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TryTrutide
Regulatory

FDA-Approved Weight-Loss Medications: What Is Currently Available

Several medications are currently FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults. These include semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Zepbound), liraglutide (Saxenda), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), and orlistat (Xenical/Alli). Retatrutide is not among them — it remains an investigational drug available only through authorized clinical trials.

This page provides general educational information about FDA-approved medications. It does not constitute medical advice, prescribing guidance, or a recommendation for any specific treatment. Consult a licensed healthcare provider to determine which options, if any, are appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Retatrutide Status
FDA approval status
Not approved — investigational
Public availability
Not available for routine prescribing
Compounding status
Cannot be legally compounded for patients
Legal access
Authorized clinical trials only
Last verified
September 14, 2026
Source
FDA Drug Approvals and Databases

Currently FDA-Approved Medications for Chronic Weight Management

Semaglutide (Wegovy)

FDA Approved 2021
Mechanism
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Approved for
Chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity

Also approved as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes at different doses.

View FDA record →

Tirzepatide (Zepbound)

FDA Approved 2023
Mechanism
GIP and GLP-1 dual receptor agonist
Approved for
Chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related comorbidity

Also approved as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes.

View FDA record →

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

FDA Approved 2014
Mechanism
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Approved for
Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidity; also approved for adolescents aged 12+ with obesity

Daily injection; also approved as Victoza for type 2 diabetes.

View FDA record →

Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)

FDA Approved 2014
Mechanism
Opioid antagonist + dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Approved for
Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidity, as an adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

Oral medication.

View FDA record →

Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)

FDA Approved 2012
Mechanism
Sympathomimetic amine + anticonvulsant
Approved for
Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidity, as an adjunct to reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

Oral medication. Requires REMS program due to teratogenicity risk.

View FDA record →

Orlistat (Xenical / Alli)

FDA Approved 1999
Mechanism
Pancreatic lipase inhibitor — reduces fat absorption
Approved for
Weight loss and weight maintenance in adults with obesity or overweight; Alli (lower dose) is available OTC

Oral medication taken with meals. GI side effects are common.

View FDA record →

Understanding the Categories

FDA-approved medications
Have completed Phase 3 clinical trials, received FDA review, and are approved for a specific indication. Available by prescription from a licensed provider.
Compounded versions of approved-drug ingredients
Compounding pharmacies may legally compound semaglutide or tirzepatide under specific conditions (e.g., FDA shortage list). Retatrutide cannot be legally compounded — it is not an approved drug ingredient.
Investigational drugs
Drugs in clinical trials that have not yet received FDA approval. Retatrutide is in this category. Access is through authorized trials only.
Laboratory research chemicals (RUO)
Peptides sold for laboratory research use only. Not approved for human use. Purchasing or using these as a weight-loss treatment is illegal and dangerous.
Illicit or counterfeit products
Products sold online claiming to be retatrutide or other GLP-1 drugs without a legitimate supply chain. These may contain unknown substances and pose serious health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is retatrutide FDA approved?

No. As of September 2026, retatrutide remains an investigational drug. It is not FDA approved for any indication and is not available for routine prescribing. The only legal way to access it is through an authorized clinical trial.

Can I get retatrutide from a compounding pharmacy?

No. Compounding pharmacies may only compound drugs that are either FDA approved or on the FDA shortage list. Retatrutide is neither. Any pharmacy claiming to compound retatrutide is operating outside the law.

How do I know if a weight-loss medication is FDA approved?

You can verify approval status using the FDA's Drugs@FDA database at accessdata.fda.gov. Every approved drug has an NDA or BLA number and an approval letter on file.

Are GLP-1 medications covered by insurance?

Coverage varies significantly by plan, indication, and state. Some plans cover semaglutide or tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes but not for weight management. Consult your insurance provider and prescribing physician.

Continue Your Research

Last reviewed: September 14, 2026