Muscle building injections are sensation. “Literally everyone is asking about it”

Peptides are so ubiquitous that it is difficult to define. Prescription drugs such as Ozmpic or Mounjaro are also peptides. Just like insulin. Peptides are found in face creams, hair products, luxury serums that reduce wrinkles and stimulate collagen. Even a popular creatine conditioner is a peptide.

Added to this are the so -called gym injectionswhich are to increase muscle mass, burn fat, stimulate testosterone and accelerate regeneration.

The demand for peptides exploded, especially among biohackers and longevity enthusiasts. In places such as Beverly Hills, San Diego, Silicon Valley or Manhattan, patients are increasingly asking doctors: “Should I try peptides?”

Many doctors do not know what to answer, because there is not much solid scientific evidence of the effectiveness of these substances. In addition, the FDA is increasingly limiting the sales and production of peptides.

How do peptides work?

Unlike most tablets Peptides function somewhere between the drug and the natural substance of the body.

Peptides are amino acid chains that stimulate the body's natural processes. Depending on the construction, they can affect hormones, improve fertility, reduce inflammation, remove visual fat, support muscle structure, and even improve sleep sleep or brain health.

“Peptides are great because they imitate the body of the body,” says Dr. Comite, who has been working with them for over 30 years, starting with NIH research (National Institutes of Health).

Most peptides are too unstable to give them orally, which is why they usually have the form of a transparent fluid and are injected with a thin needle under the skin at home.

Their popularity results from their perception as “natural” products – unlike steroids, Peptides are only to stimulate the body to act, not “cheat” it.

For example, taking growth hormone is associated with the risk of type 2 cancer and diabetes. Instead, you can inject a peptide that will stimulate your own body growth hormone.

“Theoretically, the body will not produce any more hormone than it is able,” says Dr. Sajad Zalzala, a longevity doctor from Agelessrx. – It's like a safety valve. At least in theory.

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Peptides “Gym Bro” – gym favorites

One of the most popular peptides among gym fans and longevity BPC-157known as “Wolverine injection”due to the alleged ability to quickly regenerate and heal wounds-like Logan from the X-Men.

BPC means “body protection compound”. It was originally discovered in stomach juice. Its use in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, but athletes love him for anti -inflammatory properties, circulation improvement and regeneration.

Other popular peptides:

• Tesamorelin – prescribed to patients with HIV for reducing abdominal fat;
• Sermoreline – is to improve sleep and regeneration;
• CJC-1295 + ipamorelin – A duo often used together for better muscle growth.

On Reddit and YouTube websites, people describe how “Stack” Peptides, i.e. they combine several different to strengthen the effects.

FDA limits access to peptides

Peptides can be obtained in the US clinics, aesthetic medicine salons or cheaper – on the Internet.

They are more and more often bought Products with a label “only for research”which are not officially intended for use in humans. This is because FDA exacerbates control Above the peptides – in 2022, the agency had a list of four peptides banned for sale in the “composed” version (i.e. created in pharmacies). In 2023 there were already 26 of them.

Dr. Comite says that this situation worries her – has a growing problem with access to liquid BPC-157. He also uses it in the form of slices – e.g. for injured calf muscles.

– I use it almost every day. Great for joints and injuries – in microdaws – he explains.

In turn, Dr. Zalzal, who usually does not rewrite peptides, recently ordered BPC-157 for his wife after a knee injury. “My wife says it works, although it is hard to confirm without solid research,” he says.

President of VF Corporation, Bracken Darrell (patient Comite), also praises BPC-157. When he broke the meniscus, he began to use it several times a week.

– It's hard to say if it's thanks to the peptide, but it didn't hurt. I returned to the pitch, and many people don't play after such an injury – he argues.

Experts: Be careful with peptides

Even doctors who work with peptides warn: People overdo it.

– You need to know the source and be sure that the product is active – says Dr. Comite. – It's not like buying tools in a supermarket that you will fix something yourself – he adds.

Still Solid clinical trials are missing – Most of the evidence comes from patients' relationships, animal research and several small experiments from decades ago.

– People want peptides because they are not from Big Pharma, they are not mainstream, so they must be better than these “nonsense” medicines – says Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and longevity expert. – But where is the data? – he asks rhetorically.

For people who already use peptides, experts have two advice:

Dr. Comite urges patients to start slowly. A common mistake of people who dose medicines themselves is to think that “since a small dose is good, a high dose must be better.” That's not true.

– Taking megadaches of tesmorelin in combination with testosterone causes organ hypertrophy – emphasizes the expert. Sometimes he sees a vulnerable gym with a protruding belly and wonders if it is because of the enlarged liver or spleen.

Dr. Zalzala admits that his company considered introducing peptides to the offer, but … there are simply too many of them and it is difficult to assess which they really work.

In the meantime – the most effective ways to longevity and good form are still trivial:

• eat a lot of fiber and protein,
• exercise (at least 2 times a week with weights),
• Limit (and preferably eliminate) sweetened drinks and juices.

It still works best.