Weight loss is hard.
No matter if you’re an athlete cutting to make a particular weight class or someone just looking to burn a few pounds.
Peptides are one of the most powerful health optimization substances of my lifetime. Especially to turbocharge your weight loss.
They work great and have minimal side effects when used properly.
In this article, we’ll explore the most effective peptides for weight loss.
Understanding Peptides
Peptides are a family of substances composed of short chains of amino acids. Think, extremely simple proteins. Many naturally occur throughout the body.
Peptides facilitate weight loss primarily by increasing your energy (metabolism), reducing your appetite, promoting fat loss, and/or improving insulin sensitivity.
There are several main categories of fat-burning peptides:
- GLP-1 agonists: These increase one of the body’s fullness proteins and indirectly produce the greatest effects by reducing appetite & cravings
- Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides (GHRPs): Causes a pulse of growth hormone release, resulting in higher metabolism and greater fat burning
- Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRHs): Increase the secretion of growth hormone by convincing your brain’s pituitary gland to produce more
- Miscellaneous: Certain peptides don’t cleanly fit into any classification yet warrant discussion, nonetheless
You’re likely confused by those middle two.
The simple way to think of it is that GHRHs increase growth hormone release, and GHRPs help the brain release more GHRH… making the boost stronger, longer lasting, and safer.
The Best Peptides for Fat Loss
Peptides can help curb your appetite, reduce cravings, and make achieving your ideal weight much easier.
Out of the hundreds of therapeutic peptides, several stand out above the rest. Let’s review, compare, and contrast some of the top peptides used for weight loss.
If you choose to try any of them, first consult your healthcare professional and only source from one of these legit peptide companies.
Semaglutide (Ozempic & Wegovy)
Semaglutide is the best-selling weight loss peptide of all time. Not just peptide, it’s the top grossing weight loss drug.
One of the biggest contributors to weight gain is overeating and poor food choices driven by cravings Share on XSemaglutide and related GLP-1 peptides address this addictive behavior directly.
It slows gastric emptying, promoting satiety and reducing appetite.
This is one of the few peptides that work consistently for weight loss. In fact, the weight loss is so severe that it rivals bariatric surgery [R].
Semaglutide is the most studied weight loss peptide. Other similar but improved “next generations” GLP-1s like Liraglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide appear to work even better.
Administration requires a weekly subcutaneous injection.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/constipation, and injection site redness/swelling.
If this kind of thing is interesting to you, but you either can’t source semaglutide or hate injections, check out these GLP-1 alternatives for weight loss.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is an undisputed top peptide for weight loss. What sets it apart is its specificity and safety profile.
Unlike other growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs), Ipamorelin doesn’t spike cortisol or prolactin levels. Both of which are counterproductive to weight loss.
Boosting GH helps increase lipolysis, the breakdown of fat cells, making it easier to shed unwanted pounds.
Plus, this not only helps burn fat but also helps muscle growth. Overall, making Ipamorelin a favorite among athletes and bodybuilders. It’s simply one of the best peptides for muscle growth.
Ipamorelin’s mechanism is relatively straightforward (yet highly effective).
It binds to specific receptors in your brain’s pituitary gland, stimulating the release of growth hormone without the typical increase of hunger hormones like ghrelin.
Resulting in lower risk of side effects compared to other GHRPs.
It’s typically subcutaneously injected 1-2 times daily, at dosages of 200-300mcg.
Ipamorelin is well-tolerated, but side effects can include mild headaches; dizziness; and temporary flushing.
Unlike the GLP-1s, the dosing regimen and wider therapeutic window make it a forgiving weight loss peptide for beginners (albeit not quite as powerful).
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide specifically designed to reduce belly (abdominal) fat. As a GHRH, it stimulates your pituitary gland to release more growth hormone.
Most importantly, clinical studies show that Tesamorelin shreds the worst kind of body fat—visceral fat. This is the fat stored around your internal organs. Making a tremendous difference to metabolic health chronic disease risk (diabetes, heart conditions).
In fact, the FDA even approved it to treat abdominal fat (“HIV-associated lipodystrophy”).
Beyond fat reduction, Tesamorelin also enhances your lipid profile. It increases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels.
Better lipid profiles mean improved cholesterol levels. This contributes to overall cardiovascular health
IGF-1 is vital for muscle growth and repair.
Users most commonly administer daily subcutaneous injection of about 2mg.
Side effects can include injection site redness/swelling, nausea, and increased blood sugar levels.
This could be considered the holy grail of fat burning peptides, yet it’s extremely hard to source and quite pricey.
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone, specifically to mimic the fat loss benefits of HGH. It does so even better than normal growth hormone too.
Unlike HGH, this peptide does not impact your blood sugar levels.
AOD-9604 has become popular because it doesn’t interfere with your body’s natural growth hormone production.
This more targeted mechanism makes it safer.
You can use AOD-9604 via subcutaneous injection or oral form. Most of the research has used the oral form, but there’s a lack of consensus whether it absorbs adequately [R].
For maximum benefits, I’d rather use injection.
Some users report side effects like mild headaches, injection site redness/swelling, and dry mouth.
If your main goal is fat loss, you don’t care about muscle building, and you want a safer peptide, AOD-9604 is worth considering.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that’s key to energy production and metabolism.
Unlike other peptides which work at the molecular level, MOTS-c works at the cellular level, enhancing your body's ability to convert glucose into energy Share on XThis peptide promotes fat metabolism and weight loss by activating AMPK, the master energy balance regulating enzyme. Also making it one of the most potent exercise biomimetics.
MOTS-c uniquely also improves insulin sensitivity. Better insulin sensitivity means your body can use sugar (glucose) more effectively, reducing fat storage and lowering blood sugar levels.
You must administer MOTS-c via subcutaneous injection. The common dosage is around 5 mg per day, usually taken in cycles.
Note that this peptide degrades rapidly and the whole vial must be administered after reconstitution.
A typical cycle might involve taking MOTS-c for a month, followed by a break before restarting.
Some users might experience mild nausea, temporary fatigue, and headaches as side effects.
This is one of my very favorite peptides, especially because I consistently notice a profound energy boost.
MOTS-c’s targeted action aids fat loss and energy levels without significant muscle loss or other unwanted side effects.
5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino 1MQ is another synthetic peptide that targets both weight loss and muscle growth simultaneously.
It works by inhibiting NNMT (Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) which is an enzyme linked to fat accumulation and metabolism regulation.
Inhibiting NNMT lets 5-Amino 1MQ reduce adipose tissue and boost energy expenditure. This means your body stops storing excess fat and burns more calories throughout the day.
The same mechanism also increases your maximum muscle contraction force.
What most people don’t know is that this unique substance also can help reduce cellular senescence in muscle, improving one of the hallmarks of aging [R].
Ryan Smith, one of my previous podcast guests, increased his vertical jump by 7 inches in just two weeks of use.
Another previous guest of mine, Jay Campbell, told me that he used it to build 10 pounds of lean muscle in just six weeks—with no other changes.
You can take 5-Amino 1MQ as oral capsules. The common dosage ranges from 50-100mg daily.
Consistent use ensures you get the maximum benefits, helping you achieve a healthier body composition.
5-Amino 1MQ is a small molecule with body transforming effects. These oral capsules help improve fat loss, increase muscle growth, slow aging, and act as an excellent overall ergogenic aid.
Bigger List of Weight Loss Peptides
Looking for more peptides to help you lose weight?
Although they’re not my top picks, here are a few more worth considering:
- Tesofensine
- Sermorelin
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2)
- GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
- CJC-1295
- Hexarelin
Tesofensine would rank high on this list, but it’s technically a small molecule and not a peptide. Just one capsule blunts my hunger as well as anything else on this list.
Sermorelin is another great option that’s primarily a peptide for muscle growth, but also has some fat loss benefits. It’s a bit harder to find.
The next-gen GLP-1 drugs tirzepatide and liraglutide are even stronger than semaglutide but have greater side effects and more potential risk.
GHRP-2,6 aren’t particularly amazing at anything, compared to the alternatives.
CJC-1295 is another very popular muscle-building peptide with fat loss benefits and a very mild side effect profile. I’m a big fan, just not as much for weight loss.
Hexarelin looks promising, but can have severe side effects. Therefore, I recommend avoiding it.
I’ve also written a guide on all the best foundational peptides if you want a deeper list that covers hair loss, athletic performance, healing, and more.
Weight Loss Peptides Questions & Answers
What are the benefits of using weight loss peptides?
Certain peptides make weight loss easier by reducing hunger, eliminating cravings, boosting your metabolic rate, preserving muscle mass, and promoting the burning of body fat.
Used appropriately, they’re safer and more powerful than other weight loss drugs.
What are the best peptide stacks for weight loss?
Weight loss peptides are generally used together in a “stack”. Some of the top peptide stacks to burn more body fat include:
Most popular: Ipamorelin + CJC-1295
Very powerful: AOD9604 + Semaglutide
Also good: Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin
For a further boost, you can add another potent synergistic fat loss ingredient called tesofensine.
Losing Weight With Peptides?
Used properly, peptides make weight loss easy.
There’s a reason that the GLP-1 peptides have become the best-selling medications of all time. They simply work, and they’re quite powerful.
Plus, they’re much safer than most other anti-obesity substances.
Peptides can help you control:
- Hunger
- Cravings
- Fat storage
- Burn body fat for energy
- Metabolic rate
But they’re no golden bullet. You’ll want to use this opportunity to clean up your diet and establish healthy patterns.
That’s how you combat muscle wasting—which is one of the more common (and concerning) side effects of weight loss peptides, especially GLP-1s.
If you’re wondering, here’s where to buy the strongest peptides online.
Of course, I highly recommend consulting with your healthcare professional before beginning any peptide regimen.
If you found this article interesting, please send it to a friend or share it on social media. That’s how I know what articles you’d like me to create.
Have you used any of these peptides to cut weight? Or am I missing any of your favorites? Drop a comment below and let me know!
