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Best Peptides for Weight Loss
Have you been trying to shed extra pounds for a while? If yes, I’m sure you’ve heard about peptides and their effectiveness in weight management.
Sadly, there’s a lot of information on the internet regarding peptide therapy, making choosing the most suitable product a daunting task. Worry not.
If you are looking for the best peptides for weight loss, your search ends here.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore various common peptides, and learn how they accelerate weight loss through different functions, including:
- Suppressing appetite
- Delaying gastric emptying
- Improving Insulin sensitivity
Read on to discover more about peptide brands suitable for weight loss, their effectiveness, form of administration and possible side effects to expect when using them.
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Top 10 Best Peptides for Weight Loss
Here are 10 of the best peptides that could help you in your quest for a healthier life:
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved peptide for treating various health conditions. It works like your body’s appetite-regulating hormone to reduce hunger and, hence, lower calorie intake over time. Commercially, it goes by three brand names: Ozempic (a weekly injectable for type-2 diabetes), Wegovy (an injection for weight loss, and Ryblesus (an oral tablet labelled to treat Diabetes).
While Wegovy and Ozempic injections are administered once weekly, Ryblesus tablet is taken orally once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dosage until you achieve the intended results.
Per numerous research findings, Wegovy was found effective in causing significant weight loss among patients who used it weekly, for more than a year.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide (commercial name Saxenda) is another weight loss peptide approved by the FDA ( U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for shedding and maintaining weight.
Known as the unique weight loss peptide administered through a once-daily injection, Saxenda suppresses appetite and delays gastric emptying time. This way, you get full faster and stay full for longer.
Additionally, this drug lowers blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. In several research studies, half of patients lost over 5% of their body weight after using Saxenda for over a year [1].
Semaglutide and Liraglutide (Saxenda) are proven effective weight loss peptides. However, experts advocate for Semaglutide if you’re looking for a product which will give you value for money [2].
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is prescribed as an injection by the brand names: Mounjaro (approved for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight loss). The drug is administered through a once-weekly injection.
Unlike other peptides, Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is uniquely formulated to stay in your body for longer, thus suppressing your appetite for a prolonged period.
In one study of 2500 adults, people who took 5mg-15mg of Tirzepatide lost a substantial amount of pounds and sustained the weight reduction for over 72 weeks, unlike their counterparts who used Placebo [5].
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is the shortest synthetic peptide. It contains the first 29 amino acids which make up GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone). This peptide is available as an injection peptide and doesn’t cause side effects since it is present naturally in your brain.
Similar to Ipamorelin, Sermorelin triggers the release of growth hormones by binding GHRH. Once the growth hormones reach their natural levels, they speed up weight loss through energy enhancement and fat breakdown.
Aside from shedding some extra pounds, Sermorelin leaves you with a leaner body mass [6], more energy and hormonal balance – especially when used with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Patients using this peptide for weight loss experience other benefits including, enhanced libido/sexual performance, quality sleep, better heart health, increased stamina, and energy boost.
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CJC-1295
CJC-1295, a 29-amino acid research peptide, treats growth hormone deficiency, improves sleep quality and aids in weight loss. Often combined with Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 is highly effective at accelerating the secretion and release of growth hormones for long-term fat loss results.
So, what makes CJC-1295 stand out?
Well, it’s all about its staying power.
Aside from sprinting into action, the peptide keeps yielding results for longer. CJC-1295 raises your body’s hormone levels and takes longer to clear from your system, compared to other peptides like Sermorelin.
This is positive news in your weight loss journey, as it allows your body to enjoy CJC-1295’s fat-burning benefits for a longer period. Apart from promoting fat loss, this peptide enhances muscle development without interfering with your body’s natural hormone levels.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is one of the shortest peptides that stimulates the pituitary glands to secrete and release your body’s growth hormones. Made of only 5 amino acids, this peptide promotes the growth of lean muscles and increases metabolism, resulting in weight loss [7].
While it’s also effective in treating age-related conditions, Ipamorelin doesn’t interfere with your libido or hormonal balance.
To promote fat loss, Ipamorelin enhances the secretion of growth hormones which accelerate the fat breakdown process. Also, it helps you shed weight by increasing insulin production. Once glucose is secreted in your muscles, fats or liver, it makes it difficult for the body to store fats.
Tesofensine
Tesofensine is a fairly new, revolutionary peptide often described as a presynaptic serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. In simple terms, this peptide prevents the reabsorption of the three neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin) by the central nervous system.
By regulating neurotransmitters, Tesofensine suppresses appetite and boosts your basal metabolic rate (resting energy expenditure). Follow the right dosage instructions and engage in age-appropriate physical activity to achieve significant weight loss.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is the magic weapon against stubborn belly/abdominal fat, especially in people living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Similar to GHRH, it prompts the manufacturing and release of your body’s growth hormone responsible for breaking down fat.
If you thought spot-burning fat wasn’t possible, you’re wrong. This peptide targets and breaks down fat deposits in the trunk region (abdominal area), leaving you healthier and shaped-up for your favorite jeans.
Further, Tesamorelin accelerates glucose metabolism, hence causing weight loss in the long run. Armed with 44 amino acids, it is also effective for treating health issues related to abnormal abdominal fat deposits.
MOTS-c(Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S RNA Type-c)
MOTS-c, also known as mitochondria hormone, is FDA-approved for treating obesity-related conditions, age-related diseases, and diabetes. In some cases, MOTS-c may enhance athletic performance.
MOTS-C primarily improves your body’s uptake and utilization of glucose. Using this peptide also improves insulin sensitivity leading to lower blood sugar levels and fewer pounds.
Experts recommend combining the peptide’s once-daily subcutaneous injection with lifestyle modifications, including getting enough sleep, exercising and a healthy diet for a sustainable weight loss journey [8].
AOD 96O4
AOD-9604 is a Human Growth Hormone (HGH) protein fragment that helps with fat breakdown(lipolysis) and weight loss.
Our bodies have natural human growth hormones for weight management. AOD-9606 is a manmade version of HGH. It mimics HGH’s structure and functions, including reducing adiposity and increasing your lean body mass.
AOD-9604 stimulates your pituitary gland to accelerate metabolism and increase fat breakdown. Unlike HCG, it targets areas with excess fats. This mechanism is effective in shedding weight within a shorter period.
What Are Research Peptides?
Imagine your body having tiny messengers whose work entails communicating with cells to enhance their proper functioning. This is a perfect description of peptides. Peptides are short chains/strings of amino acid molecules, which act like the building blocks of proteins. While they naturally occur in all living organisms, experts also make them in laboratories for research or therapeutic purposes. By structure, a peptide could be between 2-100 amino acids long.
These tiny molecules treat various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome [9]. In recent years, peptides have gained popularity for their effectiveness in treating obesity-related conditions [10]. Your body makes specific peptides to handle particular body functions. For example, some produce hormones, others regulate appetite, while another group works to enhance metabolism. All these functions ultimately help you shed weight.
Experts have also found a way of replicating natural peptides in laboratories for use in different research fields. One such field is weight loss/obesity management, as various peptides have illustrated the potential to suppress appetite, burn fat and improve insulin sensitivity [11], which are contributors to weight loss.
Do Peptides Actually Work for Weight Loss?
Research findings show that peptides are largely effective in weight management. Since the amino acid molecules are GLP-1(Glucagon-like Peptide -1) agonists, they help the body burn fat and regulate blood sugar levels [11].
GLP-1 types and their receptor agonists are specifically approved to treat type 2 diabetes, by stimulating the secretion and release of insulin. This improves blood sugar, positively contributing to weight loss.
Further, peptides suppress appetite and delay gastric emptying frequency. Since they make you feel full faster and stay like that for a longer period, you result in eating less food. Over time, you’ll notice significant weight loss.
However, whether peptides work or not depends on several factors, including:
- Physical activity and diet: Using peptides without increasing your physical activity or tweaking your diet may not deliver the expected results. Practice the appropriate lifestyle interventions to make weight loss peptide therapy effective.
- Type 2 diabetes history: GLP-1 agonists tend to cause weight loss in patients with a history of type 2 diabetes compared to the ones without the condition
- Type of peptide used: Different brands have specific uses and dosage requirements. Based on clinical data, weekly injections are long-acting and more effective than once-daily weight-loss peptides [14].
Additionally, some peptides work better than others. In one study, for example, people taking Semaglutide (Wegovy) reported losing 16% of their body weight [12], while patients on Liraglutide (Saxenda) shed about 6% of their weight.
But, is my weight loss guaranteed after using peptides?
It depends. While the thought of losing more than 5% of your body weight due to peptide use sounds promising, experts explain that peptides may not work for everyone [13]. Aside from the factors above, how bodies react to peptides varies from person to person.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Weight Loss Peptides
Like other medications, peptides can cause some side effects. Fortunately, the effects are mild-moderate, with nothing serious to worry about.
Below, let’s explore the significant side effects of the best peptides for weight loss we mentioned earlier:
- Semaglutide: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting are some of the most reported side effects when taking any brand of Semaglutide. These effects occur when starting, changing or increasing dosages.
- Liraglutide: Some significant side effects to note when using Liraglutide include nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, fatigue, constipation and abdominal pain [15]. Though rare, pancreas inflammation and thyroid tumors [16] are some risks associated with taking liraglutide.
- Tirzepatide: Studies report dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea as the possible side effects to expect when taking Tirzepatide.
- Ipamorelin: There are minimal side effects linked to Ipamorelin. However, in one study, respondents reported mild-moderate face flushing after using a growth hormone-releasing peptide.
- Sermorelin: Most mild-moderate side effects linked to Sermorelin result from under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injection. You may experience skin itching, irritation, swelling, pain and redness on the injection site. Luckily, the reactions often clear on their own over time.
Other rare side effects include difficulty swallowing, nausea, rash, dizziness and sleepiness.
- CJC-1295: Like Sermorelin, the most common side effects are soreness, sensitivity, pain and redness around the injection site. On rare instances, you may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness or other skin reactions.
- Tesamorelin: Side effects include redness, bruising, itching, irritation, and pain at the injection site. You may also experience muscle aches.
- Tesofensine: The most common side effects of Tesofensine include dry mouth, nausea, constipation, headache and decreased appetite. Researchers also cite high blood pressure and increased heart rate as possible risks [17].
- AOD 9604:This peptide is largely well-tolerated. Nevertheless, some potential risks include stomach upset, diarrhea, headache and redness/pain around the injection site. Talk to your doctor before using AOD 9604 for the best safety standards.
- MOTS-c: So far, experts haven’t found any clinical data showing the potential adverse side effects of using MOTS-c for weight management. However, as an injectable peptide, it has the potential to cause redness, itching, bruising and irritation at the injection site.
Takeaway
Peptides possess immense potential to aid in weight management through specific actions, including suppressing appetite, lowering blood glucose and accelerating the fat-burning process.
If you want to shed some extra pounds but you’re unsure where to start, this detailed list of the best peptides for weight loss is yours.
Most of these GLP-1 agonist medications, such as Semaglutide, liraglutide, Sermorelin and MOTS-c have proved effective when combined with lifestyle adjustment [18].
Peptides, like other medicines, have significant risks and side effects that you should understand before starting any peptide therapy. Therefore, working with a licensed healthcare professional makes your weight loss journey safe and successful.
Where to Buy the Best Peptides for Weight Loss
Interested in boosting your weight loss efforts through peptide therapy? BUY FDA-approved weight loss peptides from our top-rated vendor using this COUPON CODE: Joe15 to enjoy a 15% discount!
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References
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- Huynh, K., Klose, M., Krogsgaard, K., Drejer, J., Byberg, S., Madsbad, S., … & Feldt-Rasmussen, U. (2022). Randomized controlled trial of Tesomet for weight loss in hypothalamic obesity. European Journal of Endocrinology, 186(6), 687-700.
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- Neeland, I. J., Linge, J., & Birkenfeld, A. L. (2024). Changes in lean body mass with glucagon‐like peptide‐1‐based therapies and mitigation strategies. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
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