The Best Peptides for Weight Loss

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are held together by peptide bonds. Peptides are naturally occurring biological molecules within all living organisms. They are an essential component in all types of biological activity. Similar to proteins, peptides are synthesized (formed) naturally from a sequence of the genetic code: DNA.

Since peptides are smaller molecules, they tend to be absorbed easier than protein. As such, peptides enter the bloodstream without much difficulty because they can quickly enter the skin and intestines. We can get peptides from a variety of food sources, such as:

For years, peptides have been used therapeutically to solve medical problems. The use of insulin in the 1920s was the first introduction of therapeutic peptides into the healthcare world. Since then, the use of peptides in medicine has grown extensively. In fact, there are over sixty well-known peptide medications approved for use in the United States.

Peptide therapy is basically the medical use of peptides to produce a targeted response within the body. There are peptides that have anti-aging and muscle-building properties, but many peptides can be used in the reduction of inflammation and also for weight loss. In terms of administration, peptides are typically administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin). However, can also be used orally, via nasal spray and topically.

There are several types of peptides, the ones we refer to as bioactive, have a beneficial or therapeutic effect on the body, such that it aids with improving our health status. Understanding the exact science behind each bioactive peptide can be quite complex since they have different properties. However, depending on the sequence of the amino acids that they are made up of, they affect the body uniquely. Let’s take a look at four peptides that are very efficient for weight loss.

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is the combination of two peptides work synergistically as growth hormone secretagogues; this means that they direct the pituitary gland to release more of our own growth hormone. As such, CJC 1295 and ipamorelin typically are used together to reduce body fat.

As an individual peptide, CJC-1295 may increase fat loss and may be used by itself for short-term effects. However, when used in combination with ipamorelin, the results have been seen to be more long-term. On its own, Ipamorelin acts in a similar manner to ghrelin (ghrelin is a hormone that sends a signal to the brain to feel hungry and helps to regulate calorie intake and body fat levels) and binds to the ghrelin receptor in the pituitary gland in the brain. Dr. Jones recommends this combination of peptides be taken at bedtime on an empty stomach to maximize the body’s natural cycle of growth hormone release.

In addition to weight loss, there are a few other benefits to enjoy while using CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin. Many patients report improved sleep, better workout recovery, improved skin elasticity, and increased muscle mass. This is an added benefit as increased muscle mass leads to higher metabolism, which also can decrease body fat. 

Tesamorelin was originally introduced a therapeutic peptide to treat HIV induced lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy is a condition in which the amount and/or distribution of adipose tissue (fat tissue) in the body is abnormally high. Tesamorelin is currently the most effective GH releasing hormone on the market. Tesamorelin falls in the category of medications called human growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) analogs. This class of drugs works by boosting the production of a particular naturally occurring element that aids with the reduction of body fat. Tesamorelin is not specifically a growth hormone; however, it stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone.

AOD 9604 is termed as a fragment of the peptide C-terminus of human growth hormone (HGH). The C-terminus peptide has the fat-reducing ability of HGH, without the adverse effects associated with the long-term use of GH. So this synthetic form of HGH; AOD 9604 was developed initially to treat obesity but also has been shown to reduce joint pain in arthritic conditions. AOD 9604, with a similar mechanism of action to human growth hormone, causes leads to an increase in metabolism and enhances weight loss faster and in a shorter period of time in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

Other benefits of using AOD 9604 include:

• Possesses regenerative properties associated with growth hormone
• Imitates the way natural growth hormone regulates fat metabolism.
• Prohibits the transformation of non-fatty foods into body fat.
• Mobilizes stored energy during fasting or exercise
• Does not affect blood sugar

IGF-1 is a hormone that is secreted by the liver and also by peripheral tissues like skeletal muscle and typically is released due to the presence of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). There is an extensive amount of HGH released within the body followed by IGF-1 after intense resistance training, and this is one way that new muscle is built. Theories suggests HGH is significantly anabolic (muscle building), but some researchers believe that IGF-1 is actually responsible for the primary anabolic activities of HGH.

IGF-1 LR-3 is a synthetic peptide and an extended analog form of IGF-1. IGF-1 LR3 in considered to be in the class of peptides known as growth factors, and the LR-3 variant of IGF-1 is a “time-released” version of it. As such, it lasts twice as long, which is due to its eighty-three (83) amino acid chain and is three (3) times more potent than regular IGF-1.

IGF-1 aids with the creation of new muscle tissue by helping the body to synthesize protein and retain nitrogen. This peptide causes muscle cells to split and form new muscle cells; the process is referred to as hyperplasia.

However, the therapeutic effects of IGF-1 are not confined to producing new skeletal muscle; it is also able to improve fat loss and increase metabolism. Although IGF-1 is quite efficient at building muscle and burning fat, the IGF-1 LR-3 version is approximately two to three times as potent, which is why this extended version is used more frequently for weight loss.

If you have additional questions about peptide therapy or if you would like more information about these peptides, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation.

Dr. Greg Jones NMD