100-Plus FDA-Approved Peptide Drugs Contrast With Viral Social Media Claims
Updated
Updated · Mentalfloss · Jul 16
100-Plus FDA-Approved Peptide Drugs Contrast With Viral Social Media Claims
3 articles · Updated · Mentalfloss · Jul 16
Summary
Peptides are surging as a social media wellness trend, with sellers claiming benefits for muscle growth, sleep, healing and sexual performance despite limited proof for many popular products.
More than 100 peptide drugs do have FDA approval—including insulin and GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy—but many trendy peptide injections, powders and oral supplements are unapproved.
Preliminary studies suggest some peptides may aid tissue repair, skin health or bone density, yet reported side effects include headaches and nausea, and unregulated products may be impure or contaminated.
Athletes have used some peptides for decades because they may spur tissue repair or growth hormone release, but major sports leagues and international governing bodies treat them as performance-enhancing substances.
Doctors quoted in the report said people considering peptides should first ask what goal they are pursuing and whether safer, proven FDA-approved options already exist.