AI finds unexpected symptoms in users of unapproved weight-loss drug

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used AI to analyze nearly 150,000 Reddit posts and comments from about 40,000 users of unapproved retatrutide, an experimental GLP-1 weight-loss drug. Among 7,823 users with classifiable symptoms, increased appetite was the most common complaint, unlike clinical trials where gastrointestinal issues dominated. The study was published in JAMA Network Open.

• About 150,000 Reddit posts from ~40,000 users were analyzed
• 7,823 users reported at least one classifiable symptom
• Increased appetite was most common, unlike nausea in trials
• Retatrutide targets three receptors and is in Phase 3 trials