Abstract
The global obesity epidemic has heightened interest in natural solutions, with anti-obesity peptides emerging as promising candidates. Derived from food sources such as plants, algae, marine organisms, and products like milk and eggs, these peptides combat obesity through various mechanisms but face challenges in production and scalability. The aim of this review is to explore their sources, mechanisms, measurement, and synthesis methods, including innovative approaches such as de novo synthesis, proteomics, and bioinformatics. Its unique contribution lies in critically analyzing the current state of research while highlighting novel synthesis techniques and their practical relevance in addressing commercialization challenges, offering valuable insights for advancing anti-obesity peptide development. Diverse methods for assessing the anti-obesity properties of these peptides are discussed, encompassing both in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, as well as emerging alternatives. The review also explores the integration of cutting-edge technologies in peptide synthesis with the potential to revolutionize scalability and cost-effectiveness. Key findings assert that despite the great potential of peptides from various food sources to fight against obesity and advances in their identification and analysis, challenges like scalability, regulatory hurdles, bioavailability issues, high production costs, and consumer appeal persist. Future research should explore the use of bioinformatics tools and advanced peptide screening technologies to identify and design peptides with enhanced efficacy and bioavailability, efficient and cost-effective extraction and purification methods, sustainable practices such as utilizing byproducts from the food industry, and the efficacy of products containing isolated anti-obesity peptides versus whole materials in clinical settings.