There’s a lot of discussion around peptides in the skincare space, but did you know that you can also utilize peptides for weight loss? Peptides naturally occur in the body, so they’re both safe and effective. Not only can they aid in helping you reach a healthy weight, but they also offer a variety of additional benefits for your overall health. Read on to learn about how you can utilize peptides to reach your goals.

 

What are Peptides?

Peptides are short strings of amino acids, similar to protein. You may have heard amino acids referred to as the “building blocks” of protein. The human body has thousands of peptides already existing inside. In treatments, like in skincare or for weight loss, we can use synthetic or natural peptides.

 

How Do Peptides Work?

While your body does produce its own peptides, applying additional peptides can have several benefits. This works because peptides essentially tell other cells to perform tasks, like a key that unlocks bodily processes. They can act as hormones, improve cell signaling, and, yes, play a part in weight loss. When we apply peptides in certain ways and formulations, we can target key areas we want to improve.

For example, we often see peptides in skincare because they can mimic the protein sequences in elastin and collagen. This stimulates the production of these proteins, which are key for giving skin a youthful, supple appearance.

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So why do we need to produce additional collagen and elastin? As we age, the body naturally slows down – including its production of many hormones and proteins. This is why, for example, our skin sags and wrinkles with age. Your body produces less and less collagen. It essentially becomes less effective at creating the things that keep us young. With peptides, we can boost the production of hormones to get desired results.

 

What is Peptide Therapy?

Peptide therapy refers to utilizing peptides via capsules, injectables, or protein powders to boost hormones. There are different types of peptides that can target different areas. For example, collagen peptide supplement powders focus on strengthening your skin, hair, and gut health. Others can boost human growth hormone, or HGH, to promote improvements in energy.

 

It’s worth noting that peptide therapy can help your body in different ways than vitamin supplements. While you might take a hair, skin, and nails multivitamin, your body must absorb those nutrients in capsule form. Oftentimes, our bodies can’t absorb all of the nutrients in these supplements due to solubility and other issues, so they exit via urine.

 

In comparison, peptides are essentially part of a protein, which means your body can absorb them more easily. Research also indicates that they are more easily utilized by the body, making them potentially more effective.

 

While you can purchase topical and oral peptide therapies over the counter, peptides via injectibles are prescribed and administered directly into the bloodstream subcutaneously by a doctor. This treatment can restore levels of peptides, stimulate cellular growth, and treat specific conditions.

 

Perhaps the best part of this therapy is how customizable it is. You can utilize peptides for weight loss, athletic performance, sleep, hair growth, and more. While it isn’t a one size fits all solution for any of these issues, peptides certainly can help in many areas of concern.

 

Do Peptides Help With Weight Loss?

There are a variety of peptides that can do different things in the body, and there are several that can specifically help with weight loss. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that weight loss is complex. Factors like diet, exercise, age, genetics, and lifestyle all play a role.

Peptides can certainly help you reach your weight loss goals, but they’re most effective when combined with improvements in other areas of your lifestyle. However, if you feel that you’re doing everything you can in terms of diet and exercise, peptides could help you shed those last few stubborn pounds.

 

How Do Peptides Help With Weight Loss?

Peptides can assist with weight loss in a variety of ways. For example, some peptides can boost the production of HGH. In doing so, you also experience increased strength and energy, which can improve your workouts and help you burn more calories. It can also help you recover faster.

Some peptides may even help decrease your body fat by accelerating the breakdown of fat cells. To understand these benefits, we can take a look at the individual peptides themselves.

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1. CJC 1295

CJC 1295 can be produced with or without DAC (Drug Affinity Complex). Both variations have a primary role in boosting protein synthesis. This helps muscle tissue growth in the body, which may help you lose weight through fat and increase lean body mass. In one study, people treated with CJC 1295 with DAC experienced improved protein synthesis, fat loss, and increased muscle mass.

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2. Ipamorelin

As a growth hormone secretagogue (a class of growth hormones), ipamorelin helps the body produce more endogenous growth hormones. As a result, people using this type of peptide therapy experience accelerated fat loss, as well as improvements to energy, mood, and sleep. It can generally be used for a short period of time to help improve body composition.

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3. MOTS-C

MOTS-C is a peptide derived from the mitochondria. Mitochondria are a key part of each and every cell, so this peptide can have a widespread impact on a cellular and systemic level.

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MOTS-C is also referred to as an exercise mimetic. It can promote resistance to metabolic stress, increase energy production, and can even help with neuroprotection. Studies show that it may reduce insulin resistance and diabetes.

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4. Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is shown to decrease adipose (fat) tissue in both men and women. There’s also evidence that it can reduce C-reactive proteins. Created in the liver, these proteins are related to inflammation and are associated with negative health effects. Studies show that tesamorelin can positively impact insulin resistance and, in healthy people, lower triglyceride levels.

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Peptides for Weight Loss and Beyond

It’s important to note that this is just the tip of the iceberg with peptides for weight loss. There’s also GHRP-6, tesofensine, and AOD9604. Not to mention the multitude of other peptides that offer other health-promoting benefits.

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Additional Benefits of Peptide Therapy

1. Boosts Energy

Peptides can improve your energy levels in several ways. First, they can aid with bodily processes, like fat oxidation. This is the breakdown of fatty acids, which allows the body to use them as fuel. It can also improve glucose uptake – since glucose is a primary energy source, this is key for increasing energy levels.

The healthy function of these processes can help lower the risk of obesity. Since obesity is linked with sleepiness and fatigue, this is another way that peptides inadvertently help you stay energized.

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2. Provides More Youthful Skin

Collagen is made up of three polypeptide chains and gives skin its bright, firm appearance. As we age, the body naturally produces less collagen, which leads to wrinkles and dullness.

Applying a topical peptide supplement can support collagen production in the skin, aiding in creating that youthful glow. Collagen can also improve your skin barrier, protecting you from bacteria and other toxins.

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3. Post-Workout Support

Thanks to their ability to boost HGH, peptides can aid in building muscle mass, which may also help you lose fat tissue. They can also increase your energy, stamina, and strength, allowing you to get more out of your workout.

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4. Improves Muscle and Joint Pain

Peptides have also been shown to aid in recovery and repair for tissue injuries via HGH production. While HGH does help build muscle, it is also involved in joint rejuvenation and aiding in the formation of new cells.

Combined, these factors can help you repair and recover after workouts. In particular, MGF, thymosin beta 4, IGF-1, and ipamorelin are all helpful peptides for regeneration.

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5. Balances Hormones

The wonderful thing about peptides is their ability to stimulate hormone production. Our bodies become less and less effective at essential bodily processes as we age, and that includes the production of some hormones.

For example, HGH is a natural hormone that we produce more of when we’re younger. While we may not necessarily need more of it as we age, a lack of the hormone can impact how we look and feel. Peptide therapy, with the help of a doctor, can help to balance out hormones depending on your needs.

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6. Enhances Memory and Brain Function

Peptides have become increasingly popular in recent years for improving cognition. Multiple studies show a positive correlation between the use of peptides and improved memory, brain function, and cognitive performance.

One study found that a newly developed peptide, NAP, could restore and protect brain cell functions. This could be effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or dementia.

There is also evidence, although it is limited, that neuropeptides can aid with the beneficial effects of physical activity. In one review, it’s noted that physical activity can positively impact brain health by releasing peripheral insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1). High IGF-1 is associated with improvements in cognition. It appears that neuropeptides, like galanin and ghrelin, could help mediate those benefits of physical activity.

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7. Boosts Sleep Quality

Hormones associated with neuropeptides play a role in sleep regulation. Changes in the activity of these hormones are associated with the development of sleep disorders.

This effect has been studied in males. The study notes that the interaction between the peptide growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) impacts sleep regulation. In particular, GHRH promotes growth hormone secretion while CRH promotes REM sleep.

When there’s a change to the balance between GHRH and CRH, we experience impaired sleep, as well as increased cortisol, depression, and aging. Put simply, peptides can help maintain a balance so that sleep remains normal.

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8. Supports Healthy Libido

Libido tends to drop as we age. There are many reasons this can happen, including hormone imbalance, sedentary lifestyle, erectile dysfunction, and more. There’s evidence that several peptides can aid in improving libido.

Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide related to sexual maturation, may help with female arousal. In a study completed on mice, researchers found that male mice activate neurons in females that produce kisspeptin. When released, this neuropeptide stimulates the secretion of GnRH, a hormone that is key for triggering female sexual cycles.

There’s also evidence that PT-141, another peptide, can help maintain or increase sexual energy, even as we age. Researchers find that the peptide can help regulate the body’s production of nitric oxide (NO). NO expands blood vessels, which allows blood to circulate. Blood also brings oxygen wherever it goes, which then can create an energy boost. In combination, these factors can improve sexual desire and performance.

For men, the blood flow allows for an erection. For women, one study showed moderate to high sexual desire following the treatment. Some women also reported positive results when attempting sex after treatment.

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9. Increases Mitochondrial Count

The mitochondria are considered the powerhouses of cells – they use oxygen to convert food into energy, literally powering your body. However, our cells age, deteriorate, and die.

Peptides can potentially help to fight these effects by boosting your mitochondrial count. This means your cells can continue to create and drive energy, allowing for proper function and protecting you from fatigue and chronic disease.

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10. Longevity

Ultimately, all of the above benefits can provide longevity. As we age, we expect to decline mentally and physically. Peptides can help improve both of these aspects. They can help boost cognition, plump the skin, promote better workouts, and aid in weight loss. The anti-aging benefits of peptides allow us to get around easier and enjoy healthier lives.

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Peptides for Weight Loss: New Developments

In June of 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new treatment for chronic weight management – the first of its kind since 2014. It’s called semaglutide, and it’s administered once per week.

Semaglutide works by mimicking glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that can target the parts of the brain that are in charge of regulating food intake and appetite. In trials, participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 6.2% to 12.4% of their initial body weight.

It’s important to note that this treatment is for people with chronic weight management issues, like those with type 2 diabetes. It cannot be taken in addition to other treatments, and doctor supervision is key.

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Weight Loss Programs, Health Coaching, and More at North Texas Pain Solutions

Whether you’re looking to utilize peptides for weight loss or not, getting rid of stubborn weight, especially as you age, is difficult. If you’re ready to take on a proactive approach and get expert help to lose weight once and for all, it’s time to call the Status Body Studio. We offer extensive weight loss programs that provide you with lasting results.

Ready to get started? Reach out today, 972-302-0703.