RESEARCH UPDATES
What changed in metabolic science.
Biweekly summaries of new trials, approvals and guidelines in obesity and metabolic medicine. Every update names its primary source, labels the strength of evidence and says plainly what it does not prove.
Clinical Trials
Retatrutide reports 28.3% mean weight loss in phase 3 TRIUMPH-1
Eli Lilly’s topline results show all three doses of the GIP/GLP-1/glucagon triple agonist met their endpoints at 80 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes. The 12 mg dose produced a mean 28.3% weight loss, and 45.3% of participants lost at least 30% of body weight.
Human RCT · topline
Regulatory
FDA approves orforglipron (Foundayo), a GLP-1 pill without food or water rules
The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s orforglipron for adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition, after a 50-day review under a new priority program. In ATTAIN-1, the 36 mg dose produced a mean 11.2% weight loss at 72 weeks versus 2.1% on placebo.
Regulatory decision
Regulatory
Wegovy becomes the first GLP-1 pill approved for weight management
The FDA approved oral semaglutide 25 mg once daily to reduce excess body weight, maintain weight reduction and lower the risk of major cardiovascular events. In OASIS 4, participants lost a mean 16.6% of body weight at 64 weeks on treatment versus 2.7% on placebo.
Regulatory decision
Guidelines
Obesity redefined: clinical versus preclinical
A 58-member Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission proposed confirming excess body fat directly rather than relying on BMI alone, then separating clinical obesity (organ dysfunction or limited daily activity) from preclinical obesity (preserved function, higher risk).
Expert consensus