GLP-1 Agonists & Weight Loss Peptides

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes that has become one of the most effective weight loss medications available. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, helping people feel full faster and longer.

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown even stronger weight loss results than semaglutide in clinical trials. It targets two hormone pathways instead of one, making it potentially more effective for both weight loss and blood sugar control.

GIP is an incretin hormone secreted by the intestine that plays a key role in glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. While traditionally recognized for its role in stimulating insulin secretion in response to nutrient intake, recent research highlights its involvement in lipid metabolism, bone health, and neurological function. It is currently a focal point of therapeutic development in combination with GLP-1 agonists for treating obesity and metabolic disease.

GIP is an endogenous incretin hormone released from the gut after nutrient intake. It plays a critical role in glucose metabolism by stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. While historically studied for its insulinotropic effects, modern research focuses on its systemic roles in adipose tissue, bone remodeling, and the central nervous system, particularly when combined with GLP-1 for metabolic therapies.

An FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist used for both type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and weight loss (Saxenda). An earlier-generation option in the GLP-1 family, requiring daily injections versus weekly dosing of newer agents.

GIP is an incretin hormone produced by the intestine that plays a vital role in regulating glucose levels, insulin secretion, fat metabolism, and bone health. While historically recognized for its insulinotropic effects, modern research focuses on its role alongside GLP-1 in treating metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

GIP is a naturally occurring incretin hormone secreted by the intestine after nutrient ingestion. It plays a foundational role in metabolic regulation by stimulating insulin secretion, modulating fat storage, and signaling satiety in the brain. While historically overshadowed by GLP-1, it has recently become a key component in advanced weight loss and diabetes treatments like dual-agonist therapies.

An FDA-approved GLP-2 analog used to treat short bowel syndrome — a condition where the intestine cannot absorb enough nutrients. A prime example of a clinical peptide therapeutic with high evidence quality.

GIP is an incretin hormone naturally secreted by the intestine in response to nutrient intake. It plays a critical role in regulating insulin secretion, fat metabolism, and systemic energy balance. While historically viewed primarily as an insulin-stimulating hormone, recent research—particularly involving dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor co-agonists like tirzepatide—highlights its significant role in weight management and metabolic health.

Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce natural growth hormone. It is best known for significantly reducing visceral (abdominal) fat and is the only peptide in its class with an FDA approval for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Researchers also study it for cognitive enhancement via IGF-1 elevation and its potential to reduce liver fat.

Cagrilintide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown promising results for weight loss in individuals with overweight or obesity when coadministered with semaglutide. It resulted in significant reductions in body weight compared to placebo, particularly in a clinical trial involving over 3400 participants.

Retatrutide is a triple hormone receptor agonist (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon) in late-stage clinical trials showing the strongest weight loss results of any obesity drug to date—up to 24% body weight reduction in trials.

An FDA-approved melanocortin-4 receptor agonist specifically indicated for rare genetic obesity conditions (POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR deficiencies). Represents a new class of precision obesity medicine.

An FDA-approved synthetic GHRH analog used medically to reduce excess belly fat (lipodystrophy) in HIV patients. Also researched for cognitive benefits and general fat loss.

Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone that plays a key role in glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. It is released from the intestine in response to food intake and works alongside other hormones, notably glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), to regulate blood sugar levels.

LL-37 is a human antimicrobial peptide known for its role in innate immunity and modulation of various biological processes including inflammation, immune response, and cytotoxicity in human cells. It is produced from the CAMP gene, with Vitamin D stimulating its expression.

Oxyntomodulin (OXM) is a gut-derived peptide that plays a significant role in appetite regulation and metabolic processes. It activates glucagon and GLP-1 receptors, contributing to energy expenditure and reduced energy intake, making it a molecule of interest in obesity treatment.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone important for maintaining glucose tolerance. Recent research indicates potential therapeutic use in obesity, diabetes, and other conditions due to its multifaceted metabolic effects.

GIP is an incretin hormone produced in the gut that enhances insulin secretion in response to glucose. It has diverse effects beyond insulin regulation, including roles in fat deposition, bone formation, and potential impacts on appetite and memory.

GHRP-6 is a hexapeptide that stimulates the release of growth hormone in the body. It is primarily studied for its role in diagnosing growth hormone deficiencies and potential therapeutic applications in various conditions, including cardiomyopathy and kidney injury.

GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates growth hormone release and exhibits potential therapeutic properties in metabolic and regenerative medicine contexts.

Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP) is an incretin hormone that plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells, enhancing fat deposition, and influencing appetite regulation and bone metabolism. GIP demonstrates distinct physiological effects compared to another incretin, GLP-1, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes.

GIP is an incretin hormone that stimulates insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. It also plays roles in fat deposition, bone formation, and may influence cognitive functions.

PYY 3-36 is a peptide hormone that plays a key role in regulating appetite and energy balance. It is a truncated form of peptide YY, primarily secreted by the intestine after feeding, and is involved in satiety, reducing food intake, and potentially impacting insulin sensitivity and gut motility.

GHRP-6 is a synthetic peptide that stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. It has been investigated for its potential in diagnosing growth hormone deficiency and its pharmacological effects in various conditions, including cardiotoxicity management and recovery from tissue injury.

NMN is a nucleotide derivative that acts as a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital coenzyme found in all living cells. As NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, NMN supplementation is researched for its potential to restore NAD+ pools, thereby supporting energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and general cellular health.

MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren, is an orally active growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) and increases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, potentially offering anabolic benefits for muscle preservation and recovery in catabolic states.

GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide that acts as a growth hormone secretagogue, meaning it stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Beyond its endocrine effects, research has explored its potential for tissue protection, metabolic regulation, and anti-catabolic properties in various experimental models.

LL-37 is a human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide involved in immune responses, showing properties of both antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity towards host cells. It has been implicated in various physiological and pathophysiological processes, including immune activation and inflammation.

PYY 3-36 is a gut-derived hormone that acts as a signaling molecule to regulate appetite, satiety, and potentially drug-seeking behavior. Research focuses on its role in metabolic health, specifically as a potential adjunctive therapy to GLP-1 agonists for obesity management, though current clinical evidence suggests challenges with tolerability.