Best Peptides for Weight Loss
The GLP-1 class dominates, with three FDA-approved picks and clinical-tagged weight-loss data across the board.
Weight loss is one of the most evidence-rich areas in the peptide space — the GLP-1 class alone is backed by thousands of trial participants. We ranked these compounds by the depth of their catalogued evidence: clinical-tagged weight-loss data first, regulatory status second, and safety profile third. Three picks are FDA-approved for metabolic indications; the rest are investigational or research compounds. Doses below are typical research or prescription ranges, not medical advice.
The Ranked List
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved; clinical-tagged SURMOUNT-trial data show 15–20.9% body-weight loss, with 50–57% of subjects achieving ≥20% loss.
Reported dose: 2.5–15 mg weekly (SC)
Half-life: ~5 days
Route: SC
FDA-approved GLP-1 agonist with clinical-tagged STEP-trial evidence of 14.9–17.3% body-weight loss, plus appetite suppression and improved insulin sensitivity.
Reported dose: 0.25–2.4 mg weekly (SC)
Half-life: ~7 days
Route: SC
FDA-approved GLP-1 agonist with a well-established safety profile; its ~13-hour half-life means daily dosing rather than weekly.
Reported dose: 0.6–3.0 mg daily (SC)
Half-life: ~13 hours
Route: SC
Triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) with the strongest emerging metabolic profile, but it is investigational in Phase 3 trials — not yet approved.
Reported dose: 4–12 mg weekly (SC)
Half-life: 4-5 days
Route: SC
FDA-approved GHRH analogue with clinical-tagged visceral-fat reduction (−34 cm² vs +8 cm² placebo) and hepatic-fat reduction; WADA-banned for athletes.
Reported dose: 2 mg daily (SC)
Half-life: 8-37 minutes
Route: SC
HGH fragment with preclinical fat-oxidation data (over 50% reduction in body-weight gain in studies), but human evidence is thin — ranked last for that reason.
Reported dose: 250–500 mcg daily (SC)
Half-life: 2-3 hours
Route: SC
Safety Note
Most compounds on this page are prescription drugs or research chemicals — not supplements. None of this content is medical advice: review each compound's full guide and safety note, respect WADA status if you compete, and consult a qualified clinician before making any health decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which weight-loss peptides are FDA approved?
Tirzepatide, semaglutide and liraglutide are FDA-approved for weight management (alongside diabetes indications), and tesamorelin is approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Retatrutide is in Phase 3 trials; AOD9604 is a research compound.
Why is AOD9604 ranked last?
Its catalogue shows a >50% reduction in body-weight gain in preclinical studies, but almost no clinical-tagged human weight-loss data. The GLP-1-class compounds simply have far stronger evidence.
Do these peptides require injections?
Yes — every ranked weight-loss compound is given by subcutaneous injection, at weekly (tirzepatide, semaglutide, retatrutide) or daily (liraglutide, tesamorelin, AOD9604) intervals. There is no oral option among the top picks.
What should athletes know?
Tesamorelin is WADA-banned. Anyone subject to anti-doping rules should review the WADA status of every compound on this page before use.
Where Researchers Source Compounds
If you are exploring these compounds in a legitimate research setting, our partner store Peptide Hackers carries catalog-grade research peptides with third-party testing. We only link to suppliers we trust.
Visit Peptide Hackers →Other Goals
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GH/IGF-1-axis compounds ranked on clinical-tagged growth-hormone evidence, from CJC-1295 to hexarelin.
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BPC-157 and TB-500 lead a tissue-repair list grounded in wound-healing and angiogenesis research.
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Anti-Aging & Longevity
GHK-Cu, epithalon, SS-31 and more — ranked on longevity evidence from clinical to preclinical.
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Sleep Quality
DSIP and MK-677 top a sleep-architecture list built on clinical-tagged sleep data.
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Cognitive Performance
Semax and Selank lead a nootropic ranking backed by BDNF and stress-response research.
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Sexual Health & Libido
PT-141, gonadorelin, HCG and kisspeptin, ranked with the regulatory and safety caveats they demand.
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Research purposes only. This ranking reflects the depth of published and catalogued evidence, not a recommendation to use any compound. Most peptides here are not approved for human use; always consult qualified medical professionals before making health decisions.