Peptides for Weight Loss - Everything You Need to Know
Peptides for weight loss are becoming increasingly popular as an effective tool to support weight reduction. These short chains of amino acids, primarily known for their use in treating various conditions, are now gaining significance as weight loss aids. In this article, we will take a closer look at how peptides can help with weight loss, their mechanisms of action, and which ones are the most effective in reducing body weight.
Table of Contents:
- Mechanisms of Peptides in Weight Loss
- Most Popular Peptides for Weight Loss
- How Much Weight Can Be Lost with Peptides?
- Lifestyle Recommendations
Mechanisms of peptides in weight loss
Peptides, being small protein molecules, play a key role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolic processes. In the context of weight loss, peptides work through several main mechanisms:
- Appetite Regulation: Peptides such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) influence the central nervous system, increasing the feeling of fullness and reducing appetite. As a result, people using peptides may feel less desire to eat, leading to a reduction in calorie intake.
- Metabolism Improvement: Peptides can stimulate metabolism, contributing to more efficient calorie burning. They work by increasing thermogenesis and fat mobilization, which promotes fat tissue reduction.
- Insulin Secretion Stimulation: Some peptides, such as GLP-1 agonists, stimulate insulin secretion, helping to better control blood sugar levels. Better glycemic control can prevent sudden drops in energy that often lead to overeating.
As a result of these mechanisms, peptides can significantly support the weight loss process, especially when used in conjunction with an appropriate diet and regular physical activity. Below, we present the most popular peptides used for weight reduction.
Most popular peptides for weight loss
Semaglutide:
- Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide, also known under the brands Ozempic and Wegovy, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by increasing insulin secretion and suppressing appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake.
- Effectiveness and Study Results: Clinical studies have shown that people using semaglutide can lose an average of 8-14% of their body weight within a year. The effects are most noticeable in the first few months of therapy.
- Potential Side Effects: The most common side effects are gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which usually subside after a few weeks of use.
Liraglutide:
- Mechanism of Action: Liraglutide, sold under the brand Saxenda, works similarly to semaglutide but requires daily injections. It reduces appetite and helps maintain weight over a longer period.
- Effectiveness and Long-Term Effects: Studies show that people using liraglutide can lose about 8% of their body weight within 56 weeks. Liraglutide is effective in maintaining long-term weight control, especially when combined with an appropriate lifestyle.
- Comparison with Semaglutide: Liraglutide is less effective in terms of weight reduction compared to semaglutide but is still a useful tool in weight loss therapy.
Tirzepatide:
- Modern Approach to Weight Reduction: Tirzepatide, also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, shows significant effects in weight reduction in clinical studies.
- Clinical Study Results: Participants in clinical trials using tirzepatide achieved an average of 15% body weight reduction over 72 weeks, making it one of the most effective peptides for weight loss.
- Comparison with Other Peptides: Tirzepatide offers a modern approach to weight loss therapy, surpassing semaglutide and liraglutide in some aspects of effectiveness.
How much weight can be lost with peptides?
Peptides for weight loss are not only promising but also effective tools for supporting weight reduction. Various clinical studies provide specific data on the effectiveness of individual peptides:
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy):
- Clinical Study Results: In a study involving people using semaglutide (Ozempic), participants lost an average of 8.3% of their body weight within a year, compared to 2.2% in the control group receiving a placebo. For a person weighing 300 lb (136 kg), this means losing about 25 lb (11 kg).
- Wegovy: In another study, people using Wegovy lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight within 68 weeks, while the control group lost only 2.4%. For a person weighing 300 lb, this means losing about 44 lb (20 kg).
Liraglutide (Saxenda):
- Average Weight Loss: People using liraglutide lost an average of 8% of their body weight within 56 weeks, compared to 2.6% in the control group. For a person weighing 220 lb (100 kg), this means losing about 17.6 lb (8 kg).
- Effectiveness in Long-Term Weight Control: Liraglutide helps maintain the achieved weight, especially when used in combination with an appropriate lifestyle.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro):
- Significant Weight Reduction: In clinical studies, people using tirzepatide reported up to 15% body weight reduction over 72 weeks, which for a person weighing 220 lb (100 kg) means losing about 33 lb (15 kg).
- Long-Term Effects: Tirzepatide is one of the most promising peptides in terms of long-term effectiveness in weight reduction.
Lifestyle recommendations
Diet:
- Balanced and Protein-Rich: The diet should be rich in protein, which helps build muscle and maintain satiety. It should also include healthy fats (e.g., avocado, olive oil) and fiber (e.g., vegetables, whole grain products).
- Limiting Sugars and Saturated Fats: Avoid processed sugars and saturated fats that can negatively affect the weight loss process and metabolic health.
- Meal Planning: Regular meal planning and consuming small, frequent portions can help maintain stable energy levels and avoid hunger attacks.
Regular exercise:
- Moderate-Intensity Exercise: At least 150 minutes of physical activity per week is recommended, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
- High-Intensity Exercise: Alternatively, 75 minutes of intense exercise, such as running, interval training, or fitness classes, can also be beneficial.
- Combination of Different Activities: Combining aerobic exercise with strength training can lead to better results in weight reduction and physical fitness improvement.
Monitoring progress:
- Regular Weighing: Weekly weighing helps track progress and motivates continued healthy habits.
- Keeping a Food Diary: Recording consumed meals and drinks can help identify areas for improvement and maintain dietary discipline.
Scientific Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7604735/ (2020, Research and prospect of peptides for use in obesity treatment)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8526285/ (2021, Next Generation Antiobesity Medications: Setmelanotide, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and Bimagrumab: What do They Mean for Clinical Practice?)
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.122.029282 (2023, Role of Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Receptor Agonists in Achieving Weight Loss and Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes in People With Overweight and Obesity)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37203328/ (2023, Liraglutide versus semaglutide for weight reduction-a cost needed to treat analysis)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/ (2021, Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management)
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014 (2021, FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014)
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.html (2023, Losing Weight)