A growing trend on TikTok showcases dramatic physical transformations, with users sharing before-and-after photos and videos touting the benefits of “peptides.” These amino acids, available as supplements, injections, or creams, are being promoted on social media for a wide range of effects, from weight loss and muscle gain to improved sleep and clearer skin. The hashtag “#peptide” has amassed over 228,000 posts on the platform, with users sharing personal testimonials and purported results.
However, experts caution that the hype surrounding peptides may be largely unsupported by rigorous scientific evidence. According to the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), “to date, no large-scale, randomized, controlled clinical trials in humans have confirmed these effects for these uses and some peptides even pose real risks to health.”
Sold Online
Peptides are naturally produced by the body and function as chemical messengers, regulating hormones, immune activity, healing processes, and metabolism, explains Jordan Glenn, director of the scientific department at SuppCo, an app that analyzes supplements, in National Geographic. This natural role has fueled interest in using synthetic peptides to enhance various aspects of health, and wellness.
Peptides can as well be synthesized in laboratories for employ in medicine and cosmetics, and more recently, by the “biohacking” community, which aims to optimize physical and mental capabilities through science and technology. While over 100 FDA-approved medications are peptide-based, including insulin and newer GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, according to the Guardian, concerns are growing about the unregulated peptides sold online as injections, supplements, or creams. These products, often promoted by social media influencers, lack quality control and regulatory oversight.
Limited Research
The Inserm notes that despite the numerous benefits touted online, there is currently limited research to support the claims made about these peptides. Some studies have involved a small number of participants, while others have been conducted on rodents or in cell cultures, making it challenging to extrapolate the findings to humans.
For example, the Inserm reports that the observed effects of peptide-based creams and serums on wrinkles are “modest and have only been evaluated over short periods, of the order of two to three months at most.” The effectiveness of growth peptides, promoted for muscle gain and improved physical fitness, has only been demonstrated in individuals with a proven growth hormone deficiency, under strict medical supervision and prescription.
Greater Risks
Perhaps most concerning, repeated peptide injections without medical supervision could pose significant health risks. Long-term use of peptides for performance enhancement may increase blood sugar levels and the risk of diabetes, trigger chronic joint pain, and cause severe water retention, the Inserm warns. Prolonged exposure could even “promote lasting changes in the shape of bones, organs, or muscles,” and potentially “increase the risk of progression of certain cancers.” This increased cancer risk has also been observed with another peptide, BPC-157, which is described on social media as the “Wolverine shot” for its purported ability to accelerate healing.
The Inserm advises caution and recommends prioritizing safer, well-established therapies and preventative measures, such as regular physical activity, a protein-rich diet, and sun protection. “No miracle molecule can replace a balanced lifestyle,” the research organization emphasizes.
