Metabolic & Weight Loss Peptides
Research peptides that regulate metabolism, appetite, glucose homeostasis, and fat metabolism, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and lipolytic compounds.
Metabolic & Weight Loss Peptides
This category covers peptides researched for their effects on body weight, appetite regulation, glucose metabolism, and fat oxidation. The GLP-1 receptor agonists represent the most clinically advanced class, while other peptides target fat metabolism through distinct mechanisms.
Complete Peptide Directory
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
| Peptide | Description | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Long-acting GLP-1 agonist with strongest weight loss efficacy; FDA-approved | GLP-1R agonist; reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves glycemia |
| Semaglutide Oral | Oral formulation of semaglutide using SNAC absorption enhancer (Rybelsus) | Same GLP-1R mechanism with oral bioavailability via SNAC co-formulation |
| Liraglutide | Daily GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes and obesity; FDA-approved | GLP-1R agonist; glucose homeostasis, appetite regulation, neuroprotection |
| Tirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with superior weight loss outcomes | Dual incretin agonism; synergistic metabolic effects from two pathways |
| Retatrutide | Triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously | Triple incretin signaling for maximum metabolic impact |
| Survodutide | Dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist for obesity and NASH | GLP-1 appetite suppression plus glucagon-driven energy expenditure |
| Mazdutide | Dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist in clinical development | Dual agonism for weight loss and metabolic disease |
| Pemvidutide | Dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist targeting NASH and obesity | Liver-targeted metabolic effects alongside weight reduction |
| Orforglipron | Non-peptide oral GLP-1R agonist in Phase 3 trials | Small-molecule GLP-1R agonist; high oral bioavailability |
| Danuglipron | Non-peptide oral GLP-1R agonist from Pfizer | Small-molecule GLP-1R agonist; twice-daily oral dosing |
| Ecnoglutide | Long-acting GLP-1R agonist with biased agonism profile | GLP-1R signaling with reduced GI side effects through biased agonism |
| Maritide | Long-acting amylin/GLP-1 receptor co-agonist (monthly dosing) | Dual amylin and GLP-1 signaling for sustained appetite suppression |
| Cagrilintide | Long-acting amylin analog studied alongside semaglutide | Amylin receptor agonist; complementary appetite reduction with GLP-1 |
Appetite & Satiety Hormones
| Peptide | Description | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 | Endogenous incretin hormone that regulates glucose and appetite | GLP-1 receptor activation; reference compound for GLP-1 agonist drugs |
| GLP-2 | Intestinal growth factor that promotes gut mucosal repair | GLP-2 receptor; intestinal epithelial proliferation; short bowel syndrome |
| GIP | Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (gastric inhibitory peptide) | GIP receptor; insulin secretion; fat metabolism; bone health |
| Peptide YY | Gut hormone released postprandially that suppresses appetite | Y2 receptor agonist; reduces food intake; slows gastric emptying |
| Amylin | Pancreatic hormone co-secreted with insulin that promotes satiety | Amylin receptor; slows gastric emptying; suppresses glucagon |
| Cholecystokinin | Gut peptide that signals meal-related satiety | CCK receptors; gallbladder contraction; pancreatic enzyme secretion |
| Glucagon | Pancreatic hormone that mobilizes glucose and increases energy expenditure | Glucagon receptor; glycogenolysis; gluconeogenesis; thermogenesis |
| Lac-Phe | Exercise-induced metabolite (lactate-phenylalanine) that suppresses appetite | Post-exercise appetite regulation; metabolic signaling |
Melanocortin & Other Pathways
| Peptide | Description | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Setmelanotide | MC4R agonist for genetic obesity disorders; FDA-approved | Melanocortin-4 receptor agonist; targets hypothalamic appetite circuits |
| AOD-9604 | Stabilized HGH fragment analog for fat metabolism | Lipolytic fragment of GH; fat burning without growth-promoting effects |
| Adipotide (FTPP) | Peptide that targets blood vessels in adipose tissue | Induces apoptosis in adipose vasculature; targeted fat reduction |
Common Research Themes
GLP-1 Pathway: Semaglutide and Liraglutide both act on the GLP-1 receptor but differ in pharmacokinetics. The field is advancing toward dual (tirzepatide) and triple (retatrutide) agonists for enhanced efficacy.
Oral Metabolic Agents: Orforglipron, Danuglipron, and Semaglutide Oral represent the push toward oral alternatives to injectable GLP-1 agonists, with small-molecule mimetics bypassing peptide bioavailability challenges.
Amylin Co-agonism: Cagrilintide and Maritide leverage amylin signaling alongside GLP-1 for complementary appetite suppression through distinct brain regions.
Lipolysis vs. Adipose Targeting: AOD-9604 enhances fat breakdown (lipolysis) systemically, while Adipotide takes a different approach by cutting off blood supply specifically to fat tissue.
Getting Started
If you are new to this category, we recommend starting with Semaglutide — an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist with the strongest clinical evidence for weight management. From there, explore related peptides through the See Also sections on each page to build a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.
Cognitive & Neuroprotective Peptides
Research peptides studied for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, anxiolytic effects, and neurological recovery.
Immune System Peptides
Research peptides that modulate immune function, enhance T-cell activity, reduce inflammation, and support antimicrobial defense.