With many peptide skincare products introduced to the market, peptide therapy comes to the minds of many as a game changer for youthful skin. But did you know that the benefits of peptides can go beyond a flawless skin look?
Smaller chains of amino acids, or peptides, are a groundbreaking alternative that helps people manage and lose weight more quickly, especially when conventional weight-loss methods like exercise and diets don’t work for them. Read on to learn about the role of peptides in weight loss and overall health.
The Incredible Benefits Behind Peptides for Weight Loss | Which is Right for You?
What Is A Peptide?
A peptide is a less complex structure of proteins with the chemical makeup of one or more amino acids, with anywhere between 2 and 50 acids. These amino acids stick together by a bond called a peptide bond.
It can be understood that a peptide is a smaller version of a protein. Many strings of amino acids form a polypeptide chain. Four polypeptide chains are linked together to create a protein. A protein can break down into peptides when in contact with enzymes in the stomach.
There are two groups of peptides: endogenous peptides and exogenous peptides. Although the body naturally produces endogenous peptides, they can be found in various plant and animal foods, such as beans and fish. In recent years, people have had more choices in peptide sources, as peptides are fortified into supplements, medications, and cosmetics.
The body has 7,000 types of peptides, each responsible for different biological processes. That’s why you can find many types of peptide therapy for different health conditions and health goals, such as inflammation reduction, weight loss, anti-aging, immunity boosting, and so on.
Peptide Therapy: What Is It & How It Works
Although peptides are naturally produced by different body cells, many factors, including aging and pollution, can cause insufficient peptide production. As peptides are essential building blocks of internal systems that support optimal bodily functions, peptide therapy is invented and developed to help the body restore the missing peptides or recover peptide potency, stimulating cellular regrowth systems.
Peptide therapy is emerging as a novel treatment because the body can better consume peptides than regular proteins. Though proteins are essential for the growth and repair of the body throughout a lifetime, the molecules are too big. It means the body can only receive essential nutrients after a lengthy digestion process.
Peptides, on the other hand, are an ideal alternative to regular proteins – the simple structure for a speedy breakdown of base amino acids that the body needs. Plus, the body can absorb peptides more efficiently due to their smaller size. When in the body, peptides send signals to the cells, instructing them what to do.
That explains why we can apply peptide creams onto the skin but not with proteins. In addition to topical products, subcutaneous injections are another way to introduce peptides to the body.
What Can Peptides Do About Weight Loss?
Overweight, or obesity, is a public health concern affecting many nations. Assisting in weight loss is a remarkable application of peptides following increasing cases of obesity in recent years.
Metabolism is an intricate system that affects your waistline. Our metabolism is fast at young ages, meaning the body breaks down foods and converts them into energy faster. A sufficient metabolic system explains why it is much easier to maintain a slim figure in our 20s, even if we consume lots of calories. However, the system slows down with increasing age by up to 3% per year, leading to a common scenario where adults start putting on more weight after certain ages, typically around 30.
Exercise is a great way to activate growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which helps release another beneficial hormone for weight loss: human growth hormone (HGH). HGH is crucial for weight loss as it boosts fat utilization and regulates blood sugar levels. However, like other hormones, GH levels are prone to decline over time. As a result, losing weight can be a hassle amid the low levels of weight loss hormones like GH, regardless of how much time you spend on the treadmill.
What is the mechanism of peptides for weight loss? When they enter the body, these amino acid fragments can act as proteins to execute several essential biological processes within the body. Some peptides are known to have the ability to burn fat cells. Others can help enhance metabolism levels, and a couple of others aid in the release of weight-benefiting hormones. Peptides for weight loss are available in injections and oral form.
Top 3 Peptides for Weight Loss
Three main peptides that support your weight loss journey include:
- CJC 1295/Ipamorelin is the most studied peptide for weight loss with high efficacy and guaranteed safety. Patients can inject the peptide at home 90 minutes after the last meal, 5 days in a row, and then take a break for 2 days. The result shows after 3 months of use. CJC 1295/Ipamorelin aids in the release of growth hormone, ultimately leading to increased muscle growth, increased fat-burning rates, and improved immune function. This peptide can also benefit others with poor sleep, low energy levels, and blemished skin.
- Tesamorelin is approved by the FDA for melting stubborn belly fat. The peptide is believed to be more potent than Ipamorelin in triggering growth hormone release, making it an ideal candidate for individuals with high-fat accumulation.
- MOTS-C can have a profound impact on a cellular and systemic level as it is derived from the mitochondria. The peptide is associated with weight loss by promoting metabolic rates and increasing energy production. In some cases, it can protect the nervous system against damage. In overweight people at high risk of diabetes, MOTS-C may reduce insulin resistance, preventing diabetes in the long run.
Peptide Therapy: The Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Peptide therapy using strings of amino acids has been proven effective in addressing, managing, and treating a host of health concerns as follows:
- Slow recovery process
- Decreased energy levels or chronic fatigue
- Low levels of mitochondria
- Chronic inflammation (arthritis and joint pain)
- Brain fog or memory issues
- Decreased bone formation rates
- Slow metabolism and weight gain
- Unstable blood pressure or blood sugar
- Fluctuating hormone levels
- Sexual dysfunction
- Signs of aging
- Sleep disorders
- Blemished skin (acne, scars, wrinkles, loss of elasticity)
- Hair loss or thinning
Peptides for Weight Loss: Safety
Peptides are generally safe for various treatments. However, beware of the following side effects if you use peptide injections for weight loss, including:
- Heartburn
- Feeling of fullness
- Bad taste in the mouth
Other than that, peptide injections may give rise to unserious skin reactions, such as itchiness, rashes, swelling, and redness around the injection site.