Peptides have taken the health, wellness, and aesthetics industry by storm. From muscle growth and fat loss to anti-aging and injury recovery, these small but powerful chains of amino acids play a crucial role in optimizing health.
However, despite their effectiveness, many peptides have been removed from the FDA’s approved list, making them harder to access in the U.S. This has led to confusion about what’s available, what’s still legal, and what options people have for peptide therapy.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular peptides, their benefits, and the FDA’s stance on them.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Unlike full proteins, peptides are small enough to be easily absorbed by the body, making them highly effective for targeted functions like hormone regulation, tissue repair, and cellular rejuvenation.
Many peptides are naturally produced in the body, but their levels decline with age. That’s where peptide therapy comes in—by supplementing with specific peptides, you can enhance bodily functions and achieve specific health and performance goals.
Types of Peptides and Their Benefits
1. Growth Hormone Secretagogues (For Anti-Aging, Fat Loss & Muscle Growth)
These peptides stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH), which plays a key role in metabolism, muscle development, fat burning, and overall vitality.
- CJC-1295 (with or without DAC)
- Increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels for muscle growth and fat loss.
- Improves sleep, skin elasticity, and recovery.
- FDA Status: No longer approved for compounding (removed in 2023).
- Ipamorelin
- One of the safest GH-releasing peptides with minimal side effects.
- Increases muscle mass, metabolism, and overall recovery.
- FDA Status: No longer available for compounding under FDA regulations.
- Sermorelin
- Stimulates natural GH production with fewer risks than synthetic HGH.
- Supports fat loss, energy, and recovery.
- FDA Status: Still available through some compounding pharmacies but harder to access.
2. Fat Loss Peptides
- AOD 9604
- A fragment of human growth hormone (HGH) that targets fat breakdown.
- Accelerates weight loss without increasing blood sugar or appetite.
- FDA Status: No longer allowed for compounding as of 2023.
- Tesamorelin
- Reduces visceral belly fat, making it popular for abdominal fat loss.
- Also improves cognitive function and lipid metabolism.
- FDA Status: Still available but restricted to specific
- FDA-approved indications (e.g., HIV-related lipodystrophy).
3. Muscle Growth & Recovery Peptides
- BPC-157
- A body protection compound that accelerates tissue and joint healing.
- Reduces inflammation and enhances gut health.
- FDA Status: Banned from compounding and classified as “not approved for human use” despite its effectiveness.
- TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
- Promotes tissue regeneration and flexibility.
- Enhances recovery from injuries, surgeries, and intense workouts.
- FDA Status: No longer allowed for compounding.
- Follistatin 344
- Inhibits myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth.
- Allows for rapid muscle gain without excessive fat storage.
- FDA Status: Unapproved and difficult to obtain legally in the U.S.
4. Cognitive & Longevity Peptides
