Peptide therapy is emerging as a promising new method for treating obesity and promoting weight loss. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. Certain peptides have been shown to regulate appetite, fat burning, and other metabolic processes when administered through injections. Some of the most researched peptides for weight loss include GHRP-6, ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and tesamorelin.
The main way peptides promote weight loss is by mimicking natural hormones and stimulating the release of hormones that regulate body weight and composition. For example, GHRP-6 mimics ghrelin, the "hunger hormone." By binding to ghrelin receptors, GHRP-6 can increase growth hormone levels and boost metabolism. Ipamorelin also binds to ghrelin receptors, but is more selective, resulting in fewer side effects. Meanwhile, CJC-1295 and tesamorelin increase growth hormone release by acting on its regulating hormone, GHRH. Higher growth hormone levels signal the body to break down and burn fat for fuel.
In addition, some peptides modulate the activity of other weight-regulating hormones. Tesamorelin, for instance, inhibits the release of grehlin to suppress appetite. AOD9604 is a peptide fragment of the fat burning hormone lipoprotein lipase, which helps stimulate fat breakdown.
Clinical studies on various peptides show promising weight loss and body composition improvements. A study on CJC-1295 showed obese subjects lost 1% body fat per week while maintaining muscle mass. Ipamorelin helped overweight women lose 11% body fat over 12 weeks without changing diet in another trial.
Peptide therapy provides a targeted approach to fat loss without altering other hormone levels or disrupting metabolic health. The amino acids essentially send signals to rebalance and optimize the hormones controlling appetite, fat storage, metabolism and more. This differs from broadly suppressing hormone categories (like thyroid hormones) in indiscriminate ways that generate side effects.
During a peptide therapy program for weight loss, a customized peptide protocol will be prescribed by a hormone optimization specialist. The peptides will be injected subcutaneously, or under the skin, multiple times per day. Most courses of therapy range from 4 to 6 months. Strict adherence to the dosing schedule is critical for safety and achieving optimal results.
Along with peptide injections, practitioners may recommend optimizing nutrition, exercise, sleep and other lifestyle factors to support and maintain weight loss. Certain diet modifications, like a high protein intake, can amplify the fat burning effects of the peptides. Monitoring blood work and body composition changes during the program is key to fine tune the dosages over time.
Ultimately the right peptide stack, dosing, diet and lifestyle regimen can act synergistically to help patients finally overcome the most stubborn weight and fat loss hurdles. At Balance Hormone Center Hormone Optimization Clinic, our integrative providers develop fully personalized peptide therapy programs for lasting weight loss success. With a perfect safety profile and no downtime, peptides are revolutionizing non-invasive medical weight loss. To determine if you are a candidate for peptides, schedule a consult today.
