With so many fitness hacks and weight loss methods out there, it can certainly seem like an almighty task to find the one true solution. There’s a lot to consider, but there’s always new things coming through the woodwork. This is where something like peptides has been a relatively new phenomenon and has been praised by influencers such as Andrew Huberman of the Huberman Lab Podcast. But what are peptides, and how can they help you in your weight loss journey? Let’s show you everything you need to know.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are small molecules composed of two to 50 amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which act as building blocks for proteins and participate in numerous biological functions such as immune response, cell signaling, and hormone regulation. This is why companies like Encinitas Weight Loss use peptides as part of their approach to weight loss.
Certain peptides can aid in weight loss through various mechanisms. For example, peptides like GLP-1 receptor antagonists can have a positive impact on blood sugar levels and slowing your digestion, which reduces your appetite and promotes feelings of fullness.
What’s more, some peptides can signal the body to burn fatty acids in fat cells before carbohydrates or glucose and can enhance calorie-burning metabolism levels while also normalizing the hunger and fullness hormones ghrelin and leptin.
How Does Peptide Therapy Work?
Peptides work in the body because they act as signaling molecules that bind to specific receptors on cells and can trigger various biological responses. Peptides can facilitate better communication between the cells, referred to as cell signaling, which means they don’t just help with something like weight loss but can make a big difference in terms of healing and inflammation.
Additionally, peptides can promote collagen and other compounds that help regenerate tissue such as muscles, organs, and skin while also having the potential to trigger various reactions that regulate your body’s functions, not just in terms of appetite but also sleep and cognitive performance.
Will Peptides Change Our Approach to Weight Loss?
Peptides are revolutionizing weight loss strategies as some peptide-based medications have shown amazing results in clinical trials. For example, in a study of tirzepatide, participants lost approximately 21% of their body weight over 16 months on the highest dose.
Newer peptides are being developed to minimize common side effects associated with weight loss medication. The variety of peptides available means more personalized treatment, which can help you target specific aspects of your weight management based on your needs rather than a generalized set of principles, but it is important to remember that peptide treatments are most effective when combined with diet and exercise.
For example, participants who took liraglutide and exercised on a regular basis lost 9.5 kg weight loss compared to placebo, while liraglutide alone led to a 6.8 kg weight loss.
As you can see, there’s a lot of promise around peptides, and this is certainly something to pursue. However, it is always important to remember that if you’re looking for a solution to your weight loss journey, it all begins with you and addressing your specific needs first. There’s no magic bullet.
