Sponsored Post: Research Overview: Peptides and Weight

posted on: Nov 20, 2023

Fat storage, body mass composition, adipose fat, obesity, have all been subjects of intesive scientific study. Since the development of synthetic peptides, new research avenues have been forged to determine what inroads, if any, peptides can make into our understanding of the production and reduction of fat cells.

Fat accumulation in adipose tissue may be combated by returning physiological parameters to baseline. Sometimes called “hacking physiology” or “hacking metabolism,” these terms don’t accurately describe what is happening. To maximize overall biochemistry, researchers can only operate within its current parameters. However, how they do this is subject to change based on their unique physiological makeup and objectives. Both established mechanisms and experimental methods for restoring physiological function are discussed here.

Adipotide Peptide

Studies suggest that Adipotide may induce lipolysis by directly killing off fatty tissue cells. It seems to function by preventing fat cells from receiving oxygen and nutrients. In 2011, experimental studies for Adipotide began in phase 1. Interestingly, reduced food intake has been hypothesized to accompany Adipotide-induced weight loss in monkey models. This is probably due to the already described lessening of leptin troughs.

AICAR Peptide

Short peptide AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) has been hypothesized to control insulin receptors and cellular responses in muscle. Mice studies have suggested that AICAR may lower insulin resistance by decreasing inflammation in fat tissue. The amount of GLUT-4 receptors in muscle also appears to be boosted. Similarly to exercise, the presentation of AICAR may have long-term impact potential.

AOD 9604 Peptide

The growth hormone fragment AOD 9604 has been hypothesized to increase fat metabolism and decrease insulin levels as suggested through animal model studies. Experimental studies conducted during Phase 2b suggested that it may have tripled weight reduction rates compared to placebo.

Epithalon/Epitalon Peptide

Research suggests that Epithalon may support the circadian rhythm function to progress normally by regulating sleep and wake cycles. The potential properties of Epithalon on sleep may enhance overall body composition, but this has nothing to do with weight reduction. This is because GH production is maximum at certain times throughout the night’s rest. Researchers speculate that Epithalon may aid in the fight against obesity by enhancing sleep quality and boosting the impact of GH release. Delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) is another peptide believed to have a similar action.

GHRH Analogs

Findings imply that a few peptides may act similarly to growth hormone-releasing hormone, potentially elevating GH levels to enhance muscle gain, bone density, and caloric expenditure. CJC-1295, Fragment 176–191, GRF, Modified-GRF, and Sermorelin have all been hypothesized to be such peptides. These peptides have also been speculated to aid heart health, slow aging, speed up wound healing, and even directly improve DNA health. GHRH analogs, notably Sermorelin, are the subject of intensive study because they may counteract the natural drop in GH levels associated with aging.

Tesamorelin peptide is now being studied in the context of obesity but is primiarly researched within the context of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin has been suggested to lower obesity by as much as 20% in experimental findings. 

Ghrelin Analogs

Investigations purport that several peptides may mimic ghrelin’s growth hormone-increasing impact. Hexarelin, Ipamorelin, GHRP-2, and GHRP-6 may all be examples of such peptides. Cancer cachexia, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and obesity are among the conditions studied within the context of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (ghrelin) stimulation. Current research interests center on the receptor and the peptides that activate it.

Liraglutide Peptide

GLP-1 analog Liraglutide has been speculated to reduce blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion. It has also been purported to decrease intestinal motility and delay gastric emptying. These characteristics decrease the pace at which carbs are absorbed in the gastrointestinal system, aiding in satiety and appetite suppression.

Melanotan 1 and 2 Peptides

Animal studies have suggested Melanotan and its analogs may affect energy balance despite being recognized for their potential to promote sexual arousal. Studies suggest that the melanocortin system is the medium via which these peptides may reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure. As suggested by studies, Melanotan 2 may help reduce daily caloric consumption through hormone signalling.

MOTS-c Peptide

Although MOTS-c is not a peptide that is studied for its potential to induce weight loss per se, it is included here because of its potential for energy balance. Researchers speculate that MOTS-c may function inside mitochondria to improve the impact of these cellular power plants. In rodent studies, MOTS-c appeared to have improved exercise capacity and reduced metabolic stress.

Semaglutide Peptide

Scientists propose that Semaglutide is a GLP-1 analog that may reduce blood sugar by causing the body to produce more insulin. Increased fullness, reduced appetite, and fewer spikes in blood sugar may be attributed to Semaglutide’s impact on gastric emptying and intestinal motility.

Tirzepatide Peptide

Tirzepatide, a manufactured counterpart of gastric inhibitory peptide, has been hypothesized to cause the pancreas to produce more insulin. Tirzepatide has been suggested in studies to decrease appetite insulin levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. Over six months, Tirzepatide appeared to have caused a 2.4% decrease in A1C levels in research models.

For more educational info about what peptides are, how they work, and where to buy them for your studies, click here.

References

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[vii] “Obesity and Inflammation: A Vicious Cycle.” https://www.endocrineweb.com/obesity-inflammation-… (accessed Sep. 17, 2023).

[viii] M. Lee Vance, “Growth Hormone for the Elderly?,” N. Engl. J. Med., vol. 323, no. 1, pp. 52–54, Jul. 1990, doi: 10.1056/NEJM199007053230109.

[ix] “Added Sugars,” www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-ea… (accessed Sep. 17, 2023).

[x] “The science behind intermittent fasting — and how you can make it work for you,” ideas.ted.com, Jul. 20, 2020. https://ideas.ted.com/the-science-behind-intermitt… (accessed Sep. 17, 2023).

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