Glossary
Explore commonly used research peptide terms and definitions.
Agonist
An agonist is an agent (drug or chemical substance) that interacts with a specific cellular constituent (ie, receptor) and elicits an observable positive response.
Appetite Suppressant
A substance that reduces appetite, often used to help with weight loss. GLP-1 acts as a natural appetite suppressant.
BMI (Body Mass Index)
BMI is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height that is used to assess whether they are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. It is used as a screening tool for potential health problems.
Bacteriostatic Water
Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic preparation of water for injection containing 0.9% (9 mg/mL) of benzyl alcohol added as a bacteriostatic preservative. It is supplied in a multiple-dose container from which repeated withdrawals may be made to dilute or dissolve drugs for injection
Batch
A specific manufactured or formulated quantity or lot of test, control, or reference substance, that has been characterized by source, identity, purity, composition, stability, and solubility (if appropriate)
Calorie Deficit
A calorie deficit occurs when you consume fewer calories than your body needs for energy. This is necessary for weight loss, as the body burns stored fat to make up the difference.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
These are medications that mimic the action of GLP-1 in the body. They help with weight loss and blood sugar control by reducing appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity.
Glucagon
Glucagon is a hormone that works opposite to insulin. It helps raise blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the blood.
GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1)
GLP-1 is a hormone produced in your intestines that helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and promote insulin secretion. It plays a key role in controlling your body’s hunger signals and energy balance.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels. It can occur in conditions like diabetes when the body doesn’t properly regulate glucose.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels. It can happen when blood sugar drops too low, often due to medication, skipping meals, or exercise without proper glucose intake.
Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity refers to how effectively the body responds to insulin. Better insulin sensitivity means the body can use insulin more effectively, lowering blood sugar levels.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps your body use or store sugar (glucose) from the food you eat. It helps control blood sugar levels.
Metabolism
Metabolism refers to the chemical processes in the body that convert food into energy. It influences how quickly you burn calories and fat.
Peptide
A peptide is a small protein. GLP-1 is a peptide hormone that plays a role in regulating blood sugar, hunger, and insulin production.
Retatrutide (GLP-3)
Retatrutide is a peptide drug that helps with weight loss by interacting with multiple hormone receptors that control appetite, energy expenditure, and blood sugar regulation. It works by suppressing appetite, improving insulin sensitivity, and potentially increasing fat burning.
Subcutaneous Injection
A type of injection given just under the skin, often used for medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists. These are typically administered with a small needle, often in the stomach or thigh area.
Satiety
Satiety is the feeling of fullness after eating. GLP-1 helps increase satiety, which can help reduce the desire to eat more and aid in weight management.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist. The exact mechanism of GIP as it relates to weight loss is thought to enhance the anorexigenic effect and tolerability of the GLP-1 agonist component.
Weight Loss Plateau
A weight loss plateau occurs when a person stops losing weight despite continuing their diet and exercise routine. This can happen after initial success and is often a result of the body adjusting to new habits.
