Metabolic & Weight Loss Peptides

Explore metabolic profiles and evidence guides by mechanism, research stage, safety context, and primary sources.

Research area

How to use this hub

Category membership organizes related research questions. It does not establish effectiveness, approval, or suitability for a person.

Evidence boundary

Approved products, investigational analogs, compounded formulations, and preclinical metabolic mechanisms do not share the same evidence or regulatory status.

Profiles

Start-here guides

Research methodology

Start here

Build context before interpreting an individual profile.

GLP-1 agonist comparison

Compare targets, trial phases, outcomes, safety, and approval status.

Read guide

What is GLP-1?

Review incretin physiology, receptor effects, medicines, and evidence boundaries.

Read guide

Tesamorelin vs sermorelin

Compare mechanism, evidence, approved context, and common claim confusion.

Read guide

Profiles in this research area

Open a profile for its mechanism, evidence stage, safety context, and linked references.

Search these profiles

SemaglutideSemaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the incretin hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss. It i…TirzepatideTirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for type 2 diab…RetatrutideRetatrutide (LY3437943) is a triple agonist of GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors developed by Eli Lilly for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic d…TesamorelinTesamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue approved under the brand name Egrifta for the reduction of excess abdomina…AOD-9604AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 177-191) that stimulates lipolysis and fat metabolism without affecting IGF-1 lev…AdipotideAdipotide is a peptidomimetic that targets the vascular supply of adipose tissue, investigated in preclinical and early clinical research as an experi…Adipotide (FTPP)Adipotide (FTPP) is an experimental peptidomimetic that induces targeted apoptosis in blood vessels supplying white adipose tissue, with research appl…AlbiglutideAlbiglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist composed of a modified glucagon-like peptide-1 dimer fused to human albumin, formerly approved for…Alpha-MSH (α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone)Alpha-MSH is an endogenous tridecapeptide derived from POMC processing that acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, regulating pigmenta…Amylin (IAPP)Amylin (Islet Amyloid Polypeptide, IAPP) is a 37-amino-acid pancreatic hormone co-secreted with insulin from beta cells. It regulates gastric emptying…AnamorelinOrally active, selective ghrelin (GHSR1a) receptor agonist developed for cancer anorexia-cachexia; approved in Japan for cachexia in several cancers.BAM-15BAM-15 is a synthetic mitochondrial protonophore that selectively uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, investigated as a potential treatment for obesi…Bioglutide (NA-931)An experimental orally administered quadruple receptor agonist (IGF-1, GLP-1, GIP and glucagon) in early clinical development for obesity, with eviden…C-PeptideC-Peptide (Connecting Peptide) is a 31-amino acid peptide cleaved from proinsulin during insulin biosynthesis. Once considered biologically inert, it …CagrilintideCagrilintide is a long-acting amylin receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk for obesity treatment. It is being studied both as monotherapy and in …CagriSema (Cagrilintide + Semaglutide)CagriSema is a fixed-ratio combination of cagrilintide (a long-acting amylin receptor agonist) and semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) developed by…Cholecystokinin (CCK)Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a gut-brain peptide existing in multiple bioactive forms (CCK-8, CCK-33, CCK-58) that signals through CCK-A (peripheral) and …CJC-1295 (without DAC)CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone with four amino acid substitutions that enhance met…

Show 56 more profiles

CJC-1295 / GHRP-2 BlendA research peptide blend combining CJC-1295 (no DAC) and GHRP-2, two growth hormone secretagogues that act on distinct receptor pathways (GHRH-R and G…CJC-1295 with DACCJC-1295 DAC is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue consisting of the first 29 amino acids of GHRH, conjugated with a drug af…CJC/IPA ProtocolThe CJC/IPA protocol combines CJC-1295 (no DAC) with Ipamorelin to synergistically stimulate growth hormone release through complementary mechanisms o…CNTFCiliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) is a member of the IL-6 cytokine family that signals through the CNTFRα/LIFRβ/gp130 tripartite receptor complex to …DanuglipronDanuglipron (PF-06882961) is an oral non-peptide small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Pfizer. Originally investigated as a twice-daily f…Dulaglutide (Trulicity)Dulaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist administered as a once-weekly injection for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, also show…Ecnoglutide (XW003)Ecnoglutide (XW003) is a long-acting Fc-fusion GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Sciwind Biosciences and Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals for obesity and t…EfpeglenatideA long-acting, exendin-4-based GLP-1 receptor agonist engineered as an Fc-conjugated peptide for once-weekly subcutaneous dosing.Erythropoietin (EPO)Erythropoietin (EPO) is a 30.4 kDa glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production through JAK2/STAT5…Exenatide (Byetta/Bydureon)Exenatide is a synthetic glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally derived from the saliva of the Gila monster lizard, used to impro…Fat Blaster (Lipotropic Injection)A compounded 'fat-burner' injection combining L-carnitine, the lipotropic factors methionine/inositol/choline (MIC), B-vitamins and NADH, used adjunct…GalaninGalanin is a 29-amino acid neuropeptide (30 in most non-human species) that signals through GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3 receptor subtypes to modulate depr…GHRELINGhrelin is a 28-amino-acid peptide hormone primarily produced by X/A-like cells of the gastric fundus, functioning as the endogenous ligand for the gr…GHRP-2GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that binds the ghrelin receptor, with research applications in muscle preservation, ap…GHRP-6GHRP-6 is a synthetic ghrelin receptor agonist and growth hormone secretagogue with research applications in neuroprotection, memory, wound healing, c…GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) is an endogenous incretin hormone produced by intestinal K-cells that potentiates insulin secretion…GLP-1GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is an endogenous incretin hormone produced by intestinal L-cells that regulates glucose homeostasis, appetite, and gas…GlucagonGlucagon is a 29-amino acid counter-regulatory peptide hormone produced by pancreatic alpha cells that raises blood glucose through hepatic glycogenol…HCGHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone consisting of 237 amino acids (alpha and beta subunits) that mimics luteinizing hormone, …HexarelinHexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin analogue with potent cardioprotective effects, muscle-preserving properti…HGHHuman growth hormone, a 191-amino acid peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates growth, body composition, metabolism, and cellul…HumaninHumanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondria-derived micro-peptide that protects cells from oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, with research ap…IGF-1 LR3IGF-1 LR3 is a synthetic modified construct of insulin-like growth factor-1 with an extended half-life that enhances cell division, fat metabolism, an…IGF-2IGF-2 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 2) is a 67 amino acid peptide hormone critical for fetal growth and development, regulated by genomic imprinting. It…IPA Blend (CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin)A research peptide blend combining CJC-1295 (Mod GRF 1-29, 5mg) with Ipamorelin (10mg), pairing a GHRH analogue with a selective ghrelin receptor agon…IpamorelinIpamorelin is a highly selective growth hormone secretagogue pentapeptide that binds the ghrelin receptor without affecting ACTH, prolactin, or cortis…KLOW ProtocolA targeted supplement stack combining Klotho-boosting and longevity-optimizing compounds designed to support anti-aging pathways, cellular repair, and…Lac-Leu (N-Lactoyl-Leucine)N-Lactoyl-leucine (Lac-Leu) is a lactate-amino acid conjugate produced during exercise by the CNDP2 enzyme. A sister metabolite to Lac-Phe, Lac-Leu cr…Lac-Phe (N-Lactoyl-Phenylalanine)Lac-Phe (N-lactoyl-phenylalanine) is a lactate-amino acid conjugate produced by the enzyme CNDP2 during exercise. It is the most significantly elevate…LIRAGLUTIDELiraglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist studied for its effects on glucose homeostasis, appetite regulation, cardiovascular protection, an…LixisenatideA short-acting, once-daily exendin-4-based GLP-1 receptor agonist with pronounced effects on postprandial glucose via delayed gastric emptying.Maritide (AMG 133)Maritide (AMG 133/MariTide) is a first-in-class bispecific antibody-peptide conjugate that simultaneously activates GLP-1 receptors and antagonizes GI…MazdutideMazdutide (IBI362/LY3305677) is a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly. This oxyntomodulin-based peptide…MELANOTAN 2Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide analog of alpha-MSH that acts as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, studied for effe…Mod GRF / Ipamorelin / GHRP-2 BlendA triple-peptide research blend combining Mod GRF 1-29 (a modified GHRH analogue), Ipamorelin, and GHRP-2 (both ghrelin receptor agonists), designed t…MOTS-cMOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide composed of 16 amino acids that regulates cellular energy metabolism, promotes metabolic homeostasis, and ha…NAD+NAD+ is a coenzyme central to cellular energy production, DNA repair, and anti-aging sirtuin activation. Injectable NAD+ restores declining levels dir…Neuropeptide Y (NPY)Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide and the most abundant neuropeptide in the mammalian brain, playing critical roles in appetite regulati…ObestatinObestatin is a 23-amino-acid peptide derived from the same preproghrelin precursor protein as ghrelin, initially reported as an anorexigenic counterpa…OrforglipronOrforglipron (LY3502970) is an oral non-peptide small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. It is the first oral non-peptide GLP-1 a…Oxyntomodulin (OXM)Oxyntomodulin is a 37-amino acid peptide derived from proglucagon processing in intestinal L-cells, consisting of the full glucagon sequence plus an 8…PancragenA synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) from the Khavinson peptide family, designed to selectively target pancreatic tissue for restor…Pancreatic Polypeptide (PP)Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a 36-amino acid peptide hormone released from PP cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. A member of the NPY fami…PemvidutidePemvidutide (ALT-801) is a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by Altimmune for obesity with muscle mass preservation and NAFLD/NASH. Phase…Peptide YY (PYY)Peptide YY (PYY) is a 36-amino acid gut hormone released from intestinal L-cells postprandially, with PYY(3-36) as its primary active form. It signals…SermorelinSermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino acid analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) used to assess and stimulate natural growth hormone secret…Sermorelin / GHRP-2 BlendA research peptide blend combining Sermorelin (a GHRH analogue) and GHRP-2 (a ghrelin receptor agonist), studied for synergistic amplification of grow…Sermorelin / GHRP-6 BlendA research peptide blend combining Sermorelin (a GHRH analogue) and GHRP-6 (a synthetic ghrelin analogue), studied for synergistic enhancement of grow…Sermorelin / Ipamorelin BlendA research peptide blend combining Sermorelin (a GHRH analogue) and Ipamorelin (a selective ghrelin receptor agonist), studied for synergistic amplifi…SHLP2 (Small Humanin-Like Peptide 2)SHLP2 is the most extensively studied small humanin-like peptide, with prominent metabolic effects including inhibition of fat cell differentiation, i…SLU-PP-332A synthetic ERRα/γ agonist that mimics the transcriptional effects of exercise by activating estrogen-related receptors, enhancing oxidative metabolis…SS-31SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that stabilizes cardiolipin to improve ATP production and reduce reactive oxygen species,…Super Shred (AOD-9604 + CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin)The Super Shred blend is a compounded three-peptide fat loss stack combining AOD-9604 (anti-obesity GH fragment), CJC-1295 (GHRH analog), and Ipamorel…SurvodutideSurvodutide (BI 456906) is a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma. Administered once weekly by su…TesofensineAn orally active triple reuptake inhibitor of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, investigated as a potent appetite-suppressing weight-loss medicin…TSH (Thyrotropin)Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin) is a 211 amino acid glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that drives thyroid hormone…

Read the full category research notes

These notes map terminology and research themes. Verify claims in the linked profile references and current primary records.

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.