Weight loss & metabolic peptides, cross-examined.
25 weight loss and metabolic peptides tracked on Peptigrity, with independent HPLC purity data, shop coverage and mechanism research for each. The compounds below span four mechanism classes: GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual and triple incretin agonists, amylin analogs, and metabolic modulators. Use the "How to choose" section to identify which class fits your research goal, then click into individual compound profiles for trial data, purity reports, and shop comparisons.
Figures updated
How to choose between weight loss peptides
Choose by mechanism class first. The four classes target weight loss through distinct biological pathways with very different evidence bases - picking the right starting point matters more than picking the "strongest" compound.
Dual & triple incretin agonists
Tirzepatide, Mazdutide, Survodutide, Retatrutide
Up to ~24.2% mean weight loss (Retatrutide Phase 2, n=338)
Human RCT (mixed phase)Metabolic modulators
MOTS-C, 5-Amino-1MQ, AICAR, HGH Fragment 176-191, Adipotide
Preclinical evidence only
Preclinical / In vitroFor head-to-head comparisons of the highest-volume options, see the semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison and the retatrutide vs tirzepatide vs semaglutide comparison.
Compounds in this category
Weight Loss & Metabolic prices →| Compound | Avg purity | Lab tests | Shops listing it |
|---|---|---|---|
Investigational triple-agonist peptide (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) developed by Eli Lilly, researched for metabolic regulation, weight management, and glucose control. | 99.7% | 1,432 | 440 |
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly, approved for type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro®) and chronic weight management (Zepbound®). | 99.8% | 1,065 | 389 |
Mitochondrial-derived peptide researched for metabolic regulation, exercise mimicry, insulin sensitivity, and longevity. | 99.4% | 612 | 498 |
GLP-1 receptor agonist for blood sugar regulation and weight management. Sold as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelsus®. | 99.7% | 455 | 311 |
Long-acting amylin receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk, researched for appetite regulation and weight management alongside semaglutide (CagriSema). | 99.6% | 284 | 312 |
Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor researched for fat cell metabolism, NAD+ salvage pathway regulation, and metabolic health. | 99.6% | 190 | 369 |
Synthetic analog of the growth-hormone 176–191 lipolytic region — developed by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals and the version advanced into human trials. A distinct compound from HGH Fragment 176–191, not an alias. | 99.3% | 150 | 299 |
Synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191), researched specifically for lipolysis and fat metabolism without GH's proliferative effects. | 99.0% | 62 | 155 |
Dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim, in Phase 3 trials for obesity and MASH (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis). | 99.6% | 40 | 137 |
Dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist developed by Innovent Biologics, in clinical trials for obesity and metabolic liver disease. | 99.5% | 32 | 137 |
AMPK activator (aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide) researched as an exercise mimetic for endurance, fat oxidation, and metabolic regulation. | 99.6% | 15 | 138 |
Investigational small-molecule pan-ERR agonist (ERRα/β/γ) developed in the Burris laboratory, studied in animal models as an "exercise mimetic" for mitochondrial function, fat oxidation, and endurance capacity. | 99.8% | 7 | 182 |
Peptidomimetic that targets PROHIBITIN on the vasculature of white adipose tissue, causing apoptosis of fat-supplying blood vessels and fat cell death. | 99.7% | 4 | 134 |
TesofensineNot a peptide Investigational small-molecule triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) originally developed by NeuroSearch, researched for appetite suppression and weight management. | 99.3% | 4 | 64 |
OrforglipronNot a peptide The first non-peptide oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management — a once-daily pill from Eli Lilly (discovered by Chugai), FDA-approved 1 April 2026 as Foundayo™. | 98.0% | 1 | 20 |
| No lab tests yet · 10 compounds | |||
Novo Nordisk's investigational, first-in-class unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist, in development in both oral and subcutaneous forms and in Phase 3 since Q1 2026. | — | Submit one → | 3 |
DanuglipronNot a peptide Pfizer's oral small-molecule (non-peptide) GLP-1 receptor agonist — a once-promising obesity candidate whose development was discontinued after a hepatotoxicity signal. | — | Submit one → | 2 |
A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist built as an Fc-fusion protein, FDA-approved as Trulicity® for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction. | — | Submit one → | 6 |
A once-weekly, cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Sciwind Biosciences — the world's first approved biased GLP-1RA, cleared in China for type 2 diabetes and weight management (not FDA/EMA-approved). | — | Submit one → | 3 |
A 39-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist and synthetic form of exendin-4 (originally from Gila monster venom) — the first-in-class incretin mimetic, FDA-approved as Byetta® and Bydureon®. | — | Submit one → | 3 |
A once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved as Victoza® for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda® for chronic weight management — one of the most established incretin therapies. | — | Submit one → | 7 |
Altimmune's investigational, balanced 1:1 GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist, in Phase 2 development for obesity and MASH — with FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for MASH. | — | Submit one → | 2 |
Zealand Pharma and Roche's investigational long-acting amylin analog for chronic weight management, advancing toward Phase 3 on the strength of double-digit weight loss with placebo-like tolerability. | — | Submit one → | 3 |
A synthetic analog of the pancreatic hormone amylin, FDA-approved as Symlin® as a mealtime adjunct to insulin — researched for glucose control, appetite suppression, and weight management. | — | Submit one → | 2 |
Viking Therapeutics' investigational dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, in development in both oral and subcutaneous forms and in Phase 3 trials for obesity. | — | Submit one → | 2 |
Lab tests link to each compound's lab-test page. Purity dots: ≥98% green · 95–98% purple · 90–95% amber · under 90% red (the /lab-tests bands). “Shops listing it” counts shops that list the compound, tested or not.
Mechanism overview
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and glucagon are gut and pancreatic peptide hormones that regulate post-meal glucose, insulin secretion, and satiety. GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying, suppress appetite via central nervous system pathways, and enhance glucose-dependent insulin release. GIP co-agonism amplifies the metabolic and weight-loss effect; glucagon co-agonism adds increased energy expenditure on top.
Amylin is a separate pancreatic peptide that complements insulin signaling and reinforces satiety through different brain pathways than GLP-1 - which is why amylin analogs combine well with GLP-1 agonists in research protocols.
The non-incretin compounds in this category act on entirely different systems. MOTS-C, encoded within mitochondrial DNA, modulates AMPK and metabolic homeostasis. 5-Amino-1MQ inhibits nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme implicated in adipocyte energy storage. AICAR activates AMPK as an exercise mimetic. HGH Fragment 176-191 isolates the lipolytic C-terminal region of growth hormone without GH's growth-promoting effects. Adipotide is a peptidomimetic that targets prohibitin on the vasculature of white adipose tissue.
For deeper background on peptide therapeutics generally, see how peptides are made.
⚠ Quality verification matters more for this category than most
Weight loss peptides are the most-counterfeited compounds on the research peptide market. Two specific risks apply:
UNDER-DOSING: Semaglutide and tirzepatide are commonly under-filled relative to label claim - the most frequent failure mode in Peptigrity's lab test database. Verify both HPLC purity ≥98% and mass spectrometry quantity match before trusting a vendor's labeled mg/vial.
IDENTITY SUBSTITUTION: Retatrutide, tirzepatide, and semaglutide elute at similar HPLC retention times under common methods. Identity confirmation by mass spectrometry (matching the compound's exact molecular weight) is essential. Peptigrity's lab database flags identity mismatches.
Frequently asked questions
Tirzepatide has the most verified lab tests, followed by retatrutide and semaglutide. Per-compound test counts are visible on each compound's individual page above. The aggregated lab database holds 13,872 third-party tests across all peptide categories, with weight loss compounds representing the largest share due to vendor and buyer demand.
Three. Semaglutide (FDA-approved as Wegovy for chronic weight management and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes), tirzepatide (FDA-approved for weight management and for type 2 diabetes), and liraglutide (older GLP-1 agonist, not currently tracked separately on Peptigrity). All other compounds in this category are investigational research compounds without FDA approval.
In the United States, FDA-approved versions require a prescription. Compounded versions have changed status multiple times in 2024-2026.
→ Can you get semaglutide without a prescription
Each compound has different reconstitution and dosing math. Use the general peptide calculator for any compound, or the compound-specific calculators where available - currently BPC-157, GHK-Cu, and MOTS-C have dedicated tools. Unit conversion for semaglutide and tirzepatide (a common source of confusion) is covered in dedicated dosing guides.
Research-grade peptides sold by research vendors are not FDA-approved for human use and are sold under "for research only" labeling. Prescription versions are manufactured under FDA-regulated cGMP standards with extensive post-marketing surveillance. The active molecule is the same; the manufacturing oversight, supply chain validation, and legal status are not.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptides discussed may be investigational compounds not approved by the FDA (or equivalent regulators in your jurisdiction) for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.