Unlicensed 'Godzilla' Fat Jab Linked to 129 Side Effects, Study Finds

A powerful weight loss drug, nicknamed the 'Godzilla' fat jab, may be connected to 129 reported side effects, according to a study analyzing social media data. Retatrutide, commonly known as 'reta,' is currently undergoing clinical trials and is not licensed for use anywhere globally. Despite this, individuals in the UK and internationally have reportedly been purchasing and self-administering the drug illegally.

Reta earned its 'Godzilla' moniker due to its potency, demonstrated in trials to be more effective than Mounjaro and capable of helping individuals lose up to a quarter of their body weight in approximately 18 months. Experts caution that using the drug before it has undergone safety checks and received licensing poses risks, as the self-administered substances may not contain the actual medication.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, examined over 148,000 social media posts related to retatrutide on Reddit. Researchers identified 13,589 users who claimed to be using the drug and analyzed their reported side effects. Of these, 7,823 users, more than half, reported at least one side effect, with many experiencing multiple adverse reactions.

The reported side effects were categorized into 14 groups, including digestive issues, mental health disorders, heart problems, and skin changes. The most frequently reported symptom was an increased appetite, affecting 1,336 individuals, which is notable as weight loss drugs typically aim to suppress hunger by mimicking gut hormones like GLP-1. Retatrutide targets GLP-1 and two other receptors, classifying it as a 'triple agonist.'

Following increased appetite, fatigue was reported by 1,188 patients, approximately 15% of users. Nausea was the most common digestive complaint, affecting fewer than 10% of users, followed by diarrhea and vomiting. Food cravings and insomnia were also frequently cited.

Researchers emphasized that the findings should be interpreted with caution, as the claims made on social media could not be verified. Nevertheless, experts noted that the study highlights concerns regarding the illicit use of retatrutide. Naveed Sattar, professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, advised against purchasing unlicensed weight-loss products online, citing uncertainty about their contents and potential for harm due to lack of rigorous testing and oversight.

More concerning side effects were noted in relation to heart and mental health. Around 5% of users reported an increased heart rate (374 individuals), while 475 reported insomnia. Anxiety was flagged by 301 users, and 206 reported anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure. Depression was reported by 68 users, and 64 experienced panic attacks.

Other reported effects included a burning sensation on the skin (55 users) and alcohol intolerance (58 users). Less frequent effects mentioned were binge eating, decreased libido, obsessive thoughts, nicotine dependence, and emotional distress.

Conversely, some users reported positive changes, such as increased exercise duration (175 users), increased libido (164 users), and feelings of euphoria (149 users). The study authors reiterated that the social media data does not prove causation and that user reports may be subject to bias. Information regarding product contents, dosage, and medical history was also unverifiable.

Retatrutide targets three receptors, compared to Mounjaro's two. Both drugs are manufactured by Eli Lilly. It is anticipated that retatrutide could become available for purchase in Britain and potentially prescribed by the NHS within three years.