PEPTIDE TREATMENTS
What Are Peptides?
Crowned The Future of Regenerative Medicine from many holistic health practitioners in the alternative medicine realm, peptides are significantly changing the way we think of natural aging. Peptides help promote longevity and well-being and can restore the body back to more youthful, functioning levels. The benefits of peptide therapy are expansive, and may include weight loss, improved sleep, increased lean muscle growth, heightened sex drive, enhanced mood, and improved skin texture.
Peptides consists of 50 or less amino acids and are vital components of nutrients our bodies need to function. Peptides, which broken down are chains of amino acids, are the building blocks of protein. Proteins are one of the main macros and sources of nutrients our body relies on. Our bodies produce and derive proteins from the foods we consume, and then break them down into peptides and amino acids for absorption. Our bodies and brain then utilize these broken-down peptides and amino acids for energy and general functioning. Think of peptides as the literal “building blocks” for life!
As mentioned, we derive peptides from the foods we eat. These peptides, which our body naturally recognizes and utilizes for functioning, play various roles in our body. Some act as hormones, communicating important messages through our bloodstream to various cells and tissues. Other peptides improve collagen elasticity of the skin and are thus great for anti-aging. Peptides can even aid in weight loss by increasing IGF-1 to boost certain hormone levels in the brain to burn fat and boost metabolism. Peptides can also act through the central nervous system to treat both systemic and local symptoms of sexual dysfunction, including improving sexual desire, arousal, and achieving better orgasm.
At Embodied Wellness, we utilize peptides for the following health concerns:
How Are Peptides Administered?
Peptide supplements come in a variety of formulations. At Embodied Wellness, we provide peptides in forms that include subcutaneous injections, troches (rapidly dissolving tablets), and creams for optimal absorption and benefit. The frequency and dosage vary between peptides.
Are Peptide Treatments Safe?
Peptides are very well-tolerated and appear to have a reduced side effect profile, making their use an attractive alternative for many seeking more holistic options. In fact, the FDA has recently approved over 60 peptide supplementations on the market, with the number of approvals expected to rise as current research continues to demonstrate their effectiveness and safety of use. Like with any medication or dietary supplement, there are potential risks for those who have increased risk factors. At Embodied Wellness, we assess the risk versus benefits of treatment in determining if peptide treatments are right for you.
Peptides For Weight Loss
Embodied Wellness aims to achieve holistic medical weight loss by utilizing the most natural means, when possible, to shed weight and improve one’s vitality and quality of life. In addition to reducing foods that cause inflammation and thus, disease, we supplement one’s diet with peptides and other pharmaceutical-grade nutraceuticals to help gain optimal health and wellbeing while losing unwanted weight.
Peptides naturally occur in the human body, and therefore the body treats it like similar endogenous (natural) peptides. They are one of the most natural ways to supplement weight loss and have very few side effects, compared to most conventional pharmaceutical weight loss medications on the market. The peptides we use at Embodied Wellness have a proven track-record of promoting effective weight loss and are backed by science
In addition to weight loss, peptides may help with the following health conditions:
- Improved cognitive function
- Improved insulin sensitivity (and thus, improving Type 2 Diabetes)
- Better sleep quality
- Enhanced immune system
- Lean muscle growth
- Improved energy and well-being
- Faster recovery times from musculoskeletal injury
- Enhanced sex drive and function
Peptides For Anti-Aging
The skin is made up of peptides that are linked together like a chain. These peptides found in our skin, which naturally occur in our bodies, are known as collagen and is what gives us a youthful, radiant skin tone and texture. As we age, collagen production decreases which causes the skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. As a result, the skin becomes more lose, wrinkled, and less radiant.
At Embodied Wellness, we help your body’s natural ability to produce more collagen by supplementing with quality, effective peptides with a proven track record of improving skin firmness and elasticity, and thus slowing the aging process of your skin. Your skin will look more youthful, supple, and refreshed!
Peptides we use for anti-aging:
Additional Peptide Treatment Options
Below are a list of some of the more popular peptide treatments we use at Embodied Wellness to address both weight loss and wellness concerns:
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide agonist (GLP-1) which has recently received FDA approval for the treatment of chronic weight management in those who are overweight or obese and meet criteria. It works by causing insulin release in response to high blood sugar, as well as reducing the amount of sugar your liver makes, thus improving diabetes control and lowering weight caused by insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Studies show that patients who were on semaglutide lost on average 15-20% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% in the placebo group. The medication is popular for its ease of use, with just a once a week subcutaneous injectable for treatment.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is another GLP-1 agonist that is FDA approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide is also used off-label for weight loss, with results from studies showing total fat loss exceeding those seen with Semaglutide. According to clinical trials that studied obese individuals with an average BMI of 38 over a 72-week period, 50% of study participants lost 20 percent or more of body weight compared to 3% of placebo participants. As a result, the FDA has fast-tracked Tirzepatide for consideration of FDA approval for weight loss and is expected to make their decision by the end of 2023. Like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide is a once weekly injectable.
Sermorelin/Glycine
Sermorelin is a powerful peptide hormone that helps to burn fat, increase lean muscle, and boost the immune system. It is often paired with glycine, an amino acid, which synergistically works together to increase peptide hormone release. The benefits of this combination not only further weight loss and increase lean muscle, but can also improve sleep, decrease fatigue, and promote greater mental clarity.
Bremelanotide (PT-141)
Bremelanotide is a peptide that targets certain receptors in your body that are responsible for improving sexual function, including increased sexual libido and induced erections. Bremelanotide works on the central nervous system and studies show that about 80% of men who do not respond to PDE5 inhibitors, like Viagra or Cialis, respond well to Bremelanotide. This peptide hormone comes in either a simple injectable or a nasal spray and is easy to self-administer. It can be used as monotherapy or in conjunction with bioidentical hormone replacement therapies to enhance sexual experiences.