Journal September 27, 2026 5 min read

Which peptides are studied in relation to thermogenesis?

A research-supply catalogue summary of peptides and related compounds investigated for thermogenic mechanisms, including FSTL1, mazdutide, and GIPR-targeting agents, with study models and evidence levels.

peptides-pro Editorial

In the research literature, peptides studied in relation to thermogenesis include follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1), a secreted adipokine, and the dual GLP-1R/GIP receptor agonist mazdutide. FSTL1 is a glycoprotein of approximately 35 kDa, while mazdutide is a synthetic peptide with a sequence not provided in the evidence. Other compounds such as sulforaphane, canagliflozin, forskolin, and EGCG have also been examined for thermogenic effects, though they are not peptides. The work centres on pathways involving adipose tissue browning, sympathetic nerve crosstalk, and gut-hormone receptor signalling.

FSTL1 is an adipokine that has been shown to be essential for white adipose tissue (WAT) adipogenesis, brown adipose tissue involution, and thermogenesis [2]. Mazdutide is a dual GLP-1R/GIP receptor agonist under clinical investigation for metabolic conditions [1]. The receptor families most implicated are the GLP-1 and GIP receptors for mazdutide, and the adipose-sympathetic nerve axis for FSTL1.

Research Studies

FSTL1 and white adipose tissue browning in male mice

In male mice at ambient room temperature, overexpression of FSTL1 induced WAT browning, enhanced energy metabolism, and promoted glucose uptake [2]. Overexpression specifically in WAT prevented metabolic dysfunction in mice with diet-induced obesity, while FSTL1 deficiency led to cold intolerance and increased susceptibility to obesity [2]. The authors noted that FSTL1 cannot directly induce browning, suggesting an indirect mechanism involving sympathetic nerve crosstalk [2]. This evidence is animal-only.

Mazdutide and thermogenesis in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD

A multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled investigator-initiated trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of switching to mazdutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and moderate-to-severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who have achieved glycemic control [1]. The study focuses on Chinese patients with T2DM, who are susceptible to visceral fat accumulation, and in whom metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is highly prevalent [1]. Thermogenesis is not a primary endpoint in the available description; the trial assesses glycemic control and liver-related outcomes [1]. This evidence is from a clinical trial protocol.

GIPR agonism and antagonism in obesity pharmacotherapy

A review of GIPR-targeting approaches discusses how GLP-1R agonists produce weight loss and glycemic improvements but are limited by gastrointestinal adverse effects [4]. The clinical success of dual GLP-1R/GIP receptor agonists has renewed interest in GIPR modulation, with both agonism and antagonism being explored to expand the therapeutic window [4]. Thermogenesis is not directly addressed in the excerpt; the focus is on metabolic efficacy and tolerability [4]. This is a review article.

Sulforaphane and adipose tissue thermogenesis in obesity models

A narrative review evaluated sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate from broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties in obesity [3]. The review covers mechanistic insights, preclinical evidence, and clinical perspectives, but the available excerpt does not specify thermogenic outcomes [3]. This evidence is from a review.

Canagliflozin and adipocyte thermogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells

Canagliflozin (CANA) promoted 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and enhanced lipid mobilization and thermogenesis through AMPK/autophagy-dependent mechanisms [9]. This finding is from in vitro cell culture and is marked as reference only.

Forskolin and de novo beige adipogenesis in adipose stem cells

Adipose stem cell-targeted local delivery of forskolin induced de novo beige adipogenesis and adipose tissue browning in a model of obesity [10]. This approach aims to combat obesity by promoting beige adipocyte differentiation from adipose-derived stromal/stem cells [10]. This finding is from preclinical research and is marked as reference only.

EGCG and BAT-independent thermogenic switch in subcutaneous adipose tissue

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) triggered a BAT-independent thermogenic switch and remodeled the immune microenvironment in subcutaneous adipose tissue in a model of obesity [11]. This suggests a mechanism that does not rely on brown adipose tissue activity [11]. This finding is from preclinical research and is marked as reference only.

Time-restricted feeding and HIIT on thermogenesis-related proteins in diabetic rats

In diabetic rats, time-restricted feeding and high-intensity interval training were evaluated for their independent and combined effects on thermogenesis-related protein abundance in white adipose tissue [12]. The study used forty male Wistar rats divided into normal and diabetic groups [12]. This evidence is animal-only and is marked as reference only.

Systemic vibration therapy and thermogenesis in adults with obesity

A clinical trial evaluated the effects of systemic vibration therapy (SVT) on thermogenesis, cardiovascular parameters, endocrine-inflammatory markers, and physical-functional performance in adults with obesity [5]. The study compared vertical and side-alternating vibrating platforms to a placebo group [5]. This evidence is from a clinical trial protocol.

Diet-induced thermogenesis and caloric intake

A clinical study investigated how increasing caloric intake affects diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) and 24-hour energy expenditure in healthy adults [6]. Participants received eight different diets during a 35-day inpatient stay [6]. This evidence is from a clinical trial protocol.

Postprandial gut hormones and meal-induced thermogenesis in type 1 diabetes

A study compared postprandial responses to a test meal between subjects with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls, including gut hormone levels and meal-induced thermogenesis [7]. This evidence is from a clinical trial protocol.

Long-term weight loss and meal-induced thermogenesis

A study examined postprandial gut-hormone secretion and meal-induced thermogenesis in surgically managed obese individuals compared to conservatively managed obese patients [8]. This evidence is from a clinical trial protocol.

If you are reading this for personal health reasons

The compounds mentioned here are sold for laboratory research only. We do not provide dosing or medical guidance. Anyone considering a compound for themselves should speak to a licensed clinician.