[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Weight loss peptide supplements and injectable medications should only be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider.]
You might have heard about peptides being used for weight loss recently.
Peptides are tiny protein messengers in your body. Scientists first used them to help with medical conditions like diabetes by creating synthetic versions to replace natural peptides that some people’s bodies didn’t make enough of.
However, researchers discovered they could design custom peptides that target specific parts of your metabolism.
For weight loss, they’ve been working on creating peptides that help burn fat while protecting (or even building) muscle mass.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most promising peptides scientists have developed for managing weight – ones that could change how you think about weight loss altogether.
TL;DR – What Peptides Are Best for Weight Loss?
Here’s a quick overview of the most effective peptides for weight loss, backed by clinical research referenced later in this article:
| Best Oral Peptides for Weight Loss | Best Injectable Peptide for Weight Loss |
| AOD-9604 – 28% body weight loss in animal studies over 14 days | Tirzepatide (Zepbound) – Up to 20.9% weight loss in 72 weeks |
| MOTS-c – Significant fat loss through enhanced metabolism | Semaglutide (Rybelsus, Wegovy) – 14.9% average weight loss in 68 weeks |
| 5-Amino-1MQ – Promising results in metabolic health | Liraglutide (Saxenda) – 8.4 kg average weight loss in 56 weeks |
| Tesofensine – 10.6% average weight loss in 24 weeks | CJC-1295/Ipamorelin – Enhanced fat loss and muscle preservation |
How Peptides Can Aid in Weight Loss
Peptides work through multiple mechanisms to support weight loss:
- Appetite Control: Many peptides, especially GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide, help reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. This makes it easier to stick to a calorie-restricted diet.
- Metabolic Enhancement: Some peptides boost your metabolism by:
- Increasing fat breakdown
- Improving insulin sensitivity
- Enhancing muscle preservation
- Optimizing energy utilization
- Hormonal Balance: Certain peptides help regulate hormones that influence weight, particularly growth hormone and insulin, creating a more favorable environment for fat loss.
Benefits of Peptide Therapy for Weight Loss
Compared to traditional prescription weight loss drugs, peptide-based medications and supplements offer unique advantages:
- Targets Stubborn Fat: Peptides like tesamorelin and AOD-9604 spur abdominal and visceral fat loss, which is otherwise difficult to eliminate. Some peptides seem particularly best for female fat loss, especially for targeting hormone-related weight gain.
- Preserve Muscle: Peptides increase fat breakdown without causing muscle loss, improving overall body composition.
- Regulates Metabolism: Peptides such as MOTS-c and 5-Amino-1MQ balance glucose levels and metabolic activity for improved weight control.
- Enhances Cellular Function: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of some peptides boost overall health.
- Oral and Injectable Options: Customized treatment plans for both injectables and needle-free oral peptides are available.
Note: Peptides produce lasting results when combined with lifestyle changes.
Best Peptides for Weight Loss
Based on clinical research and real-world results, here are the most effective peptides for weight loss, divided into oral and injectable options:
Best Oral Peptides for Weight Loss
Let’s see the most effective oral peptides for weight loss first:
AOD-9604
Let’s talk about a fascinating peptide that was specifically engineered for fat loss. It’s literary named as “Anti-obesity drug” (AOD).
AOD-9604 (also known as LAT 8881) was developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals in the early 2000s with a single mission: to capture the fat-burning power of human growth hormone (GH) without its other effects.
What makes AOD-9604 special is its design.
Scientists identified the exact part of the growth hormone responsible for fat burning (a fragment called hGH 177-191) and modified it by adding an amino acid called tyrosine.
This modification did two crucial things:
- Made the peptide more stable
- Allowed it to work when taken orally (which is rare for peptides)
The results from early animal studies were impressive.
When researchers gave obese mice 250 mg/kg/day of AOD-9604, they observed that the mice lost 28% of their body weight in just 14 days.
Mice given regular growth hormone (1 mg/kg/day) lost 40%.
But here’s where AOD-9604 shines – it achieved these results without the usual side effects of growth hormone.
Unlike regular growth hormone, AOD-9604:
- Doesn’t cause insulin resistance
- Doesn’t stimulate muscle growth
- Focuses solely on fat metabolism
- Has an excellent safety profile for humans
If you’re considering using this peptide, review our detailed AOD-9604 dosage chart for optimal results.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a powerful 16-amino-acid peptide that your own body produces naturally.
What makes it special is that it comes from your mitochondria, your cells’ powerhouses, responsible for turning the food you eat into energy your body can use.
Recent research has revealed that MOTS-c does much more than we initially thought.
It acts like a messenger between your mitochondria and cell nucleus, helping your body adapt to metabolic stress.
In simpler terms, it helps regulate how your body handles energy and fat storage. That’s why it’s also one of the best peptides for energy.
Here’s how it works in two main ways:
- Muscle Cell Metabolism: Studies show that MOTS-c activates AMPK in muscle cells. This is your body’s metabolic master switch—when activated, it tells your muscle cells to soak up more glucose and burn it for energy. In one key study, researchers found that giving MOTS-c to mic
e on a high-fat diet helped prevent both, insulin resistance and obesity. - Fat Cell Transformation: Even more exciting is MOTS-c’s ability to encourage what scientists call “fat browning.” Your body has two types of fat: white fat (the kind that stores energy) and brown fat (the kind that burns energy for heat). MOTS-c helps convert some white fat into energy-burning brown fat, especially when your body temperature drops. This process increases your overall calorie burn and helps with fat loss.
MOTS-c is promising for treating obesity because it works through your body’s natural systems.
Rather than forcing artificial weight loss, it helps optimize your body’s own metabolic processes.
This natural approach might make it a valuable tool for treating not just obesity but also other metabolic disorders that often come along with excess weight.
5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1MQ is a newcomer to the weight loss scene.
While it might sound like a complex chemical formula, this compound could be a game-changer in how your body handles fat.
Developed in 2017, 5-Amino-1MQ works differently from other weight loss medications.
Instead of suppressing your appetite, it tackles the root cause of weight gain by targeting the NNMT enzyme. NNMT works as a switch that can slow down or speed up your metabolism.
Here’s how it works in your body:
Your fat cells contain a substance called SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) that helps activate genes responsible for burning fat and using energy.
However, when the NNMT enzyme is too active, it uses up all the SAM, which is like hitting the brakes on your metabolism.
This leads to:
- Slower fat burning
- More fat storage
- Reduced energy use
5-Amino-1MQ steps in to block NNMT (like removing those metabolic brakes), which helps:
- Speed up your metabolism
- Reduce fat storage
- Improve how your body handles sugar
The research results are promising.
In a study with obese mice, those taking 5-Amino-1MQ along with a healthy diet showed remarkable improvements compared to diet alone:
- Fat Loss: Mice given 5A-1MQ lost significantly more fat than those just changing their diet. In fact, their body fat levels became similar to naturally lean mice (normalized adiposity).
- Body Weight: The combination of 5A-1MQ and diet helped mice reach a healthier weight much faster than diet changes alone. This was confirmed through precise measurements using EchoMRI technology.
- Gut Health: Interestingly, the treatment positively changed the mice’s gut bacteria (“microbiome”). Specific beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus increased, while less helpful ones decreased.
The researchers also found that the treatment changed how fat tissue used energy, suggesting it could be an effective therapy for obesity.
Tesofensine
This powerful weight loss aid works differently than other peptides.
It affects three brain chemicals simultaneously – dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Simply put, it helps you feel less hungry while giving you more energy to stay active.
The results speak for themselves: In studies, people lost about 10.6 kg of weight in just 24 weeks.
While it’s still in the final testing stages, early results look quite promising.
Best Injectable Peptide for Weight Loss
While some people prefer oral options, injectable peptides often show the most dramatic results in clinical studies.
Here are the top performers for weight loss:
Semaglutide (Rybelsus, Wegovy)
In June 2021, the FDA made history by approving Wegovy (semaglutide) – the first new drug for chronic weight management since 2014.
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps control appetite and food intake.
Think of it as having a natural appetite control system that’s been turned up a notch.
The results from clinical trials are impressive.
In the largest study (called STEP 1), which included 1,961 adults with obesity or overweight:
- 86.4% of people lost at least 5% of their body weight
- 69.1% lost 10% or more
- An amazing 50.5% lost 15% or more.
On average, people taking semaglutide lost 14.9% of their starting weight after 68 weeks, compared to just 2.4% in the placebo group.
To put that in perspective, if you weigh 250 pounds (113 kg), you could potentially lose about 37 pounds (17 kg).
What’s particularly exciting about these results is their consistency.
The researchers followed participants for up to 2 years, and the weight loss was maintained when people kept taking the medication.
You have two options for taking semaglutide:
- Rybelsus: A daily oral tablet (the first oral GLP-1 medication ever approved)
- Wegovy: A once-weekly injection (2.4 mg)
Note: You’ll need a prescription from your doctor for this medication.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
November 2023 again marked a significant milestone in weight loss treatment when the FDA approved Zepbound (Tirzepatide).
This injectable peptide takes a dual-action approach to weight loss – it’s the first and only approved medication that targets two important hunger-regulating hormones in your body:
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
The results from clinical trials are nothing short of remarkable.
In the landmark SURMOUNT-1 study, which followed 2,539 adults over 72 weeks:
- 91% of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight
- An impressive 57% of people lost more than 20% of their body weight
- People lost an average of 20.9% of their body weight on the highest dose (15mg)
- If you weigh 250 pounds (113.4 kg), you could potentially lose up to 52 pounds (23.6 kg).
These results showed that Tirzepatide was more effective than the previous leader in weight loss medications, Semaglutide.
A recent real-world study comparing Tirzepatide to Semaglutide in 18,386 patients found that:
- People were 76% more likely to achieve 5% weight loss with Tirzepatide
- The chances of reaching 15% weight loss were over three times higher with Tirzepatide
- At 12 months, Tirzepatide users lost 6.9% more weight than those on Semaglutide
The most exciting news comes from the three-year follow-up study released in November 2024, showing that participants maintained their weight loss and experienced additional benefits:
- 22.9% average weight loss maintained at three years
- Nearly 99% of participants avoided developing type 2 diabetes
- Significant improvements in heart health markers
This makes Tirzepatide not just a weight loss medication but potentially a long-term solution for managing obesity and its related health conditions.
Zepbound is currently available only if you:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher (considered obesity), or
- Have a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
The medication is administered as a weekly injection. To minimize side effects, your doctor will start you on a lower dose and gradually increase it over 16-20 weeks.
While most people tolerate it well, some experience mild to moderate digestive issues, particularly during the dose adjustment period.
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are fairly new in the scene of weight loss medications.
If you’re looking for a well-established weight loss medication with years of proven results, Saxenda (liraglutide) might be worth considering.
This FDA-approved injectable medication has been helping both adults and teenagers achieve significant weight loss since its approval.
The effectiveness of this was proven in the SCALE trial, which involved 3,731 participants over 56 weeks:
- Average weight loss: 8.4 kg (18.5 pounds) with Saxenda vs 2.8 kg (6.2 pounds) with placebo
- Success rates:
- 63.2% of people lost at least 5% of their body weight
- 33.1% lost more than 10% of their body weight
- These results were more than double what the placebo group achieved
Who Can Use It:
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related health issues (specifically “treated or untreated dyslipidemia or hypertension”)
Note: Not recommended for people with type 2 diabetes (they should use Victoza instead, which has the same active ingredient)
Saxenda’s dual benefits—helping with weight loss and improving blood sugar control—set it apart from other weight loss medications.
In comparative studies, researchers found that Saxenda produces greater weight loss than older medications like orlistat or lorcaserin, though slightly less than newer combinations like phentermine/topiramate.
A major advantage is its excellent safety profile, established through years of real-world use.
Unlike weekly medications, you’ll need to take Saxenda daily, which some people prefer for more consistent appetite control.
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Combination
Here’s a powerful duo that works together for fat loss and lean muscle gain: CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin.
These peptides boost your body’s growth hormone production in two distinct but complementary ways.
- CJC-1295 is a peptide miming your body’s growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It can increase your blood growth hormone levels by up to 10 times what your body normally produces, with effects lasting up to 6 days. It also boosts another important hormone called IGF-1, which is crucial for muscle growth.
- Ipamorelin is a smaller peptide made of just five amino acids. It mimics ghrelin (your hunger hormone) and triggers growth hormone release. It is unique in that it doesn’t interfere with other important hormones like cortisol or prolactin, making it one of the safest options available.
When Combined:
- CJC-1295 takes 1-4 hours to reach peak levels in your blood
- Ipamorelin works faster, clearing from your system within 2 hours
- Together, they create more frequent and stronger bursts of growth hormone
You can get impressive benefits from this combination:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Faster fat loss
- Improved recovery after workouts
- Better sleep quality
- Enhanced joint and tissue healing
Recommended CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin dosage:
- CJC-1295: 2mg per week split into multiple doses
- Ipamorelin: 100-300mcg, 2-3 times daily
- Cycle length: 8-12 weeks, followed by an equal break period
Always start with lower doses to see how your body responds.
Are Peptides Safe for Weight Loss?
As discussed in the previous section, FDA-approved peptides like semaglutide, tripeptide, and liraglutide have established safety profiles through extensive clinical trials.
However, you should:
- Only use prescribed peptides for weight loss from legitimate medical providers
- Follow dosing guidelines carefully
- Monitor for side effects
- Regularly check up with your healthcare provider
- Avoid unregulated sources of peptides
Potential Side Effects of Peptides for Weight Loss
Weight loss peptides are generally safe (and many are FDA-approved). Still, you should know about their potential side effects before starting treatment.
Let’s look at what clinical studies tell us about each type.
FDA-Approved Incretin Mimetics
The most common issues you might experience with Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide affect your digestive system.
Between 40-70% of people (and in rare cases, up to 85%) experience some digestive side effects, including:
- Feeling nauseated
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Don’t worry too much, though – these effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to go away as your body adjusts.
More serious issues, such as inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or gallbladder problems (cholelithiasis), are much rarer, affecting less than 2% of people.
Important note: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have a history of thyroid cancer, or have a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-2), you shouldn’t use these peptides.
AOD-9604 Side Effects
While this AOD peptide isn’t FDA-approved yet, it’s generally safe.
Still, some reported side effects include:
- Nose and throat inflammation (nasopharyngitis) – 46.8%
- Headaches – 30.1%
- Back pain – 25.5%
- Diarrhea – 22.9%
When researchers compared these side effects to people taking placebo pills (sugar pills), they saw similar rates of these issues.
This suggests that AOD-9604 itself might not directly cause these effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s address some common questions about using peptides for weight loss:
How Long Does It Take to See Weight Loss Results with Peptides?
Results vary by individual and peptide type, but generally:
- Initial effects (appetite reduction): 2-4 weeks
- Noticeable weight loss: 8-12 weeks
- Significant results: 3-6 months
- Maximum benefits: 6-12 months
Can I Combine Peptides with Other Fat-Burning Supplements?
Yes, peptides can be safely paired with thermogenic aids or metabolism boosters like green tea, capsaicin, synephrine, yohimbine, etc.
However, you should inform your provider about all supplements you are using.
Are Peptides Effective Without Exercise?
Exercise magnifies peptide therapy results for weight loss goals.
However, specialized peptides alone can reduce caloric intake and increase resting metabolic rate – producing measurable fat loss without training (if intake remains controlled).
Conclusion
Peptides offer a promising approach to weight loss, particularly FDA-approved options like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide.
While they can be effective tools for weight management, they work best as part of a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle modifications.
Before starting any peptide therapy:
- Consult with a healthcare provider
- Ensure you’re a suitable candidate
- Obtain peptides from a legitimate source like Biolongevity Labs
- Commit to healthy lifestyle changes
- Monitor your progress and any side effects
When used properly, peptides can be valuable allies in your weight loss journey, helping you achieve and maintain your goals more effectively than traditional methods alone.
