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What are GLP-3s? Meet the new generation of weight-loss drugs with three key ingredients

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What are GLP-3s? Meet the new generation of weight-loss drugs with three key ingredients

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GLP-1 has become a popular buzzword in the weight-loss community — but now some are touting “GLP-3s,” claiming they are taking obesity medications to the next level.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.

The informal term “GLP-3” refers to a new triple-agonist drug that targets three hormones: GLP-1, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, another naturally occurring hormone released by the gut after eating) and glucagon receptors. The most advanced example is retatrutide by Eli Lilly, according to clinical trial outcomes.

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The New England Journal of Medicine published results from a 2023 phase 2 retatrutide trial for obesity, revealing “substantial reductions in body weight” after 48 weeks of treatment.

A 12 mg once-weekly injection led to a 24.2% weight reduction, and participants continued to drop pounds after the 48-week trial period.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. (iStock)

Side effects were reportedly similar to GLP-1 medications, most commonly including gastrointestinal complications like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Heart rate increases were noted, depending on the dose.

How it’s different

Retatrutide mimics three natural hormones found in the body, compared to GLP-1s that simulate just one hormone, according to a report by GoodRx pharmacists.

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GIP and GLP-1 hormones signal the pancreas to release insulin after eating, while slowing digestion to help initiate feelings of fullness.

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These hormones target the area of the brain that regulates appetite and influences food cravings, the report noted.

The third hormone, glucagon, speeds up metabolism and helps the body break down fat cells for energy. That hormone also tells the liver to make new sugar, which is kept in check by GIP and GLP-1 activity, preventing blood sugar spikes.

Participants in the phase 3 trial saw an average weight loss of 71.8 pounds. (iStock)

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“This added metabolism boost can add to and complement GIP’s and GLP-1’s actions. And that’s why it seems to provide significant weight loss,” the GoodRx website states. “If approved, retatrutide will be the first in a new class of medications.”

Eli Lilly announced results from its phase 3 trial TRIUMPH-4 in December, testing retatrutide’s effect on weight loss and other health conditions.

“We believe retatrutide could become an important option for patients with significant weight loss needs and certain complications.”

Participants with obesity and knee arthritis who took a 12-mg dose of retatrutide saw an average weight loss of 71.8 lbs (28.7%) at 68 weeks.

“For retatrutide, the findings from TRIUMPH-4 are encouraging, and with seven additional phase 3 readouts expected in 2026, we believe retatrutide could become an important option for patients with significant weight loss needs and certain complications, including knee osteoarthritis,” a Lilly spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital. 

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The drug also reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores by an average of 75.8%, marking “significant improvements” in comfort level and physical function.

More than one in eight patients reported being “completely free” from knee pain at the end of the trial, according to a press release from Lilly.

Participants with obesity and knee arthritis who took a 12-mg dose of retatrutide saw an average weight loss of 71.8 lbs (28.7%) at 68 weeks. (iStock)

Seven additional phase 3 trials for retatrutide are expected to wrap up in 2026. The drug could see FDA approval in 2027, according to GoodRx.

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The Lilly spokesperson noted that there have been no studies comparing retatrutide to GLP-1 treatments due to “differences in study design and patient populations.”

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Despite limited data availability on the drug, the medication could also be applied to treat other conditions like type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular risk reduction and metabolic dysfunction, according to GoodRx and other experts.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro already target two metabolic pathways — GLP-1 and GIP — which work together to promote weight loss, reduce hunger and inflammation, improve insulin function and slow digestion.

The doctor confirmed that the new drug, with its third receptor agonist, will further decrease hunger while increasing the feeling of fullness.

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More than one in eight patients reported being “completely free” from knee pain at the end of the trial. (iStock)

“The weight loss in clinical trials is even more substantial, and the most likely reason that it decreases orthopedic problems is because of the weight loss — less stress on the joints and the decreased inflammation,” Siegel added.

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The most common side effect of GLP-3s is gastrointestinal symptoms, the doctor confirmed. Rarer side effects may include pancreatitis, gallstones and heart arrhythmia.

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Philip Rabito, M.D., a specialist in endocrinology, weight loss and wellness in New York City, shared in an interview with Fox News Digital that this new class of weight-loss drugs is positioned to “approach bariatric surgery level outcomes” — although it doesn’t come without risks.

“The novel glucagon‑agonist component introduces less‑understood long‑term safety considerations, so it is imperative that patients are followed closely by healthcare professionals experienced with this class of medicines, with cautious, stepwise use, despite the impressive efficacy,” he cautioned.

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Former wrestler, actor reveals breast cancer diagnosis: ‘One in 750 men’

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Former wrestler, actor reveals breast cancer diagnosis: ‘One in 750 men’

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Former professional wrestler and actor Tyler Mane announced he has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Known for his roles in “X-Men” and “Halloween,” Mane shared the news publicly to help raise awareness about a condition that is frequently overlooked in men.

“I have some bad news. I start chemo today,” Mane stated in a video posted to his social media channels. “One in 750 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and I’m one of them.”

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Because breast cancer is predominantly associated with women, many men are unaware that they are also at risk. However, according to Mayo Clinic, everyone is born with a small amount of breast tissue.

While women go on to develop more of this tissue during puberty, the biological foundation for the disease exists in everyone.

Known for his roles in X-Men and Halloween, Mane shared the news publicly to help raise awareness about a condition that is frequently overlooked in men. (Bobby Bank/Getty Images)

The most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple, according to experts. Other signs can include skin dimpling, nipple retraction or discharge.

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Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases globally. Because routine screenings like mammograms are not standard practice for men, the disease is often caught much later than it is in women.

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Mane highlighted this issue as a primary motivation for speaking out. “Because it’s rarely talked about, it’s usually found at later stages and has worse outcomes,” he said. “I want to change that.”

Experts say the most common symptom of male breast cancer is a hard, painless lump located directly behind or near the nipple. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Medical data supports Mane’s concerns regarding late-stage detection. While male breast cancer can occur at any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in older men, according to Mayo Clinic.

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Men’s treatment plans generally mirror those for women, typically involving surgery to remove the breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy depending on how far the cancer has progressed.

Treatment plans generally mirror those for women, typically involving surgery to remove the breast tissue, followed by chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy depending on how far the cancer has progressed. (Rune Hellestad/Corbis via Getty Images)

Mane said he is utilizing his platform to normalize conversations about male health and encourage early detection. He concluded his video by asking his followers to spread the word and help educate others.

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“Follow, like and share, and come along for my journey to kick this thing in the ass,” Mane said. “Send this to 10 of your friends and have them follow me, because people need to hear this.”

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New York anchor Bill Ritter announces Alzheimer’s diagnosis during his final Eyewitness News broadcast

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New York anchor Bill Ritter announces Alzheimer’s diagnosis during his final Eyewitness News broadcast

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Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, bringing an end to his more than two-decade run behind the WABC-TV anchor desk.

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Ritter, 76, who has anchored the station’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, revealed during Friday’s Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the program.

“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter said during the broadcast.

“It’s early-stage Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, for now,” he continued. “But there is no guarantee, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s.”

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Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and is stepping away from the WABC-TV anchor desk. (Linda Rosier/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

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“So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” he added.

According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California and positions with ABC News.

He began anchoring the station’s 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 and was added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station’s 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.

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Bill Ritter has anchored WABC-TV’s 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001. (Heidi Gutman/Disney via Getty Images)

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ABC7 reported that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families.

“For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most,” WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.

“A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike,” she continued.

“While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer’s better understand the disease and the resources available to them.”

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Bill Ritter, Eyewitness News Anchor, WABC-TV, speaks onstage at the ROAR Forward Summit at Hearst Tower on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Hearst)

“Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News,” Galvez added.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to Ritter’s announcement by wishing the veteran broadcaster and his family “strength in the days ahead.”

“For decades, Bill Ritter has been a trusted presence in New Yorkers’ homes, helping us make sense of the news that shape our city,” Mamdani wrote on X. “

“His courage in sharing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis will help countless families facing the same challenge feel less alone,” he continued. “Wishing Bill, his loved ones, and everyone affected by Alzheimer’s strength in the days ahead.”

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Ritter’s colleagues also reacted to his announcement.

ALZHEIMER’S RISK SLASHED BY EATING MORE OF ONE COMMON FOOD, STUDY SUGGESTS

WABC-TV reporter Lucy Yang paid tribute to Ritter’s professionalism and dedication during his decades-long career at the station.

“For decades, I’ve reported for his show and even filled in, anchored w him,” she posted on X. “He never gave less than 110% I salute you. I thank you. And I will pray for you.”

Lee Goldberg, the station’s chief meteorologist, said Ritter’s influence would continue long after he stepped away from the anchor desk.

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“He preaches be kind, take care of each other, & we’re all in this together,” Goldberg said on X. “Now, in addition to doing these things for himself & his loving family, he’ll build on his legendary legacy by helping millions who share his battle.” 

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“You’re a saint, and my hero @billritter7,” he added. “Love you.”

Ritter also noted during the broadcast that his father died from Alzheimer’s disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years.

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Thought Yo-Yo Dieting Ruined Your Metabolism? New Research Says Otherwise

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Thought Yo-Yo Dieting Ruined Your Metabolism? New Research Says Otherwise


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Stuck Yo-Yo Dieting? You’re Healthier Than You Think




















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