Peptides for Weight Loss: Things to Know

Peptides are amongst the products from amino acids that build proteins in the body. Therapeutic peptides are developed to target specific diseases like type 2 diabetes and HIV, and they are also a weight-loss drug.

In this article, we shall delve into the benefits of using peptides for weight loss, the best peptides that people can use and the side effects of the weight loss peptides.

Do peptides work for weight loss? 

Yes. Researchers who have been conducting their studies toward the utilization of peptide drugs have been left with substantial evidence that would make one lose weight.

More particularly, the class of medications that is defined by GLP-1 and its receptor agonist drugs are believed to aid in weight loss since they promote the release of insulin in due course in order to reduce blood sugar levels.

In addition, they also helps in suppressing appetite and facilitates an increased feeling of getting full. Which would lead to a general decrease in the portions of food that most humans eat leading to lesser bodyweight in long-run.

However according to such specialists, they would not suggest that peptides for the degradation and loss of weight will work for everyone since aspects like diet, the level of activity, the patient’s medical history, and their response to medications are far more influential than peptides.

What peptides work best for losing weight?

Currently, there exist many peptide drugs that are used for weight loss. 

The following were recently described by the Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome as the ‘second generation’ of anti-obesity drugs.

Your doctor has the best methods to advise you on the right one suitable for you and your medical needs.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is called the peptide drug of the moment. In addition to being an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes as a GLP-1 receptor agonist (brand name Ozempic), this medication is used as an anti-obesity drug (brand name Wegovy). It is FDA-approved and is administered by weekly injections.

The strength of response from this drug appears to be optimal before one year then stabilizes around week 60 of the program.

Liraglutide

Liraglutide which has the brand name Saxenda is the other GLP-1 receptor agonist but is only indicated for use in obesity. Scientists note that it decreases hunger levels and enables individuals stick with the weight they have lost for at least twelve months. This medication usually comes as a once daily injection.

One should keep in mind that both semaglutide and liraglutide are “significantly” effective weight loss drugs — however, many specialists state that semaglutide is even more cost–effective than liraglutide.

Tirzepatide

Another drug that has been used in controlling type 2 diabetes is Tirzepatide also known as Mounjaro which goes by the class of GLP-1 receptor agonist. A 72-week trial of tirzepatide in more than 2500 adults where participants were administered with doses between 5 mg and 15 mg of tirzepatide also suffered from significant, long-term weight loss relative to a placebo.

It is said to be used with the ability to treat diabetes and other weight loss drugs. Subcutaneous administration of the drug is done once a week to the patient. 

How much weight can you lose on peptides?

Weight reduction is unique depending on the individual and amount of the peptide given. 

In a clinical trial of Ozempic (semaglutide), participants dropped approximately 8.3 % of their body weight for the year whereas the control group only lost 2.2%. If one weighs 300 lbs, for instance, 8.3% of the body weight means a minus of 25 lbs.

Other reports found the following:

• Wegovy group patients achieved an average weight loss of 14.9 percent compared to the 2.4 percent of the placebo group over a 68 week period.
• Liraglutide users reduced their body weight by about 8% while the control subjects reduced their weight by 2.6% in a period of 56 weeks.
• Patients who consumed tirzepatide reported up to 15% decrease in their body weight by the time they completed a 72 week trial.

Adding peptides to physical activity is even more powerful. In one study on liraglutide, participants using liraglutide and exercising 150 min/week at moderate intensity or 75 min/week at vigorous intensity lost weight and body fat mass significantly twice of participants using only liraglutide.

Not only that, but adding exercise to their medications also enhanced their sensitivity to insulin, cardiovascular fitness and was conducive to their overall physical and mental health.

The roles of peptides do not stop at the efforts of reducing weight. These compounds are useful in order to gain muscles, gain mass density, and promote skin health since they increase collagen. This versatility makes peptides the center of ongoing research, especially in the field of holistic health and well being.

Additionally, peptides may help reduce some of the metabolic problems that people with obesity face. For example, it can affect lipid profile, and that means improved cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides. These effects can contribute a great deal in controlling cardiovascular risks that are characteristic of overweight clients.

Supplementing peptides with other regimes such as diet, exercise and behavior change therefore improves the overall effect. 

Other sources such as dieticians and fitness professionals can assist in additional advice when it comes to the combination of peptide treatments with lifestyle modifications that will give lasting results.

Can peptides for weight loss be purchased without a prescription?

All peptide drugs will require a prescription which makes them safe for human consumption. They are given either daily or weekly and can be presented in an injection format or taken orally.

Currently, Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved for use in the people who have a body mass index (BMI) in the obese category (a BMI of 30 or above) or people who are overweight (a BMI of 27 or above) who also have at least one weight-related health condition, including:

• high blood pressure
• type 2 diabetes
• high cholesterol

The other peptide drugs may have other uses and recommended dosage schedules. Consult with your doctor to find out if you need these drugs and if these are good for the kind of life you want to live.

What are the side effects of taking peptides for weight loss?

In general, peptides are considered to have limited side effects. A few side effects that are linked to the GLP-1 receptor agonists are related to the gastrointestinal system, they include nausea, constipation and diarrhea. These effects include symptoms that may be mild to moderate, and arise when dosages are elevated.

Some authors state that obese patients who reported GI side effects lose more weight than those with no GI problems.

Further, people experience some side effects such as redness, swelling or pain at the spot where the shots were administered. These should be prevented and their frequency reduced by proper administration techniques and by following the doctor’s instructions.

In addition, peptides can alter hormonal level that can cause difference in mood or energy level. These changes are generally only temporary; however, any lasting symptoms should be reported to a doctor. The peptide treatments also can react with other medications, so it is crucial to reveal complete medical history to the doctor.

More long term studies are still being conducted, and anyone interested in peptides ought to know that this is a developing field of research.

Other Factors to Consider When Using Peptide

It is, however important to note that peptides provide a good result when used in conjunction with a full change of lifestyle. Eating healthy foods, avoiding sweetening agents, consuming protein and fats, managing daily calories, taking regular exercise, and sleeping at night also enhance the functioning of peptide therapy. 

It is also good to talk about the issues of mental health while losing weight. Stress-reduction strategies, mindfulness, and therapy can control binge eating and epidemic adherence to weight-related behaviors.

Finally, the means of tracking improvement are via follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. This can then pave way for alteration of dosage of the peptide or alterations of lifestyles thus allowing you to continue with the right track toward fulfilling the set health goals.

Takeaway

A mere 5% reduction of body weight can help in lowering down the rates of cardiovascular disease and other obesity related diseases. In case you are struggling with trying to shift the scale, then arrange for a visit to your physician. Peptide drugs can be useful for weight loss, as well as for the management of common obesity comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes.

Your doctor can also recommend you to a dietician or any other qualified personnel for dietary changes because of their expertise in diet and exercise to ensure you achieve your best weight loss in the right manner.