Peptides are essential molecules that help your body function, but they’re also a key ingredient in weight loss treatments. Before you start a weight loss treatment, let’s take a look at what peptides are, how they work and what you need to consider when taking them. 

What are peptides?

Peptides are small chains of amino acids, which make up proteins in your body. They’re essential for growth and signalling between cells. Some peptides — including GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide — may help with weight management by helping you use fat for energy and reducing your appetite. 

How do peptides help with weight loss?

Peptides such as GIP and GLP-1 affect your blood sugar levels, which slows your digestion and reduces your appetite. This helps you use any glucose in your body for energy, and stops you storing it as fat. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide are peptides that effectively reduce your body weight. They mimic the GLP-1 hormone in your body, regulating blood sugar and suppressing appetite.

Top peptides for weight loss

GLP-1 receptor agonists are some of the most effective peptides for weight loss. They work by mimicking hormones in your gut, controlling your blood sugar and making you feel full, faster. Semaglutide and tirzepatide can help you lose up to 15–20% of your body weight on average.

Considerations and safety 

Before starting a weight loss treatment, it’s important to have a clinical consultation so you can get the right treatment for you. You need a prescription for a peptide treatment, and you need to check in with a clinician regularly to monitor your progress. 

GIP and GLP-1s can cause side effects like nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea, but they usually reduce after you adjust to each dose. If you experience them, our clinical team is on hand to support you. 

Interested in starting a peptide weight loss medication? Find out what treatment is suitable for you on our website.