Perceived benefits of treatment for obesity with retatrutide: A qualitative study of patients in a phase 2 clinical trial.

Background: Retatrutide, an agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide-1, and glucagon receptors, is in development for the treatment of obesity. We interviewed participants exiting a phase 2 trial to understand the impact of retatrutide on eating behaviors, physical aspects, emotions, and lifestyle. Methods: This was a qualitative exit interview study conducted in the US. Participants were adults with obesity or overweight and weight-related complications exiting the phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of retatrutide (1, 4, 8, and 12 mg) (NCT04881760). Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Results: Participants (N = 40; mean age 51 years; 52.5 % male) received retatrutide 4/8/12 mg (n = 23), retatrutide 1 mg (n = 13), or placebo (n = 4). Thirty-one of 36 retatrutide-treated participants reported changes in eating behaviors within the trial's first 8 weeks. Participants described eating less often or smaller portions, feeling hungry less often, feeling full after eating, having different food preferences, and feeling more in control of their eating. They also described feeling good about themselves or self-confident (n = 32) and feeling happy (n = 25). Participants reported improvements in mobility or ability to perform physical activities (n = 27), energy levels (n = 24), social activities involving food (n = 18), exercise (n = 19), and leisure activities (n = 17), as well as reduction in clothing size (n = 24). Some retatrutide-treated participants reported reduced participation in social activities due to adverse events (n = 2) or new eating habits (n = 2) and frustration due to disappointing weight loss (n = 3). Thirty of 36 retatrutide-treated participants had weight reduction as a goal, and 76.7 % reported achieving their goal. Conclusion: In this exit interview analysis of adult study participants, those treated with retatrutide reported early changes in eating behavior, improved physical and emotional well-being, and weight reduction goal achievement. Some participants experienced social limitations or frustration due to adverse events or unmet expectations.