Journal article 132 views 9 downloads
GLP-1 weight-loss medicine and Retatrutide use for anabolic effects among online weight trainers: cultural understandings of risk
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Luke A. Turnock,
Kim Akrigg,
Timothy Piatkowski
Addiction Research & Theory, Pages: 1 - 12
Swansea University Author:
Luke Cox
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PDF | Version of Record
© 2026 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License.
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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/16066359.2026.2671771
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have rapidly transitioned from treatments for type 2 diabetes to widely used weight-loss medications. While compounds such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are clinically approved, the experimental triple-agonist Retatrutide has begun circulating thro...
| Published in: | Addiction Research & Theory |
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| ISSN: | 1606-6359 1476-7392 |
| Published: |
Informa UK Limited
2026
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71868 |
| Abstract: |
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have rapidly transitioned from treatments for type 2 diabetes to widely used weight-loss medications. While compounds such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are clinically approved, the experimental triple-agonist Retatrutide has begun circulating through illicit online markets. Despite growing clinical research on their metabolic effects, little is known about how these substances are being incorporated into bodybuilding cultures. This study explores how GLP-1s, particularly Retatrutide, are discussed within online weight-training communities and how they are positioned relative to non-medical insulin use. Two netnographies of publicly accessible forums were conducted, analyzing 1,774 Reddit posts on Retatrutide and 12,392 posts from two major bodybuilding forums. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed that GLP-1s are framed as tools for improving insulin sensitivity, nutrient partitioning, and lean mass accrual, often promoted as a ‘safer’ alternative to insulin. These findings highlight risks related to unapproved compounds, misinformation, and polysubstance use within online enhancement communities. |
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| Keywords: |
GLP-1, Retatrutide, insulin, risk, netnography |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
This work was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Centre Investigator Grant, 2041822. |
| Start Page: |
1 |
| End Page: |
12 |