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The search for ways to lose weight has been around for decades. Diet pills, supplements, and fad diets are some of the things that people have tried for weight loss. One emerging trend lately is the use of peptide injections for weight loss.
Some who have tried, claim that the compounds in peptide therapy can help to enhance metabolism, curb appetite, and promote fat burning, among other benefits. Yet, a question still remains: Does it really work? In this article, we will explore what peptides are, how these injections work, their benefits, and potential risks.
What Is A Peptide?
A peptide is a strong chain of 2 to 50 amino acids, linked together by a peptide bond [2]. Our body makes different kinds of peptides, with each peptide having its own purpose. Peptides are involved in various physiological functions, including regulating metabolism, immune response, growth, and tissue repair.
Our body needs peptides in order to support cellular functions. Besides our body’s production of peptides, there are also other alternatives such as peptide therapy that you can take to stimulate an effect.
Understanding Peptide Therapy
Before going into peptide injections, we have to first understand that it is a form of peptide therapy. Peptide therapy is the use of peptides to improve how a certain body part works. For example, those who are physically active or athletes may take growth hormone-releasing peptides so that their bones and muscles can recover faster [5].
Additionally, peptide therapy can increase strength and endurance, reduce body fat through lipolysis, and help to develop lean body mass and muscle cells [3].
What are Peptide Injections
Now, going into peptide injections, it is a form of peptide therapy that involves administering specific peptides directly into the body through injections.
How Do Peptide Injections Work?
Peptide injection therapy works by bypassing the digestive system, allowing peptides to enter the bloodstream quickly and exert their effects more rapidly than oral supplementation. Widely utilized in medical settings for hormone replacement therapy, tissue regeneration, and weight management, peptide injections hold promise as a potential tool for supporting weight loss efforts.
Benefits Of Peptide Injections For Weight Loss
Peptide injections are one of the weight loss methods that people claim to have effects like boosting metabolism, which can lead to increased calorie expenditure even at rest. Also, certain peptides are believed to be able to help suppress appetite such that individuals consume fewer calories.
Others are thought to promote fat burning and fat loss, potentially aiding in the breakdown and utilization of stored fat cells for energy.
Potential Risks
Generally, peptide injections and other peptide therapy do not cause any serious adverse effects. However, there are still some common side effects that one may experience while on a peptide treatment. This includes:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
Best Injectable Peptides For Weight Loss
Here are some of the best injectable weight loss peptides if you are interested in using them as a form of weight loss treatment.
Note: JustFit does not endorse the use of any of these treatments. You are strongly advised to speak to a healthcare professional prior to trying these out.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that is typically used to treat diabetes and obesity. You might have heard of the medication, Ozempic. While celebrities are known to use this for weight loss, it is actually meant to treat type 2 diabetes while the medication, Wegovy is meant for obesity. Both are injectable medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [4].
Although it is not a weight loss drug, a study found that participants who were on Ozempic achieved total body weight loss percentages of 5.9% at 3 months and 10.9% at 6 months.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide, or known as Saxenda is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that is specifically approved for weight loss. This medication is typically given as an injection, once a week and it is meant to reduce appetite and help people to keep the weight off for at least a year.
Tirzepetide
Lastly, Tirzepetide, or Mounjaro is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is rather similar to Ozempic in terms of use and it is also approved by the FDA. However, there are people who end up using this for the sole purpose of losing weight.
Before And After Results Of Peptide Injections
If you are still skeptical about the use of peptide injections, here are some before and after results that people have shared.
![weight loss results tirzepatide](https://images.surferseo.art/39c0bc05-fde2-4338-a60f-dbcb3d379e9b.jpeg)
![semaglutide weight loss results](https://images.surferseo.art/a8cb19d7-d10a-4cb5-86bf-4e511bea2812.jpeg)
![man weight loss results peptide injections](https://images.surferseo.art/488804b4-9cc1-419b-ba9a-16f3389f628a.webp)
Weight Loss Resources
If you liked this article, you may also like these:
Kelly Clarkson Weight Loss Story
Janet Montgomery Weight Loss Story
7-Day Weight Loss Low Carb Diet
Summary
While peptide injections can play a role in your weight loss journey, you should also consider the risk factors and cost of such injections. Before diving into this, consider speaking to a healthcare professional for proper advice, or stick to a balanced diet and regular exercise. There are many ways to lose weight and feel good, even if it means going slow!
Biggers, A. (2023) Weight Loss Peptides: Everything You Need to Know [online]. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/weight-loss/using-peptides-for-weight
Forbes J, Krishnamurthy K. Biochemistry, Peptide. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562260/
Fountain of You MD (2024) THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PEPTIDES FOR WEIGHT LOSS [online]. Available at: https://fountainofyoumd.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-peptides-for-weight-loss/#:~:text=Peptide%20therapy%20increases%20strength%20and,mass%20and%20new%20muscle%20cells.
Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
Sreenivas, S. and King, L. M. (2024) Peptides: Types, Uses, and Benefits [online]. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-are-peptides