Peptides for Weight Loss — Dosage Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of titration schedules, max doses, and trial efficacy across GLP-1 receptor agonists and supporting metabolic peptides.
Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.
Weight loss peptides include the FDA-approved GLP-1 family (semaglutide, tirzepatide), the late-stage triple-agonist retatrutide, and several adjunctive options with weaker evidence (AOD-9604, MOTS-c, 5-Amino-1MQ). Tesamorelin is FDA-approved specifically for visceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy. The matrix below compares typical dosing — for the GLP-1s, this means weekly maintenance after titration.
Side-by-Side Dosage Comparison
| Peptide | Status | Typical dose | Frequency | Route | Cycle | Best for | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | FDA-approved | 0.25 → 2.4 mg (Wegovy) | Once weekly | subQ | Continuous | First-line GLP-1 for weight management. Strong long-term safety record. | View |
| Tirzepatide | FDA-approved | 2.5 → 15 mg | Once weekly | subQ | Continuous | Greater weight loss effect than semaglutide on average. Dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism. | View |
| Retatrutide | Research-only — no human approval | 0.5 → 12 mg | Once weekly | subQ | Continuous (research) | Largest published weight-loss effect (~24% at 12 mg). Triple agonist; not yet FDA-approved. | View |
| Tesamorelin | FDA-approved | 2 mg | Once daily | subQ | Continuous (HIV label) or 12–26 week off-label cycles | Visceral fat reduction specifically. FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy; off-label for visceral fat. | View |
| AOD-9604 | Compounded (503A/503B) | 250–500 mcg | Once daily AM fasted | subQ | 12 weeks | Adjunctive use only. Phase 2b trial did not meet weight-loss endpoint vs placebo. | View |
| MOTS-c | Research-only — no human approval | 5–10 mg | 2–3× per week | subQ | 4–8 weeks | Experimental — preclinical metabolic regulation; minimal human data. | View |
Who this is for
Patients with BMI ≥ 30 (or ≥ 27 with weight-related comorbidities) under provider supervision. GLP-1 therapy works best as part of a sustained behavioral and dietary plan, not as a standalone intervention. Patients with type 2 diabetes have additional indication-specific options (Ozempic, Mounjaro).
Who should avoid
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN 2 syndrome, history of pancreatitis, severe gastroparesis, pregnancy or planning pregnancy within 2 months. For tesamorelin specifically, active malignancy is contraindicated. For research-only peptides (retatrutide compounded, MOTS-c, 5-Amino-1MQ), the lack of long-term safety data warrants extra caution.
Weight Loss & Metabolic Peptides Dosing FAQ
Both are FDA-approved for weight management. Tirzepatide produces greater average weight loss in head-to-head data, but the GI side-effect burden is generally higher at equivalent weight-loss tiers. Many patients start with semaglutide and switch to tirzepatide if response is inadequate.
Slow titration (4 weeks per step for both semaglutide and tirzepatide) is the single most important factor in tolerability. Skipping steps is the most common reason patients quit GLP-1 therapy. The early doses (0.25 mg semaglutide, 2.5 mg tirzepatide) are not therapeutic — they are tolerability doses.
Adding AOD-9604 or MOTS-c to a GLP-1 protocol is occasionally done but the evidence base is essentially non-existent. Stacking semaglutide with tirzepatide is not standard practice — the overlapping GLP-1 activation produces compounded GI side effects without proportional benefit.
GLP-1 therapy is designed for chronic use. Stopping leads to weight regain in most patients. Plan for indefinite maintenance or for a slow taper combined with sustained behavioral intervention.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.