01 / HOW TO READ THE EVIDENCE
Not all research answers the same question.
Human trials can evaluate outcomes in people. Animal and laboratory studies can reveal mechanisms and generate hypotheses, but they cannot establish that the same outcome will occur in humans.
01Human randomized trialsControlled evidence in people
02Other human evidencePilot, observational or pharmacology data
03Animal researchBiological plausibility, not human proof
04Cell and laboratory researchMechanism-focused early evidence
METABOLICEstablished human evidence
Tirzepatide
Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
Human RCTs RobustHuman follow-up Available
Animal evidence AvailableMechanistic data Available
Large randomized Phase 3 trials have evaluated tirzepatide in adults with obesity, including participants with and without type 2 diabetes.
What this does not proveResults from defined trial populations do not establish outcomes for unapproved formulations, unidentified suppliers or use outside clinical supervision.
Selected published research +
SURMOUNT-1 - Phase 3 randomized trial NEJM, 2022 · PMID 35658024
SURMOUNT-2 - Phase 3 randomized trial Lancet, 2023 · PMID 37385275
METABOLICHuman investigational
Retatrutide
GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist
Human RCTs Phase 2+Long-term data Developing
Animal evidence AvailableMechanistic data Available
A randomized Phase 2 obesity trial provides meaningful human evidence. The compound remains investigational and its complete long-term benefit-risk profile continues to develop.
What this does not proveA successful Phase 2 trial is not FDA approval and does not validate products sold outside the sponsor's controlled clinical-development program.
Selected published research +
Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity NEJM, 2023 · PMID 37366315
GROWTH HORMONE SIGNALINGIndication-specific evidence
Tesamorelin
Growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue
Human RCTs MultipleHuman follow-up Available
Animal evidence AvailableMechanistic data Available
Randomized studies support tesamorelin for a specific clinical population and indication: reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
What this does not proveEvidence for one defined indication should not be generalized to bodybuilding, anti-aging or general weight-loss claims.
Selected published research +
Randomized placebo-controlled trial with extension JAIDS, 2010 · PMID 20101189
Visceral and liver-fat randomized trial JAMA, 2014 · PMID 25038357
RECOVERYPrimarily preclinical
BPC-157
Synthetic pentadecapeptide investigated in repair models
Human RCTs Not establishedOther human data Very limited
Animal evidence ExtensiveMechanistic data Available
The literature is dominated by animal and laboratory studies. Published human evidence is sparse, small and insufficient to establish clinical effectiveness or a comprehensive safety profile.
What this does not provePositive findings in rodents do not demonstrate healing, recovery or safety in humans. Popularity and anecdotal reports are not substitutes for controlled trials.
Selected published research +
Orthopaedic sports-medicine systematic review 2025 · PMID 40756949
Literature and patent review 2025 · PMID 40005999
03 / SOURCE STANDARD
What qualifies for inclusion?
Peer-reviewed publicationsIndexed journal articles with identifiable authorship and methods.
Registered clinical trialsTrial records are distinguished from completed, published results.
Regulatory documentsFDA labels, reviews, advisory materials and enforcement notices.
Transparent limitationsEvery file states what the evidence cannot currently establish.
