The peptide boom is under scrutiny as the FDA weighs easing restrictions on several drugs in the category.Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins, have gained popularity among wellness influencers and fitness gurus as a means of building muscle, healing injuries or appearing younger.Similar to how GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can signal other functions, like the release of growth hormones.SUPPLEMENT SOLD AT GAS STATIONS SPARKS HEALTH FEARS AS PEOPLE REPORT ADDICTION SYMPTOMSBut unlike GLP-1 drugs — which were extensively studied and regulated — many peptides lack comparable evidence and oversight, said New York endocrinologist Dr. Philip Rabito, adding that some are "not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality before marketing."Peptides under FDA review, including BPC-157, are often marketed for tendon and gut healing, injury recovery and inflammation reduction, despite warnings about the risks of unapproved treatments.Even as regulators consider loosening restrictions, the market has been widely described as a "Wild West," with various versions sold online without a prescription.In an interview with Fox News Digital, board-certified internist and longevity expert Dr. Amanda Kahn, who prescribes peptides in her own New York practice, confirmed that interest has grown "significantly" across the U.S.Peptides are popular because they "sit at the intersection of wellness optimization and medicine," according to the doctor.STUDY COMPARES ZEPBOUND AND WEGOVY FOR WEIGHT LOSS IN DIRECT COMPARISON"As a class, they are targeted biosimilar molecules that can influence specific pathways like inflammation, recovery and metabolism in a way that feels more biologically synergistic than traditional pharmaceuticals," she said.Most patients spend a few hundred to thousands of dollars on these drugs per month, according to Kahn. Costs can be high because peptides are often custom-made and must meet strict quality and sterility standards."At the same time, patients today are far more proactive and invested in their health," Kahn added. "They’re not waiting to get sick; they want to feel better, recover faster and age more intentionally."CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT FOOD? EXPERTS POINT TO AN UNEXPECTED CAUSEPeptides have evolved rapidly from just a few years ago, when they were largely focused on weight loss, the expert said, with growing interest in energy, post-illness or injury recovery, muscle preservation and sleep quality.But these drugs are not one-size-fits-all, experts warn, especially when not prescribed by a professional or cleared by a reputable pharmacy.Experts shared the… [TheTopNews] Read More.
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