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Weight Loss Peptides: The New Kid on The Fitness Block

Discover everything you need to know about weight loss peptides. Learn how they work, if they’re safe, and which ones are best for your body!

By Edna WebbPublished about a year ago 6 min read
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It almost goes without saying that people are obsessed with fitness. We are a society that is fixated on being thin and toned, and people go to great lengths to achieve our weight loss goals.

From fad diets to weight loss supplements, there's no shortage of products on the market that claim to help you shed pounds. But amidst all the noise, there's a new player that's starting to make some serious waves in the weight loss world: peptides.

What peptides (apart from semaglutide) have an effect on weight loss, and how do they work? Keep reading to find out.

What are peptides?

Before we zero in on weight loss peptides, it's important to understand what peptides are in general. Peptides are basically fragments of proteins that are bonded together by amino acids.

There are all sorts of peptides out there that perform a variety of functions in the human body. For example, some peptides act as hormones, while others help to regulate cell growth.

BPC-157, for example, is a peptide that's been shown to help heal wounds and repair damaged tissue. And then there's CJC-1295, which is often used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass.

As you can see, peptides can have all sorts of different effects on the human body. So it's no surprise that there are also peptides that can help with weight loss.

What are weight loss peptides?

Weight loss peptides are, simply put, peptides that can help promote weight loss. That said, it doesn't necessarily mean that all peptides are created equal when it comes to weight loss.

The mechanisms behind how weight loss peptides work can vary. Some weight loss peptides work by suppressing appetite, while others help to increase energy expenditure.

But the one thing that all weight loss peptides have in common is that they can help promote weight loss when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. Here are some of the most popular peptides associated with weight loss:

Semaglutide:

Semaglutide is a peptide that's been approved by the FDA for the treatment of diabetes. However, semaglutide has also been shown to be effective for weight loss.

One study found that semaglutide was associated with an average weight loss of 5.5% over a period of 68 weeks. That may not sound like a lot, but it's actually a significant amount of weight loss.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps to regulate appetite. When semaglutide is injected, it tricks the body into thinking that it's full, which leads to weight loss over time.

It should be noted that most studies on semaglutide have been done on people with diabetes. However, there's no reason to believe that semaglutide wouldn't be effective for weight loss in people without diabetes.

Ipamorelin:

Ipamorelin is a peptide that's often used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass. However, ipamorelin has also been shown to be effective for weight loss.

Ipamorelin works by stimulating the release of growth hormone, which can help to increase energy expenditure. This, in turn, can lead to weight loss over time.

In one study, people who were injected with ipamorelin lost an average of 4% of their body weight over a period of 12 weeks. Not bad!

CJC-1295:

Like Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 is a peptide that's often used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass. However, through its effects on weight loss, CJC-1295 can also help to promote weight loss.

The mechanism behind how CJC-1295 works is similar to that of ipamorelin. CJC-1295 stimulates the release of growth hormone, which can help to increase energy expenditure and lead to weight loss over time.

Of course, as with any weight loss peptide, CJC-1295 should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise for best results.

Pramlintide:

Pramlintide is another peptide that's been approved by the FDA for the treatment of diabetes. However, like semaglutide, pramlintide has also been shown to be effective for weight loss.

Pramlintide works by mimicking the hormone amylin, which helps to regulate appetite. When pramlintide is injected, it tricks the body into thinking that it's full, therefore leading to weight loss over time.

In one study, people who were injected with pramlintide lost an average of 5% of their body weight over a period of 16 weeks. Not too shabby!

How do weight loss peptides work?

Different weight loss peptides work in different ways. Here's a quick rundown of how these peptides can help you lose weight:

1. Decreased appetite:

Some weight loss peptides work by suppressing appetite. When these peptides are injected, they trick the body into thinking that it's full, leading to weight loss over time. Typically, they work by mimicking the hormones that regulate appetite, such as GLP-1 and amylin.

2. Increased energy expenditure:

Other weight loss peptides work by increasing energy expenditure. These peptides stimulate the release of growth hormone, which can help to increase metabolism and lead to weight loss over time. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are two examples of peptides that fall into this category.

3. Improved blood sugar control:

Some weight loss peptides also help to improve blood sugar control. This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes, as it can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

Semaglutide and pramlintide are two examples of weight loss peptides that help to improve blood sugar control.

How do you take weight loss peptides?

How you take peptides depends on what type of peptide it is. For example, peptides that come in powder form will need to be mixed with water before they can be injected.

On the other hand, peptides that come from an injectable solution can be injected directly into the skin without having to be mixed with water first.

Semaglutide, ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and pramlintide are all peptides that come in the form of an injectable solution. As such, they can be injected directly into the skin without having to be mixed with water first.

That said, it's always best to consult with a doctor before taking any weight loss peptide, as they can help you determine the best way to take it.

Read More: Peptide Injections for Weight Loss: The New Fat-Busting Tool?

What are the risks and side effects of weight loss peptides?

Generally speaking, weight loss peptides are considered to be safe. That said, as with any medication, there is always the potential for side effects.

The most common side effects associated with weight loss peptides include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own.

More serious side effects are rare, but they can still occur. These include allergic reactions, high blood pressure, and kidney problems. If you experience any of these side effects, it's important to seek medical help right away.

It's also important to note that some weight loss peptides are not regulated by the FDA. As such, they're not subject to the same safety and quality standards as other medications. Consult with a doctor before taking any weight loss peptide to make sure it's safe for you.

Conclusion

Losing weight is no easy feat. But weight loss peptides could give you the boost you need to finally reach your weight loss goals. These peptides work by suppressing appetite, increasing energy expenditure, and improving blood sugar control.

Talk to your doctor to see if weight loss peptides are right for you and your weight loss goals!

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