Appetite peptides

13 peptides tagged appetite. Each page carries the dosing reference, mechanism, evidence grade and references.

PeptideLab is an educational platform for learning about peptides. The information here is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and PeptideLab does not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Many peptides discussed have not been approved for human use by the FDA or other regulatory bodies. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decision.

  • Alpha-MSH

    Endogenous 13-residue POMC peptide that activates MC1, MC3, MC4 and MC5 receptors; injected, it changed human skin colour in a small 1961 study. Other effects are from animal models.

    Evidence: Preclinical

  • Cagrilintide

    Long-acting lipidated amylin analog that activates amylin and calcitonin receptors; once-weekly 0.3 to 4.5 mg cut body weight 6.0 to 10.8% at 26 weeks in a phase 2 trial (n=706).

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Ghrelin

    28-amino-acid stomach hormone and the endogenous GHS-R1a ligand; drives hunger, GH release and gastric motility in human infusion studies.

    Evidence: Clinical

  • GHRP-2

    Synthetic hexapeptide ghrelin-receptor agonist (pralmorelin, KP-102) that raised GH and food intake 36% in healthy men (n=7); approved in Japan as a single-dose GH-deficiency diagnostic (GHRP Kaken 100).

    Evidence: Clinical

  • GHRP-6

    First synthetic GH-releasing hexapeptide (Bowers 1984); raised GH dose-dependently and synergized with GHRH in normal men (n=18). Appetite and gut-motility effects are documented in rodents.

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Liraglutide

    Once-daily acylated GLP-1 analog; FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2010) and obesity (2014), with generics since 2024. In SCALE, 3 mg lost 8.4 kg over 56 weeks versus 2.8 kg on placebo.

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Mazdutide

    Oxyntomodulin-based GLP-1 and glucagon receptor dual agonist peptide; approved in China by the NMPA in 2025 for weight management and type 2 diabetes; 14.0% weight loss at 6 mg over 48 weeks in phase 3.

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Orforglipron

    Small-molecule, non-peptide oral GLP-1 receptor agonist; approved by the FDA in April 2026 as Foundayo for weight management after 72-week phase 3 trials (11.2% loss at the top dose).

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Retatrutide

    Investigational once-weekly agonist of GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors; in the 80-week TRIUMPH-1 phase 3 trial (n=2339), 12 mg gave 25.0% weight loss versus 3.9% with placebo.

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Semaglutide

    Acylated GLP-1 receptor agonist; FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2017) and obesity (2021). In STEP 1, 2.4 mg weekly gave 14.9% weight loss at 68 weeks versus 2.4% with placebo.

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Survodutide

    Glucagon and GLP-1 receptor dual agonist peptide (BI 456906); in phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1, 3.6 and 6.0 mg weekly cut body weight 12.2 to 13.0% vs 5.4% with placebo at 76 weeks.

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Tesofensine

    Small-molecule triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor, not a peptide. In a 24-week phase 2 trial (n=203), 0.5 mg daily gave 9.2% weight loss versus 2.0% with placebo plus diet.

    Evidence: Clinical

  • Tirzepatide

    Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2022) and obesity (2023). In SURMOUNT-1, 15 mg weekly gave 20.9% weight loss at 72 weeks versus 3.1% with placebo.

    Evidence: Clinical

Other categories