12/25/2025
Not all peptides are created equal.
You’ve probably seen the word peptide everywhere lately—but it’s important to understand that this isn’t one category.
GLP-1 medications
GLP-1s are FDA-approved prescription medications with decades of human clinical data behind them. Their benefits, risks, dosing, side effects, and long-term outcomes are well studied. They are produced in regulated facilities, dispensed by licensed pharmacies, and prescribed under clear medical guidelines.
“Wellness” or research-only peptides
Many other peptides being marketed for glow, energy, longevity, or body composition do not have robust human clinical trials. They are not FDA-approved, cannot legally be compounded by pharmacies, and often come from unregulated sources. That means limited data on safety, purity, dosing, and long-term risk.
Why this matters
In medicine, patient demand doesn’t determine what we offer—evidence does. If a compound truly delivered dramatic benefits with acceptable risk, large pharmaceutical companies would already be investing heavily in FDA approval. The fact that most research-only peptides remain outside that process is worth paying attention to.
In our practice, we prioritize treatments that are evidence-based, regulated, and aligned with patient safety, not trends.
Informed care is ethical care.
