Peptide therapy is gaining popularity among people looking to build muscle, recover from injuries, and improve sleep. Some men are even walking into doctor’s offices asking for it by name, says Dr. Jesse Mills, director of the Men’s Clinic at UCLA Health.
Peptides are small chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up proteins. Some are natural, like insulin, while others are lab-made, like semaglutide, used in drugs like Ozempic. A growing number of synthetic peptides are being promoted online and in fitness circles, often without FDA approval.
Popular names include sermorelin, which may boost growth hormone, and BPC-157, nicknamed the “wolverine peptide” for its reported healing powers. But doctors warn: the science behind these peptides is still weak.
“There’s not enough human research yet,” said Dr. Mills. “People need to know the difference between podcast hype and proven treatments.”
Some small studies show promise — like using BPC-157 to reduce knee pain — but the sample sizes are too small to be conclusive. And many peptides are banned in professional sports.
Doctors like Dr. Larry Lipshultz say they might use peptides alongside approved medications, but never alone. The risks, proper doses, and long-term effects remain unclear.
Experts agree: more research is needed before peptide therapy becomes a trusted tool in medicine.
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