Peptides

What are the best peptides for weight loss?

The best peptides for weight loss are those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Examples include:

Semaglutide

As a 2024 reviewTrusted Source explains, semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. There are three separate semaglutide brands:

• Rybelsus
• Ozempic
• Wegovy

Of these, the only drug to receive FDA approval as a weight loss aid is Wegovy.

Wegovy injection is FDA approved as a long-term weight loss aid for the following individuals:

• adults with obesity, alongside a reduced-calorie diet, and increased physical activity
• adults with overweight, and at least one weight-related condition, such as:
  • hypertension
  • type 2 diabetes
  • dyslipidemia
• children ages 12 years or above with a body mass index (BMI)Trusted Source at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex

A 2021 study investigated the effectiveness of semaglutide as a weight loss aid in 1,961 people with overweight or obesity. Over 68 weeks, each participant received a once-weekly dose of either 2.4 milligrams (mg) of subcutaneous semaglutide or placebo, alongside lifestyle interventions.

Individuals in the semaglutide treatment group lost, on average, 14.9% of their body weight compared to baseline. Individuals in the placebo group lost, on average, just 2.4% of their body weight compared to baseline.

The researchers also compared the percentage of individuals in each group who achieved weight reductions of 5% or more. The table below summarises these findings: