Together, these actions not only reduce calorie intake but also promote weight loss by increasing metabolic rate and improving energy use
Less common but more serious risks include: Pancreatitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain and may require stopping the medication Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or inflammation, especially with higher doses or longer use Allergic reactions, including swelling or difficulty breathing, which need immediate medical attention Injection site reactions, such as redness or itching, with injectable forms Rare vision changes or worsening diabetic eye disease, especially when blood sugar improves rapidly Anyone with intense abdominal pain, signs of dehydration (such as dizziness or reduced urination), or unexpected vision changes should seek medical advice promptly
Semaglutide Semaglutide is often considered the most appetite-focused of the three
Loss of dorsomedial hypothalamic GLP-1 signaling reduces BAT thermogenesis and increases adiposity
It may be genetic or acquired and can lead to serious metabolic complications such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and high triglyceride levels
Availability and Prescribing Status in the UK Neither compound is routinely available in the UK: tesamorelin requires named-patient importation as an unlicensed medicine, and retatrutide is only accessible through regulated clinical trials
