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The peptide boom is under scrutiny as the FDA weighs restrictions on several drugs in the category.
Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that act as protein layers, have gained popularity among health influencers and fitness gurus as a way to build muscle, heal injuries or look younger.
Similar to how GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can show other functions, such as the release of growth hormones.
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But unlike GLP-1 drugs – which are heavily researched and regulated – many peptides do not have comparative evidence and oversight, says New York endocrinologist Dr. Philip Rabito, adding that some “are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy or quality before marketing.”
Peptides under FDA review, including BPC-157, are often marketed for tendon and gut healing, injury recovery and inflammation reduction, despite warnings about the dangers of unauthorized treatment.
Similar to how GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can exhibit other functions, such as the release of growth hormones. (Stock)
Even as regulators consider loosening restrictions, the market has been widely described as the “Wild West,” with various versions sold online without a prescription.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, board certified internist and longevity expert Dr. Amanda Kahn, who explains the peptides in her work in New York, confirmed that the interest has grown “a lot” throughout the US.
Peptides are popular because they “live at the intersection of health promotion and medicine,” according to Dr.
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“As a class, they are targeted for biosimilar molecules that can influence certain mechanisms such as inflammation, recovery and metabolism in a way that feels more biologically synergistic than traditional drugs,” he said.
Many patients spend several hundred to thousands of dollars on these drugs per month, according to Kahn. Costs can be high because peptides are custom-made and must meet strict standards for quality and sterility.
Peptides are popular because they “live at the intersection of health promotion and medicine,” according to one doctor. (Stock)
“At the same time, patients today are more active and invested in their health,” added Kahn. “They don’t wait to get sick; they want to feel better, get better quickly and age on purpose.”
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Peptides have evolved rapidly since a few years ago, when they were mainly focused on weight loss, says the expert, with increasing interest in energy, post-illness or injury, muscle preservation and sleep quality.
But these drugs are not one-size-fits-all, experts warn, especially if they are not prescribed by a specialist or dispensed by a reputable pharmacy.
There is a growing interest in peptides to maintain more muscles and sleep quality, says the expert. (Stock)
Peptides dos and don’ts
Experts share the following guidelines for using peptides.
Use peptides within reason
Kahn recommends using peptides “for a clear, clinical reason, not just because it’s trendy.”
“Think of peptides as part of a comprehensive health plan, not a stand-alone solution,” he advises.
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Kahn said patients often come to her practice focused on weight or appearance, but a more in-depth examination may reveal issues such as inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, hormonal imbalances or lack of recovery.
“Both are aesthetic and medical, but the trend in my practice of internal medicine has always been to focus on specific health issues,” he added.
Do work with the clinic
Dr. Kent Bradley, chief medical officer at 10X Health in California, recommends approaching peptides with “curiosity and seriousness” and discussing the science with a doctor.
“Work with a doctor who provides a baseline of biomarkers before you introduce peptides,” he recommended during an interview with Fox News Digital. “You’ll need to know where to start to measure the impact.”
Experts recommend working with a doctor to find out which peptides are right for you. (Getty Images)
Find a reliable source
Peptides should always be purchased from “reputable compounding pharmacies with a prescription,” Kahn emphasizes.
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“Although they are powerful signaling molecules, if used correctly, they can be very safe and effective,” he said. “If used improperly, [with] wrong dosage, wrong indication or wrong availability, can be dangerous or ineffective.”
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He added, “The key is clinical supervision, appropriate selection and individualized use.”
The current peptide ecosystem — which includes unlicensed suppliers and “gray market” access — is “more dangerous than the molecules themselves,” Kahn warned.
It is important to use pharmacies that meet FDA regulations 503A or 503B to ensure consumer safety, said the expert.
Do not park peptides on purpose
Multiple peptides should not be combined without understanding how they interact with each other, and should not be injected as mixtures, Kahn cautioned.
Some products advertised as “natural” online may still have the potential to cause problems, an expert has warned. (Stock)
“Don’t treat them as harmless ingredients,” he said. “They are biologically active and should be used judiciously.”
“Peptides should be cycled, paused and retested – ‘don’t stop and quit.’
Don’t decide for yourself
Dose response and drug interactions require medical attention, and peptides should be prescribed by a doctor, according to Bradley. Some products marketed as “natural” may still have the potential to harm the body, he warned.
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Do not use them as a shortcut or substitute
The basic pillars of health, such as sleep, nutrition and exercise, must be addressed before using a peptide as a “shortcut” to fix health problems, Kahn said.
Bradley agreed, adding that “the same emotion that leads patients to unnecessary surgery leads them to complex peptide stacks where the real potential is increased and boring.”
Young people probably don’t need to take peptides to build muscle, according to fitness experts. (Stock)
Kenny Santucci, fitness expert and founder of Strong New York, shared with Fox News Digital that he takes peptides to build muscle — but noted that it’s not right for everyone.
Especially in young people, whose bodies are “already functioning at optimal levels,” peptides may not be needed, he said.
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“If you take care of yourself — if you eat well, sleep well, work out — you probably don’t need much,” he said.
“I think that as you get older, these things start to help a little bit, or if you’re suffering from an injury and you want to take something that will help repair the muscles faster, that’s good.”
