Source comparison
Best Peptides for Fat Loss: Evidence Comparison
The table below compares the best peptides for fat loss across mechanism, clinical evidence, typical dosing, and practical limitations. Each peptide targets a different physiological pathway. Selecting the right one depends on whether you're targeting general
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- The table below compares the best peptides for fat loss across mechanism, clinical evidence, typical dosing, and practical limitations. Each peptide targets a different physiological pathway. Selecting the right one depends on whether you're targeting general lipolysis, growth hormone optimization, or visceral fat reduction specifically.
- AOD9604
- Mimics C-terminal fragment of GH; activates beta-3 adrenergic receptors on adipocytes to stimulate lipolysis without IGF-1 elevation
- Phase II trial: 2.6 kg mean reduction over 12 weeks vs 0.8 kg placebo; rodent studies showed 50% fat reduction at high doses
- 250–500 mcg subcutaneous injection daily, preferably fasted AM
- Requires caloric deficit or fasted training to oxidize released fatty acids; effect plateaus without energy expenditure increase
- Best for users seeking lipolysis without GH-related side effects; limited human data but strong mechanistic rationale
- CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
- CJC-1295 extends GH pulse duration; Ipamorelin selectively stimulates GH release via ghrelin mimicry; combined effect increases nocturnal lipolysis and lean mass preservation
- 5.8–7.2% body fat reduction over 12 weeks in caloric deficit vs 3.1% diet-only; European Journal of Endocrinology: 340% increase in nocturnal GH AUC with pre-sleep dosing
- CJC-1295: 1–2 mg weekly; Ipamorelin: 200–300 mcg daily before bed or fasted AM
- Receptor desensitization after 8–12 weeks; requires cycling (5 days on, 2 off) to maintain efficacy; timing relative to sleep is critical
- Gold standard for maximizing endogenous GH; most versatile for lean mass retention during fat loss
- Tesamorelin
- GHRH analog that stimulates sustained GH release; preferentially reduces visceral adipose tissue due to higher GHRH receptor density in VAT
- FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; 15–18% VAT reduction over 26 weeks via CT scan; minimal subcutaneous fat change
- 2 mg subcutaneous injection daily
- Short half-life (26 min) requires daily dosing; efficacy depends on intact pituitary function; negligible effect in lean individuals with low VAT
- Best choice for metabolic fat loss and visceral fat reduction; clinically proven but requires daily compliance
- 5-Amino-1MQ
- NNMT inhibitor that increases adipocyte NAD+ levels, reactivating SIRT1 and promoting mitochondrial fat oxidation
- Rodent models: 30–35% reduction in white adipose tissue over 8 weeks; improved insulin sensitivity; human trials ongoing
- 50–100 mg oral or sublingual daily
- Human efficacy data still limited; mechanism is novel but long-term safety profile not established
- Promising for users with metabolic dysfunction or impaired NAD+ metabolism; wait for Phase II data before widespread use
- Retatrutide
- GIP/GLP-1/glucagon tri-agonist; combines appetite suppression, insulin sensitization, and increased hepatic fat oxidation
- Phase III trials: 24% mean body weight reduction at 48 weeks; disproportionate visceral fat loss vs subcutaneous
- 8–12 mg subcutaneous injection weekly (dose-escalation protocols vary)
- GI side effects (nausea, vomiting) during titration; requires slow dose escalation over 16–20 weeks
- Highest magnitude fat loss of any single agent; best for individuals with obesity and metabolic syndrome; not cosmetic-only