Peptides Sold Online Raising Safety Questions

Today, we are sharing a warning about peptides being sold online for weight loss, wellness, muscle building, and anti aging. Doctors say while some peptides are prescribed and regulated, many peptides sold online are not approved for human use at all. Health officials agree, saying the confusion has become a national public health issue.

Peptides Sold Online Raise Safety Questions

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers in the body, helping regulate hormones, metabolism, and healing. In 2005, the FDA approved the first GLP-1 peptide drug for Type 2 diabetes, later approving peptides for weight loss thanks to its appetite-reducing effects. Today injectable peptide products are dominating social media, often promoted as fast, natural solutions for weight loss, energy, recovery, or longevity.

But doctors warn that thousands of Americans are buying unsafe peptides online, and don’t know exactly what they are buying and injecting into their bodies. Many of these compounds have only been studied in animals, not humans.

”More Americans are injecting themselves with unapproved chemicals that are pitched as ways to build muscle, rejuvenate skin and extend life, the latest example of the nation’s fascination with alternative therapies and wellness hacks,” CNN reports. “Behind the trend is the surging popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications, a class of so-called peptides approved to help users quickly shed pounds.”

Consumers Need to Be Careful

ThriveX’s Clinical Director, Dr. Mary Van, a board-certified Clinical Pharmacist and Nutritionist, says one of the biggest red flags is how these products are labeled. She warns also warn about quality and purity. For example, consumers may not know what is actually in the vial, including the dose, the purity, or whether there are contaminants. “There’s absolutely no oversight,” Dr. Van explains, referring to peptides sold online.

For now, the Food and Drug Administration says it is tracking unapproved and compounded peptide products, warning consumers they are not reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or quality, and urging patients to get prescriptions from licensed doctors and fill them at state licensed pharmacies.

”Work with a medical professional who listens and understands you,” Dr. Van says. “That’s the only way a patient can hit their goals for long-term weight loss with peptides”

Written by Catherine Jones for ThriveX