Peptides used in fat loss research
A look at the compounds — from Tirzepatide to AOD-9604 — that appear most often in contemporary fat loss research literature, and what the data actually suggests.
The research landscape
Research interest in peptide-mediated fat loss has accelerated sharply over the past five years, driven largely by the clinical success of GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists. A handful of compounds now dominate the research literature.
Tirzepatide
A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Clinical trial data in Type 2 diabetes and obesity populations has shown substantial body weight reductions. Research protocols typically explore graded weekly dosing windows.
Semaglutide
A GLP-1 receptor agonist. Well characterised in large randomised clinical trials (STEP, SUSTAIN). Acts by slowing gastric emptying and modulating central appetite regulation.
AOD-9604
A modified fragment (residues 176–191) of the human growth hormone molecule. Preclinical research examines its effect on lipolysis without the systemic growth-hormone-like effects on IGF-1 or insulin sensitivity seen with full-length hGH.