Before starting peptide therapy for weight loss, find out how each type affects your hormones and metabolism. Choosing the right one can help you reach your goals sooner and avoid unnecessary costs.
Tirzepatide can help you lose around 20% of your body weight. Semaglutide typically leads to 15-17% weight loss. Other peptides may only work slightly better than a placebo.
If your goal is to lose belly fat, keep muscle, or simply see the number on the scale go down, here’s how the leading peptides compare. I’ll also give you tips for buying peptides online.
Quick Look: Peptides for Weight Loss
Before exploring the particulars, here’s what research shows about how effective these peptides can be:
| Peptide | Average Weight Loss | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide | 15 to 22% body weight | Maximum fat loss |
| Semaglutide | 14.9 to 17.4% | Proven, accessible option |
| Tesamorelin | 15 to 18% visceral fat | Stubborn belly fat |
| CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin | Variable | Body recomposition |
| Liraglutide | 5 to 8% | Established GLP-1 |
| 5-Amino-1MQ | Variable | Metabolism boost |
| MOTS-c | Variable | Exercise mimetic |
| Sermorelin | Variable | Gentle GH stimulation |
| AOD-9604 | Modest | Experimental option |
If you want to be sure research arrives pure, check out the top peptide vendors.
1. Tirzepatide: The Most Powerful Weight Loss Peptide Available
If you’re looking for the most powerful option with strong clinical evidence, Tirzepatide stands out.
Sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound, this peptide targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It works on two pathways instead of one. In the SURMOUNT-5 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight after 72 weeks. That’s a real result.
People using Tirzepatide were 76% more likely to achieve major weight loss than those on Semaglutide. They were also over three times as likely to lose at least 15% of their body weight.
On average, participants lost 18.4 centimeters from their waist. For anyone dealing with belly fat, that’s a noticeable change.
Best for: Anyone who wants the biggest results and can get a prescription.
Common Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, especially at first. For most people, these improve after a few weeks.maglutide: The Gold Standard That Started It All
You may have heard of Ozempic or Wegovy, these are just different names for the same drug, Semaglutide. This medication changed the field of weight loss and is still one of the most researched peptides available.
In the STEP clinical trials, people lost an average of 14.9-17.4% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Around 69-79% lost at least 10% of their weight. These are impressive results.
It’s also worth noting that the SELECT trial found a 20% drop in cardiovascular risk. So, this isn’t just about weight loss—it may also help you live longer.
Semaglutide works like the hormone GLP-1. It signals your brain that you’re full, slows digestion, and helps keep your blood sugar stable. Many people say it finally calms their constant food cravings.
Best for: First-time peptide users who want proven results with extensive safety data.
What to expect: You’ll likely feel less hungry within a week or two. Most people notice visible changes between weeks four and eight.
3. Tesamorelin: The Belly Fat Specialist
A common challenge with weight loss is not being able to choose where you lose fat. Tesamorelin, though, almost targets a specific area. This peptide is FDA-approved to reduce visceral fat—the type that surrounds your organs and causes stubborn belly fat. Clinical studies show a 15-18% drop in visceral fat after 26 weeks. It works by prompting your pituitary gland to release more natural growth hormone.
Tesamorelin stands out because it targets abdominal fat instead of just causing general weight loss. It may also help reduce liver fat, which matters for people worried about fatty liver disease.
One thing to note: you might not see a huge change on the scale, but your clothes could fit much better. That’s a sign of losing visceral fat.
Best for: People whose primary goal is losing belly fat specifically, especially those with metabolic concerns.
Side effects: Joint pain and water retention happen less often with Tesamorelin than with GLP-1 peptides.
4. CJC-1295 Combined with Ipamorelin: The Recomposition Stack
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are research peptides often used together because they enhance growth hormone release.
CJC-1295 tells your body to make more growth hormone, and Ipamorelin triggers the release. Together, they help you get a steady flow of growth hormone, like you had in your twenties.
The main benefit is body recomposition. You can lose fat while keeping or even gaining muscle, which is hard to do with diet alone. Many people also report better sleep and quicker recovery.
There’s less research on these peptides than on FDA-approved options. Most information comes from small studies and user experiences. Still, this combination is popular among people focused on body composition.
Best for: Fitness-focused individuals looking to lose fat without losing muscle.
Typical protocol: Inject 100 to 200 mcg of each peptide two or three times daily, usually in the evening.
5. Liraglutide: The Established Predecessor
Before Semaglutide became popular, Liraglutide was the main GLP-1 peptide for weight loss. It’s sold as Saxenda for weight loss and Victoza for diabetes, and has a long history of safety.
Results show an average weight loss of 5-8%. While that’s less than newer options, it’s still meaningful. The main advantage is its long safety record and sometimes better insurance. Liraglutide requires a daily injection, while Semaglutide is taken once a week. If you prefer fewer injections, this is worth considering.
Best for: People who want a well-established option or have insurance coverage specifically for Saxenda.
6. 5-Amino-1MQ: The Metabolism Enhancer
5-Amino-1MQ works differently from the other peptides. It blocks an enzyme called NNMT, which affects how your fat cells function.
This increases NAD+ levels and helps turn white fat into more active brown fat. Early studies suggest it may help reduce visceral fat. Some people use it with GLP-1 peptides for added benefits.
A big advantage is that you can take 5-Amino-1MQ by mouth, so there are no needles. This is helpful if you want to avoid injections.
Best for: People looking for an oral option or those wanting to stack with other peptides.
Timeline: You may feel more energetic within a week or two, and start noticing fat loss between weeks three and six.
7. MOTS-c: The Exercise Mimetic
MOMOTS-c is being studied because it may offer some of the benefits of exercise without requiring exercise. This peptide is made in your mitochondria and signals your cells to behave as if you just exercised.
Most research on MOTS-c is still in the early stages, with animal studies and a few early human trials. Still, how it works has caught the interest of longevity researchers.
MOTS-c isn’t a substitute for real exercise, but it could be a helpful addition if you’re already active.
Best for: Biohackers and optimization-focused individuals who understand they’re working with emerging science.
8. Sermorelin: The Mild Growth Hormone Boost
Sermorelin is one of the oldest peptides for releasing growth hormone and has been used in clinics for decades. It helps your pituitary gland produce more natural growth hormone rather than synthetic versions.
Sermorelin works more slowly and gently than newer peptides. Most people notice better sleep, better skin, and slow changes in body shape over a few months.
If you’re worried about the intensity of newer peptides, Sermorelin is a milder, safer place to start.
9. AOD-9604: The Controversial Option
AOD-9604 comes up a lot in peptide circles, but it’s important to know its limits.
This synthetic human growth hormone was designed to target fat loss without changing blood sugar or IGF-1 levels. However, it did not perform better than a placebo in Phase IIb clinical trials.
Some people still report good results, and it remains popular in some groups. However, clinical studies do not support these claims.
Best for: Those who have tried other options or are stacking with additional peptides.
Best Peptide Combinations for Fat
Using a single peptide for fat loss can work, but combining certain peptides may give better results. Here are three combinations to consider:
Maximum Fat Loss Stack: Combine Tirzepatide or Semaglutide with 5-Amino-1MQ. This pairing offers appetite control through the GLP-1 pathway and a metabolism boost from NNMT inhibition. These effects may work well together.
Body Recomposition Stack: Use CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin. This combination helps your body release more natural growth hormone, allowing you to lose fat and keep muscle. Take it before bed to match your body’s natural hormone cycle.
Visceral Fat Targeting Stack: Combine Tesamorelin with Ipamorelin. Tesamorelin targets belly fat, and Ipamorelin offers extra growth hormone support.
What to Expect: A Realistic Timeline
Be patient and keep your expectations realistic when using peptides.
Weeks 1 to 2: GLP-1 peptides usually reduce your appetite quickly. Growth hormone peptides often improve your sleep first. You may not see major changes yet, but the scale might start to shift, your clothes could fit differently, and your energy may become more steady.
Months 3 to 6: You’ll probably notice changes in your body shape, a smaller waist, and others may start to see the difference too.
Beyond 6 months: Clinical trials show the best results for GLP-1 peptides after about 68 to 72 weeks. Just remember, this takes time and depends on your goals.
- If maximum weight loss is your priority: Tirzepatide offers the strongest clinical results currently available.
- If you want proven safety and availability: Semaglutide has the most extensive research base and widest availability.
- If stubborn belly fat is your primary concern: Tesamorelin specifically targets visceral fat in ways other peptides don’t.
- If you care about muscle preservation: CJC-1295 combined with Ipamorelin supports body recomposition.
- If you prefer oral options: 5-Amino-1MQ doesn’t require injections.
What to Look for When Buying Peptides
Quality matters enormously. A peptide from a reputable source and one from a sketchy vendor might look identical. Quality is very important. Peptides from a trusted source and those from an unreliable seller may look the same, but what’s inside can be very different.ck that the batch number fits the one on your vial. Verify the testing lab actually exists.
- Watch out for red flags like no certificate of analysis (COA), prices much lower than average, websites making medical claims, only accepting cryptocurrency or gift cards, or no real business address.
- Storage is important. Most peptides need refrigeration once mixed. Use bacteriostatic water, not tap water. Swirl gently instead of shaking. Degraded peptides will not hurt you, but they also will not help.
Side Effects: What You Should Know
All peptides can cause side effects. Knowing what to expect helps you make better choices.
GLP-1 peptides like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide often cause stomach issues. Nausea, diarrhea, and constipation are common at first. Starting with a low dose and increasing slowly can help reduce these effects.
Growth hormone peptides can cause water retention, joint pain, and sometimes numbness or tingling. These side effects usually go away as your body adjusts.
Tesamorelin is more likely to cause joint pain and fluid retention relative to to other peptides.
Serious side effects such as pancreatitis are rare but possible with GLP-1 peptides. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use these medications.
Cost Reality Check
Cost is an important factor when considering peptide therapy.
Insurance coverage may differ a lot. Many plans cover these diabetes drugs, but not weight-loss drugs. Getting approved can take extra steps and be frustrating. Some savings programs are out there. For example, Eli Lilly offers Zepbound at $499 a month through their direct program. Some online health services also compete on price for compounded versions.
The Bottom Line
Weight-loss peptides are a real breakthrough for people who struggle to lose weight. The science supports them, the results are measurable, and new options are becoming available all the time.
Tirzepatide is currently the most effective option, with Semaglutide close behind and easier to access. For belly fat, Tesamorelin is the top choice. If you want to change your body shape, consider CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin.
No matter which peptide you choose, talk to a qualified healthcare provider, get the right blood tests, start with a low dose, and give yourself time to see results.
Your body isn’t broken. Sometimes it just needs the right approach to reach its full potential.
What’s the best peptide for fat loss?
Tirzepatide is the most effective peptide for fat loss, achieving an average body weight reduction of 20.2% at 72 weeks in clinical trials. It is 76% more likely than Semaglutide to achieve significant weight loss. For targeting belly fat, Tesamorelin reduces visceral fat by 15-18%.
What’s the best peptide for weight loss?
Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) is currently the best peptide for weight loss, achieving 15-22% body weight reduction in clinical trials. Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) is the second-most effective option, with 14.9-17.4% weight loss. Both are FDA-approved and require a prescription.