Peptide therapy has gone from a niche topic to a mainstream wellness trend. You may have seen BPC-157 promoted for recovery, CJC-1295 and ipamorelin for sleep and body composition, or NAD+ for energy. Some peptides are well-studied, FDA-approved medicines. Many others have far less evidence than their marketing suggests. This guide walks through the basics honestly so you can have an informed conversation with a provider.
What peptides are
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the same building blocks that make up proteins. Your body makes thousands of them, and many act as signals, telling cells to release hormones, repair tissue or regulate appetite. Insulin is a peptide. So are semaglutide and tirzepatide, the GLP-1 medications used for weight loss.
Because most peptides are broken down in the digestive tract, they are usually given as small injections under the skin, though some come as nasal sprays, creams or capsules.
FDA-approved versus compounded peptides
This distinction matters more than any other.
- FDA-approved peptides include GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound, tesamorelin (Egrifta) for reducing excess abdominal fat in certain adults with HIV, and bremelanotide (Vyleesi, also known as PT-141) for low sexual desire in premenopausal women.
- Sermorelin was historically FDA-approved for growth hormone deficiency in children, but the brand product was discontinued, and it is now generally available only through compounding.
- Compounded peptides such as BPC-157, CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are not FDA-approved. They have not gone through FDA review for safety, effectiveness or quality. The FDA has also raised concerns about several of these substances being used in compounding.
When a peptide is prescribed outside its approved use or as a compounded therapy, it is considered off-label or research-informed treatment. That can still be a reasonable choice for some patients, but it should be presented honestly.
Popular peptides and what the evidence says
BPC-157
BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide based on a protein found in stomach fluid. It is promoted for tendon, ligament and gut healing. Most of the supporting research comes from animal and lab studies, and high-quality human trials are very limited. Short-term human safety data exist but are sparse. Patients should understand that its benefits in people are not established.
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin
These are growth hormone secretagogues, meaning they encourage the pituitary gland to release more of the body's own growth hormone. CJC-1295 mimics growth hormone releasing hormone, and ipamorelin acts on the ghrelin receptor. Small studies show they can raise growth hormone and IGF-1 levels. Claims about fat loss, muscle gain, sleep and anti-aging effects are largely based on that mechanism rather than large outcome trials. Possible effects include water retention, tingling, joint aches and changes in blood sugar.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is another growth hormone releasing hormone analog with a longer clinical history. It is typically given as a nightly injection. Providers usually check baseline labs and monitor IGF-1 over time.
NAD+
NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in energy production inside cells, and levels decline with age. It is offered as injections, nasal sprays or oral precursors such as NR and NMN. Research in animals is intriguing, and human studies show that supplementation can raise NAD+ levels, but clear benefits for energy, weight or longevity in people have not been proven. Injections can cause flushing, nausea or cramping if given quickly.
PT-141 (bremelanotide)
Bremelanotide is FDA-approved as an as-needed injection for premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. It is also prescribed off-label for men and others. Nausea, flushing and temporary increases in blood pressure are common.
Questions to ask before starting a peptide
Before you begin any peptide, ask whether it is FDA-approved for your situation or prescribed off-label or as a compounded therapy. Ask what human evidence exists, not just animal or lab data, and what results would be considered meaningful for you. Find out which licensed pharmacy prepares it, how it is stored, how the dose is measured, and what side effects should prompt a call. Ask which labs will be checked at the start and how often they will be repeated. A trustworthy provider welcomes these questions and answers them plainly, including saying when the honest answer is that the evidence is limited. If anyone promises dramatic results from a peptide, treat that as a reason to slow down.
Who should be cautious
Peptide therapy is not appropriate for everyone. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with a history of cancer or active cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, certain heart conditions or pituitary disorders should be especially careful, particularly with growth hormone related peptides. A provider should review your history, current medications and relevant labs, and should explain the evidence and unknowns before prescribing anything.
Talk to a provider
If you are curious about peptides, the safest starting point is an honest conversation with a clinician who will tell you what is proven and what is not. At Fayetteville Weight Loss, you can get started online with a short questionnaire. A licensed provider reviews your goals and health history, discusses whether any option is appropriate, and prescribes only when it makes clinical sense. If prescribed, medication ships from a licensed US pharmacy.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not medical advice, so please speak with a licensed provider before starting any peptide therapy.
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