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Peptides for Weight Loss: Benefits and How They Work

Reading time:

6 min

Author

Hannah Wolf

Published on

Aug 13, 2025

Updated on

Jul 13, 2026

Weight loss

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Introduction

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Peptides have gained popularity among those looking for effective weight loss solutions. But what exactly are peptides, and how exactly do peptides work for weight loss? If they do work, what are the best options available on the market? This comprehensive guide will explore the different peptide options for weight loss, highlight the best peptides for achieving weight loss goals, and discuss how to safely start peptide treatment.

Understanding Peptides and Weight Loss

Peptides are short chains of amino acids essential for protein formation that play critical roles in the body's biological functions. Peptides are increasingly being explored and prescribed for various health conditions due to their targeted therapeutic effects and potential benefits. Their therapeutic applications are expanding across different medical disciplines to help improve conditions like type 1 and 2 diabetes, obesity, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), HIV/AIDS, various skin disorders, and even certain types of cancers. (1,2,3)

Understanding Peptides and Weight Loss

Peptides for Weight Loss

Peptide-based medications, such as the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including semaglutide (brand names Ozempic® and Wegovy), liraglutide (brand name Saxenda) tirzepatide (brand names Mounjaro® and Zepbound) have helped millions manage type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Originally prescribed to help lower blood sugar among type 2 diabetics, these innovative medications have more recently gained traction for their ability to aid in drastic weight loss among those struggling with overweight or obesity. These peptide-based medications mimic the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 receptors, which help regulate insulin and glucagon levels to improve glucose control while simultaneously acting as an appetite suppressant to achieve weight loss. (4,5,6,7,8)

Peptides for Weight Loss

Weight Loss Potential with Peptides

The amount of weight you can lose on peptides depends on various factors, including your diet, exercise routine, metabolism, and medication. Most studies examining the effects of GLP-1 medications on weight loss have also required all participants to partake in moderate daily physical activity (i.e., brisk walking for about 20 minutes a day), regularly scheduled check-ins with a licensed dietitian or healthcare professional, and adherence to a healthy, calorie-restricted diet throughout the duration of the study. These peptides work best when combined with daily physical activity and a balanced diet.

Let’s take a look at the evidence and delve into some of the most extensive studies out there in regards to peptide-based medications for weight loss:

The STEP trial enrolled over 1900 adults with 1) obesity or 2) overweight plus a weight-related condition excluding diabetes (i.e., high blood pressure, high cholesterol) and randomly assigned them to 68 weeks of treatment with semaglutide or a placebo, in addition to lifestyle intervention.(3) Participants in the treatment group experienced an average weight reduction of 14.9% as compared to 2.4% in the placebo group. This same study reported that 86% of participants using semaglutide lost at least 5% of their body weight.

The SURMOUNT trial enrolled over 2,500 participants with 1) obesity or 2) overweight plus a weight-related condition excluding diabetes and examined the effects of tirzepatide on weight. Participants received either tirzepatide (in varying doses) or a placebo, and all underwent lifestyle intervention. The study found that at 72 weeks, tirzepatide lost significantly more weight than those in the placebo group:

5mg weekly doses of tirzepatide: average loss of 15% of body weight
10mg weekly doses of tirzepatide: average loss of 19.5% of body weight
15mg weekly doses of tirzepatide: average loss of 20.9% of body weight
Placebo group: average loss of 3.1% of body weight

A more recent study examined over eighteen thousand overweight or obese adults entered into the US electronic health database who were on either tirzepatide (brand names: Mounjaro® and Zepbound) or semaglutide (Ozempic® and Wegovy).

This study found that among these patients, tirzepatide demonstrated superior weight loss outcomes compared to semaglutide at various lengths of treatment over the course of a year (see table below).

The study revealed that a majority of individuals using either tirzepatide or semaglutide achieved significant weight loss, with at least a 5% reduction in initial body weight after one year of treatment, though, again, tirzepatide was superior:

≥ 5% weight loss within 1 year: 82% of tirzepatide users vs 67% of semaglutide users
≥ 10% weight loss within 1 year: 62% of tirzepatide users vs 37% of semaglutide users
≥ 15% weight loss within 1 year: 42% of tirzepatide users vs 18% of semaglutide users

JAMA; P.J. Rodriguez et al

Weight Loss Potential with Peptides

Let’s take a look at the evidence and delve into some of the most extensive studies out there in regards to peptide-based medications for weight loss:

5mg weekly doses of tirzepatide: average loss of 15% of body weight
10mg weekly doses of tirzepatide: average loss of 19.5% of body weight
15mg weekly doses of tirzepatide: average loss of 20.9% of body weight
Placebo group: average loss of 3.1% of body weight

≥ 5% weight loss within 1 year: 82% of tirzepatide users vs 67% of semaglutide users
≥ 10% weight loss within 1 year: 62% of tirzepatide users vs 37% of semaglutide users
≥ 15% weight loss within 1 year: 42% of tirzepatide users vs 18% of semaglutide users

JAMA; P.J. Rodriguez et al

Are there side effects from taking peptides?

Overall, peptides do not usually cause serious side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medications are gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. These side effects are generally mild to moderate and go away with time as your body gets used to the new medication.

Prescription Requirements for Peptides

In many cases, peptides for weight loss require a prescription for legal and safety reasons. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified professional specializing in peptide therapy to determine the most suitable peptide regimen for your weight loss goals.

Get Peptide Treatment for Weight Loss with Mochi Health

Mochi Health offers comprehensive peptide treatments to support weight loss and overall wellness. Focusing on evidence-based practices and individualized care, Mochi Health's peptide therapy options aim to optimize body composition, metabolism, and energy levels to facilitate safe and sustainable weight loss results.

In conclusion, peptides present a unique approach to weight loss by targeting key mechanisms that influence body weight and composition. As with any weight loss strategy, it is essential to approach peptide therapy with an informed mindset and under professional guidance to maximize its benefits while ensuring safety and efficacy.

For more information on peptides and weight loss, see if you’re eligible to sign up for Mochi Health today.

References:

Rossino G, Marchese E, Galli G, Verde F, Finizio M, Serra M, Linciano P, Collina S. Peptides as Therapeutic Agents: Challenges and Opportunities in the Green Transition Era. Molecules. 2023 Oct 19;28(20):7165. doi: 10.3390/molecules28207165. PMID: 37894644; PMCID: PMC10609221. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10609221/
Naider F, Anglister J. Peptides in the treatment of AIDS. Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2009 Aug;19(4):473-82. doi: 10.1016/j.sbi.2009.07.003. Epub 2009 Jul 23. PMID: 19632107; PMCID: PMC2763535. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19632107/
Love BL. Plecanatide for Treatment of Chronic Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Am J Med. 2019 May;132(5):572-575. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.11.027. Epub 2018 Dec 11. PMID: 30550753. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30550753/
Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T. D., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., Kushner, R. F., & STEP 1 Study Group (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England journal of medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
Food and Drug Administration. “Highlights of Prescribing Information - Ozempic® (semaglutide) Injection”. Access Data FDA, Food and Drug Administration, revised 2020. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/209637s003lbl.pdf
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
Food and Drug Administration. “Highlights of Prescribing Information - Zepbound® (Tirzepatide) Injection”. Access Data FDA, Food and Drug Administration, revised 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/217806s000lbl.pdf
Lundgren JR, Janus C, Jensen SBK, Juhl CR, Olsen LM, Christensen RM, Svane MS, Bandholm T, Bojsen-Møller KN, Blond MB, Jensen JB, Stallknecht BM, Holst JJ, Madsbad S, Torekov SS. Healthy Weight Loss Maintenance with Exercise, Liraglutide, or Both Combined. N Engl J Med. 2021 May 6;384(18):1719-1730. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2028198. PMID: 33951361. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa2028198

This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.

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Weight loss

Hannah Wolf

Aug 13, 2025

All professional medical services are provided by licensed physicians and clinicians affiliated with independently owned and operated professional practices. Mochi Health Corp. provides administrative and technology services to affiliated medical practices it supports, and does not provide any professional medical services itself.

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