Peptides for weight loss and metabolic health represent one of the fastest-growing areas in medicine. From the FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists that have transformed obesity treatment, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), to emerging compounds still in Phase 3 trials, this category covers every peptide studied for fat loss, appetite regulation, and metabolic function. This reference profiles 24 peptides and compounds studied for weight, fat metabolism, and metabolic health. Each is ranked by scientific evidence strength using our 5-star rating system, with FDA status clearly marked. No dosing, no protocols, just the research, clearly rated.
Important: Star ratings measure evidence strength, not safety.
Every compound in this category, ranked by evidence strength.
| Peptide | FDA Status | Evidence | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) | FDA-Approved | ★★★★★ | Extensive RCT data; STEP trials |
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) | FDA-Approved | ★★★★★ | SURMOUNT trial series |
| Liraglutide (Victoza / Saxenda) | FDA-Approved | ★★★★★ | SCALE trial series |
| Setmelanotide (Imcivree) | FDA-Approved | ★★★★★ | Strong RCT data for genetic obesity |
| Tesamorelin (Egrifta) | FDA-Approved | ★★★★★ | Approval is indication-specific |
| Retatrutide | Phase 3 Trials | ★★★★☆ | Phase 3 in progress; strong early human data |
| GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) | Research | ★★★☆☆ | Meaningful human data as part of combination therapies |
| GLP-1 (7-37) | Research | ★★★☆☆ | Well-studied as a class; standalone research compound data more limited |
| PYY (Peptide YY) | Research | ★★★☆☆ | Several human appetite/satiety studies |
| Oxyntomodulin | Research | ★★★☆☆ | Early human studies on appetite and energy expenditure |
| Sermorelin | Formerly FDA-Approved / Compounded | ★★★☆☆ | Historical clinical use; body composition evidence preliminary |
| MK-677 (Ibutamoren) | Research | ★★★☆☆ | Multiple human studies on GH/IGF-1 and body composition |
| GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin) | Research | ★★★☆☆ | Multiple human studies on GH secretion |
| Hexarelin | Research | ★★★☆☆ | Several human GH secretion studies |
| CJC-1295 (No DAC) | Research | ★★☆☆☆ | Some human PK studies; limited efficacy data |
| CJC-1295 (With DAC) | Research | ★★☆☆☆ | Some human PK studies; limited efficacy data |
| Ipamorelin | Research | ★★☆☆☆ | Some human GH release data; limited body composition evidence |
| GHRP-6 | Research | ★★☆☆☆ | Some human data; primarily GH secretion studies |
| MOTS-C | Research | ★★☆☆☆ | Mostly animal; one or two early human studies |
| Humanin | Research | ★★☆☆☆ | Primarily preclinical |
| Fragment 176-191 | Research | ★★☆☆☆ | Mostly animal; human fat loss evidence very limited |
| AOD-9604 | Research | ★★☆☆☆ | Reached Phase IIb; failed to show weight loss in human trials |
| 5-Amino-1MQ | Research | ★☆☆☆☆ | Very early; primarily mechanistic/cell studies |
| TLQP-21 | Research | ★☆☆☆☆ | Animal/mechanistic only |
The first dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound. In head-to-head trials (SURMOUNT), tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide on both weight loss and glucose control, the strongest efficacy of any approved incretin to date.
The daily-injection GLP-1 agonist (Saxenda for weight loss, Victoza for diabetes). Backed by the SCALE trial series. Now largely superseded by weekly options but remains a well-evidenced choice.
The most potent weight-loss agent in development. A triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist showing up to ~24% body-weight loss in Phase 2 trials. Phase 3 (TRIUMPH) is in progress; FDA decision anticipated 2026–2027.
Approved for rare genetic obesity syndromes. Highly effective for its specific indications but not a general weight-loss drug. Included for completeness of the metabolic peptide landscape.
Every compound in this category, fully profiled with mechanisms, evidence ratings, FDA status, and research citations.
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