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20+ compounds tracked

Weight Loss Peptides & GLP-1 Guide 2026

GLP-1 receptor agonists have transformed obesity medicine. From Ozempic® to Retatrutide, this guide covers every major weight loss compound — how they work, real dosing protocols, and what to monitor.

What Are GLP-1 Agonists & Weight Loss Peptides?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells in response to food. It triggers insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and signals satiety to the hypothalamus. GLP-1 receptor agonists are synthetic analogs designed to mimic and extend these effects — producing dramatic and sustained weight loss.

The mechanism is multi-pronged: reduced appetite through central nervous system signaling, delayed stomach emptying that prolongs fullness, improved insulin sensitivity, and in newer agents, direct effects on reward pathways that reduce food cravings. Clinical trials have demonstrated 15-24% body weight reductions — results previously only achievable with bariatric surgery.

Beyond GLP-1 agonists, the weight loss category includes peptides targeting other pathways: AOD-9604 (a fragment of growth hormone that stimulates lipolysis), 5-Amino-1MQ (an NNMT inhibitor that boosts NAD+ and fat oxidation), AICAR (an AMPK activator mimicking exercise metabolism), and tesofensine (a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor). Each offers a distinct mechanism and is appropriate for different patient profiles.

The evolution from first-generation GLP-1s (exenatide, liraglutide) to dual agonists (tirzepatide, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors) to triple agonists (retatrutide, adding glucagon receptor activation) represents a rapid escalation in efficacy. Each generation produces meaningfully greater weight loss than the last.

Weight Loss Compound Directory

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Semaglutide

7 days

GLP-1 agonist. Ozempic® / Wegovy®. 15-17% average weight loss.

Weight loss, T2D

Tirzepatide

5 days

Dual GLP-1 + GIP agonist. Mounjaro® / Zepbound®. 20-22% weight loss.

Weight loss, T2D

Retatrutide

6 days

Triple GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon agonist. Up to 24% weight loss in trials.

Obesity, metabolic disease

Dulaglutide

5 days

Weekly GLP-1 agonist. Trulicity®. Moderate weight loss.

T2D, weight management

Exenatide

2.4 hrs / 2 wks

First GLP-1 agonist. Byetta® (2x/day), Bydureon® (weekly).

T2D, weight management

Survodutide

~7 days

GLP-1 + glucagon dual agonist. Phase 3 trials for NASH and obesity.

Obesity, NASH

Cagrilintide

7 days

Long-acting amylin analog. Often combined with semaglutide (CagriSema).

Obesity (combination)

Setmelanotide

~11 hrs

MC4R agonist for genetic obesity syndromes (POMC, PCSK1 deficiency).

Genetic obesity

Pramlintide

~50 min

Synthetic amylin analog. Reduces post-meal glucagon and gastric emptying.

T1D/T2D weight management

Metabolic & Lipolytic Peptides

HGH Fragment 176-191

~30 min

C-terminal fragment of HGH. Stimulates lipolysis without growth effects.

Fat loss, body recomposition

AOD-9604

~30 min

Modified HGH fragment. Fat burning without IGF-1 elevation.

Targeted fat loss

Tesamorelin

~38 min

GHRH analog FDA-approved for visceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy.

Visceral fat, body composition

Small Molecules & Metabolic Activators

Phentermine

20 hrs

Sympathomimetic amine appetite suppressant. FDA-approved since 1959.

Short-term appetite suppression

Naltrexone/Bupropion

varies

Contrave®. Dual CNS mechanism targeting reward and appetite centers.

Obesity, food cravings

Topiramate

21 hrs

Anticonvulsant with appetite suppression. Used in Qsymia® combination.

Weight loss adjunct

Tesofensine

~8 days

Triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor. Phase 3. Potent appetite suppression.

Obesity (investigational)

5-Amino-1MQ

unknown

NNMT inhibitor. Boosts NAD+ and fat cell metabolism.

Body composition, metabolic health

SLU-PP-332

unknown

ERR agonist. Mimics exercise at the cellular level. Dramatic fat loss in animals.

Metabolic (research)

AICAR

~45 min

AMPK activator. Exercise mimetic — enhances fat oxidation and endurance.

Metabolic, endurance

Berberine

~5 hrs

Plant alkaloid AMPK activator. Often called 'nature's metformin.'

Metabolic syndrome, weight management

Common Weight Loss Protocols

Semaglutide Standard Titration

The most widely prescribed protocol. Slow titration minimizes GI side effects.

Weeks 1-4: 0.25 mg SubQ weekly

Weeks 5-8: 0.5 mg SubQ weekly

Weeks 9-12: 1.0 mg SubQ weekly

Weeks 13-16: 1.7 mg SubQ weekly

Week 17+: 2.4 mg SubQ weekly (maintenance)

Inject subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites weekly. Take antiemetics if needed during titration. Average loss: 15-17% body weight over 68 weeks.

Tirzepatide Protocol (Mounjaro/Zepbound)

Dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism produces superior weight loss vs semaglutide alone.

Weeks 1-4: 2.5 mg SubQ weekly

Weeks 5-8: 5 mg SubQ weekly

Weeks 9-12: 7.5 mg SubQ weekly

Weeks 13-16: 10 mg SubQ weekly

Weeks 17-20: 12.5 mg SubQ weekly

Week 21+: 15 mg SubQ weekly (max dose)

Average loss: 20-22% body weight at 72 weeks. GI side effects similar to semaglutide but may be more pronounced at higher doses. Protein intake and resistance training strongly recommended to preserve lean mass.

AOD-9604 + Peptide Stack (Body Recomposition)

For targeted fat loss without appetite suppression. Often stacked with GH secretagogues.

AOD-9604: 300 mcg SubQ daily (fasted AM)

Optional add: CJC-1295/Ipamorelin 100/100 mcg before bed

Cycle: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off

Best results with caloric deficit and resistance training. AOD-9604 specifically targets adipose tissue lipolysis without IGF-1 elevation or glucose metabolism effects. Research-stage compound — not FDA approved.

Who Should Consider Weight Loss Compounds?

BMI 30+ (Obesity)

GLP-1 agonists are FDA-approved for obesity. Semaglutide and tirzepatide produce surgical-level weight loss in clinical settings. First-line consideration after lifestyle modification.

BMI 27+ with Comorbidities

Hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes. GLP-1s provide dual benefit — weight loss AND metabolic improvement.

Metabolic Syndrome

Elevated fasting glucose, triglycerides, waist circumference. Berberine and AICAR are accessible starting points; GLP-1s for more significant intervention.

Body Recomposition Goals

Athletes or fitness-focused individuals seeking fat loss without muscle loss. AOD-9604, HGH Fragment, and tesamorelin target visceral fat specifically.

Monitoring & Safety

GLP-1 agonists require regular monitoring, especially during dose titration. Key panels:

Baseline & Every 3 Months

  • • HbA1c + fasting glucose
  • • Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
  • • Lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
  • • Renal function (eGFR, creatinine)
  • • Liver function (AST, ALT)
  • • Amylase + lipase (pancreatitis screening)
  • • Body weight + waist circumference

Key Safety Considerations

  • • Personal/family history of MTC or MEN2 = contraindication
  • • Pancreatitis history = use with caution
  • • Gallbladder disease — rapid weight loss increases stone risk
  • • Muscle loss — high protein diet (1.6-2.2g/kg) essential
  • • Dehydration — common during GI adjustment phase
  • • Rebound risk — weight returns rapidly if stopped abruptly

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can I lose on semaglutide?

Clinical trials (STEP program) showed average weight loss of 14.9% at 68 weeks on 2.4mg/week. Real-world results vary — diet quality and activity level significantly impact outcomes. Tirzepatide and retatrutide produce greater losses (20-24%) in trials.

What happens when I stop taking a GLP-1?

Most weight returns within 12-18 months of discontinuation. GLP-1s treat the condition while you take them — they don't cure obesity. Long-term or indefinite use is increasingly the standard of care, similar to treating hypertension or diabetes.

What is the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro?

Ozempic® (semaglutide 0.5-2mg) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy® (semaglutide 2.4mg) is FDA-approved for obesity. Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is approved for T2D; Zepbound® (tirzepatide) for obesity. Mounjaro/Zepbound has a dual mechanism (GLP-1 + GIP) and produces greater weight loss.

Is compounded semaglutide safe?

Compounded semaglutide has been widely used during shortage periods. Quality varies significantly by compounding pharmacy. The FDA has raised concerns about non-sterile compounding and salt forms (semaglutide sodium vs acetate). Branded products have established safety and pharmacokinetic profiles; compounded versions do not have the same regulatory oversight.

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Educational content only. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any protocol.