Peptide therapeutics are rapidly emerging as a promising class of interventions for obesity, driven by growing insights into their ability to modulate key biological processes such as appetite regulation, energy expenditure, and metabolic function. Unlike many conventional treatments, peptides offer high specificity and the capacity to engage complex hormonal and neuroendocrine pathways involved in energy balance.
Despite their promise, most current anti-obesity therapies demonstrate limited long-term effectiveness and sustainability. This highlights a critical need for novel, mechanism-based interventions that not only promote weight loss but also support long-term weight maintenance. Given the escalating global burden of obesity and its role in metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases, advancing peptide-based therapeutics holds substantial clinical and public health relevance.
This Research Topic seeks to explore the therapeutic potential of innovative peptide compounds in treating obesity. We invite original research, reviews, and perspectives that investigate how peptides influence appetite, thermogenesis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and overall energy homeostasis. Special emphasis will be placed on elucidating underlying mechanisms and evaluating preclinical and clinical outcomes that support the development of safe, effective, and durable anti-obesity treatments. GLP-1 single, dual, and triple receptor agonists can be included in the topic.
We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following areas:
• Mechanisms of action of peptides regulating satiety, hunger, and reward signaling.
• Interactions of peptide therapeutics with key metabolic pathways, including central and peripheral targets.
• Effects of peptides therapeutics on obesity related complications including diabetes, MAFLD, and MASH.
• Novel actions of GLP-1 single, dual, and triple receptor agonists.
• Efficacy and safety data from preclinical models and human trials.
• Comparative studies of novel peptide drugs versus existing obesity treatments.
• Innovations in delivery systems to improve peptide stability, bioavailability, and patient adherence.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Case Report
Clinical Trial
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Case Report
Clinical Trial
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Policy and Practice Reviews
Review
Study Protocol
Systematic Review
Technology and Code
Keywords: Peptide therapeutics, obesity, appetite regulation, energy expenditure, metabolic function, GLP-1 receptor agonists, weight loss, energy homeostasis, preclinical models, bioavailability
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
