the research deskevery row graded in a published reportreviewed 24 aug 2026not medical advice
The answer, first
The answer, first. The separation on this goal is the widest on the site. Tirzepatide holds an approval for obesity with phase 3 evidence behind it.
Tesamorelin holds an approval for visceral fat in one population and its label states it is not indicated for weight management. Retatrutide has the largest published number and no approval anywhere. Everything else sold for fat loss sits at D or E.
How we graded
One ladder for the whole field. A peptide sits on it beside a habit, a procedure and an approved drug, and is graded on the same terms.
gradewhat it means
ARandomized human evidence with the endpoint in question, replicated or regulator-accepted
BRandomized human evidence with a related or intermediate endpoint
CHuman evidence that is uncontrolled, underpowered, or in a population that does not transfer
DAnimal, mechanistic or community evidence only
ENo human outcome data exists yet
The ranked field
Every grade below was assigned in a report already published on this site, and every row links to it. No grade is created on this page.
#intervention · type · gradewhat the best evidence actually shows
01TirzepatideGIP and GLP-1 agonist · obesitygradeA · approvedSURMOUNT-1, phase 3, roughly 20.9% mean weight reduction at 72 weeks. Approved for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Read the report →
02Tesamorelin, for visceral fat in HIV lipodystrophyInjectable · GHRH analoguegradeA · approved412 adults, 26 weeks, CT-measured visceral fat down 15.2% against a 5.0% rise on placebo. The label states it is not indicated for weight management. Read the report →
03RetatrutideGIP, GLP-1 and glucagon agonist · obesitygradeB · strongRoughly 24% mean weight reduction at 48 weeks in a phase 2 of 338 people. The largest published number in the class. Approved nowhere. Read the report →
04SemaglutideGLP-1 agonist · obesitygradeBSTEP 1, phase 3, roughly 14.9% at 68 weeks. The DXA substudy put the lean share of weight lost near 39%. Read the report →
05Tesamorelin for abdominal fat in healthy adultsInjectable · GHRH analoguegradeDNo trial. The community record is specific and recurrent but self-selected, and the largest reported changes come with calorie restriction, daily cardio or a concurrent GLP-1. Read the report →
06AOD-9604 and the GH fragmentsInjectable · hGH fragmentgradeDEarly human trials without a meaningful fat-loss result. Graded D on the whole-field ladder. Read the report →
07MOTS-cInjectable · mitochondrial-derived peptidegradeDMouse evidence for prevention of diet-induced obesity. No completed human outcome trial. Read the report →
08MOTS-c for fat loss in humans, specificallyInjectable · mitochondrial-derived peptidegradeEThe first registered human phase 2a measures insulin sensitivity, weight and waist, and has posted no results. Read the report →
What this page is
A doorway, not a recommendation.
Most people arrive at this market with a goal rather than a compound name. This page exists so that arriving with a goal does not mean arriving at a sales page.
Everything on it is ranked by what the published human record supports for that goal specifically, which is why habits and approved drugs finish above research peptides on most of these lists.
Nothing here is a recommendation to obtain or use any compound, and no dose appears anywhere on this site. Where a grade is low it is because the file is thin, and a thin file is a reason to be careful rather than a reason to try harder.
This page is for research and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Speak to a qualified clinician before making any decision about your health.