Best Peptides for Weight Loss
Weight loss peptides are the fastest-growing segment of peptide therapeutics, led by FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists. These compounds work through appetite suppression, metabolic acceleration, and hormonal signaling to help achieve meaningful body composition changes.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, PharmD, BCPS
Lead Researcher · Updated 2026
Showing 18 peptides ranked by popularity and research evidence
Semaglutide
FDA ApprovedWeight LossA breakthrough GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Demonstrated consistent 15% body weight reduction in clinical trials with cardiovascular benefits.
Tirzepatide
FDA ApprovedWeight LossA dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist delivering up to 22% weight loss in clinical trials. FDA-approved as Mounjaro and Zepbound, it outperforms single-pathway GLP-1 drugs.
Melanotan II
ResearchCosmeticA potent alpha-MSH analog that stimulates melanogenesis for deep skin pigmentation with minimal UV exposure. Also known for side effects including appetite suppression and sexual arousal.
Retatrutide
Clinical TrialsWeight LossThe most powerful weight loss peptide in clinical development, targeting three metabolic receptors simultaneously. Achieved 24.2% body weight reduction in Phase 2 trials.
GHRP-2
ResearchGrowth HormoneA potent growth hormone secretagogue that induces massive GH release with moderate appetite stimulation. Stronger than Ipamorelin but with more side effects.
GHRP-6
ResearchGrowth HormoneA first-generation GH secretagogue known for intense appetite stimulation and powerful GH release. Favored in bulking protocols and for resolving chronic cachexia.
Liraglutide
FDA ApprovedWeight LossA daily GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for diabetes (Victoza) and obesity (Saxenda). Favored when rapid dosage titration is needed.
Dulaglutide
FDA ApprovedWeight LossA once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular risk reduction. Engineered with monoclonal antibody technology.
Survodutide
Clinical TrialsWeight LossA dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist with near 19% weight loss in Phase 3 trials, also targeting MASH liver disease.
CagriSema
Clinical TrialsWeight LossA fixed-ratio combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide achieving 25%+ weight reduction by dual-pathway suppression of hunger centers.
Cagrilintide
Clinical TrialsWeight LossAn ultra-long-acting amylin analog that suppresses appetite via a pathway distinct from GLP-1, designed to shatter weight loss plateaus.
Orforglipron
Clinical TrialsWeight LossThe first oral non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist. A daily pill achieving near-injectable weight loss results without needles.
Mazdutide
Clinical TrialsWeight LossA dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist developed in China, achieving 15–18% weight loss that rivals tirzepatide in Phase 3 trials.
Pemvidutide
Clinical TrialsWeight LossA dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist built specifically to target and eliminate liver fat while driving 15%+ systemic weight loss.
Tesofensine
Clinical TrialsWeight LossA triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor that reduces appetite and increases thermogenesis through central nervous system pathways.
Setmelanotide
FDA ApprovedWeight LossAn FDA-approved MC4R agonist exclusively for patients with rare genetic obesity mutations (POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiencies).
Exenatide
FDA ApprovedWeight LossThe first GLP-1 agonist ever, discovered in Gila monster venom. Laid the groundwork for the entire modern incretin weight loss era.
Lixisenatide
FDA ApprovedWeight LossA fast-acting once-daily GLP-1 agonist specifically targeting post-meal blood sugar spikes, often combined with basal insulin.
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