programs with no luck. Midi has really been helping me. I love the timely access to clinicians.
- Heather H.
See a Midi Weight Loss Specialist
If you don’t qualify for a retatrutide clinical trial or aren’t chosen to participate, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, there are several evidence-based weight loss treatments available right now, many with strong clinical data and real-world use behind them. For many people, these options can be effective and more accessible while newer medications like retatrutide are still being studied.
And for those successfully using a currently available GLP-1 with success, there is no clinical reason to switch to retatrutide via a clinical trial right now. You also don’t need to enroll in a retatrutide clinical trial if you are seeking more modest weight loss to optimize your health. Other GLP-1 drugs can do the trick.
Image 1: stat highlighting weight lost with Midi care
Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are already FDA-approved and widely prescribed for weight loss and metabolic health. Research shows these medications can lead to roughly 10–22% average body weight loss over about one year, depending on the medication and dose. They work by:
Because they’re FDA-approved, clinicians have a much clearer understanding of appropriate dosing, common side effects, and long-term safety compared to investigational drugs like retatrutide.
Common FDA-approved options include:
Semaglutide
Tirzepatide
These medications—all available as injectables, tablets, or oral drops—are accessible today through a clinician and may be a strong option for people who don’t qualify for or don’t want to wait to get retatrutide with a clinical trial.
Image 2: List of Midi CustomRx for weight
Weight gain—especially in midlife—is rarely just about willpower. Hormones, insulin resistance, medications, and stress all play a role. Depending on your health history, a clinician may consider options like:
