Peptides Studied for Metabolic Health
Metabolic health is distinct from weight loss. While GLP-1 agonists dominate the weight loss conversation, the peptides on this page target underlying metabolic mechanisms — insulin sensitivity, lipodystrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and liver disease.
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and has emerging data for NAFLD/NASH and cognitive function. Elamipretide (SS-31) made history in 2025 as the first FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted peptide, approved for Barth syndrome. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide with impressive preclinical data as an 'exercise mimetic' but essentially zero human evidence. Retatrutide, Eli Lilly's triple agonist, also appears in the weight loss category but its metabolic effects — particularly on liver fat and insulin sensitivity — extend beyond body weight.
The evidence range here is wide: from FDA-approved drugs with robust clinical data to research compounds with only animal studies. The profiles below make those differences clear.
Tesamorelin
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analog (Egrifta)
An FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The only GHRH analog still FDA-approved. Emerging data for cognitive function and NAFLD/NASH.
Elamipretide
Mitochondria-Targeted Peptide (SS-31 / FORZINITY)
The first FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted peptide. Granted accelerated approval for Barth syndrome in September 2025. Phase 3 trials ongoing for dry AMD and primary mitochondrial myopathy. A landmark for the mitochondrial peptide class.
MOTS-c
Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide discovered in 2015 that's been called an 'exercise mimetic.' Strong mechanistic story and impressive mouse data — but essentially zero human clinical evidence yet.
Retatrutide
Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor Agonist (LY3437943)
Eli Lilly's next-generation triple agonist in Phase 3 trials. Up to 28.7% weight loss (TRIUMPH-4) and A1C reductions of up to 2.0% in T2D (TRANSCEND-T2D-1). ~1,780 participants across five trials.