These days, if we spend just 5 minutes scrolling through TikTok, we’re almost guaranteed to come across an influencer talking about peptides.
Their exact claims about peptide usage might change depending on the specific product the influencer in question is promoting, but the stated benefits will usually be “life-changing”. They often make quite a compelling case, with plenty of details of what the product has done for them personally. But should we trust them?
Unless we’re deep into the health and wellness world, the concept of peptides has probably only come up for us relatively recently. Evidence supporting the claims being made also tends to be a little thin on the ground.
Peptides: the fundamental building blocks
First things first, peptides are absolutely a real thing. They are chains of amino acids, like proteins, only shorter. They’re also naturally occurring, with some produced by our bodies and others provided by everyday foods.
Peptides play a role in a wide range of different biological processes, often as signaling molecules that tell cells what to do. This includes helping regulate our appetite and digestion, as well as our hormone production and release, immune function, and formation of new tissue.
Peptide products can also provide some real benefits. There are a number of peptide-based medications that have been formally tested and are regularly prescribed to patients. This includes Insulin, which is widely used to help manage diabetes, and GLP-1 style products, like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Why they’re suddenly everywhere
While the use, and even synthesizing, of peptides isn’t new, how products are now being packaged and marketed sure is. And a big reason for this is the rise of wellness culture.
Driven significantly by social media, how we talk about health has evolved significantly over the last couple of decades. Previously, promotion of good general practices, like drinking more water and getting enough sleep, was the main message. Now, advice is highly personalized, simplified, and focused on new innovations and optimized performance.
Peptide products fit this new narrative perfectly. They have enough of a scientific basis to be seen as credible and that they’re likely to be effective. At the same time, peptides remain somewhat of a new frontier, with the promise of previously unknown benefits.
Their involvement in so many biological processes means peptides also have an almost unparalleled versatility. As a result, they are being touted among multiple corners of the wellness world, including:
Skincare: Copper and collagen peptides are marketed as anti-ageing products that can improve skin elasticity, the appearance of fine lines, and overall skin health. There are also “tanning peptides”, which are said to boost melanin production, resulting in darker skin.
Fitness: Peptide products are becoming increasingly popular with those looking to boost muscle growth and speed up recovery, due to their alleged ab
