Peptide Therapy: 8 Peptides the Athletic & Anti-Aging Communities Can’t Stop Talking About

We all know what proteins are, and most of us remember learning about amino acids – the building blocks of protein – in high school biology class, but how many of you have heard of peptides before? 

It’s okay if you haven’t – most people today are mum when that question gets asked. 

And those who have heard of peptides only know what Joe Rogan has said about them. 

It doesn’t matter what end of that spectrum you fall on, peptides are one of the hottest topics and rising stars in the athletic and anti-aging communities – and they certainly aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. 

But don’t worry – we’ll teach you everything you need to know about peptides and peptide therapy.

The Peptide Playbook: Building Our All-Time Roster of Peptide GOATs

Peptides, proteins, amino acids… I know what you’re thinking – is there even a difference? 

Well, to be honest, the answer to that question is both yes and no.

For starters, amino acids are the building blocks of both peptides and proteins – so, yes, peptides and proteins are, in fact, made out of the same thing. The primary difference is related to size and structure. 

• Peptides are molecules that consist of between two and 50 amino acids (AKA short chains). 
• Proteins, on the other hand, are molecules consisting of 50+ amino acids (AKA long chains).

In other words, the difference between peptides and proteins is like the difference between hash browns and french fries – they’re both made out of potatoes, but are structured in completely different ways. 

So, what do peptides do, exactly? 

Believe it or not, peptides do a lot of the same things proteins do. But because they’re smaller and contain less amino acids than its counterpart, peptides are often easier for the human body to absorb and use. 

Once absorbed by the body, peptides can benefit everything from athletic performance to building muscle, weight management, skincare, cognitive ability, sexual health, the immune system, and overall well-being. 

The exact benefit will depend on what peptide is being used – so let’s take a look at some of the GOATs. 

CJC1295: Fat Loss & Muscle Growth

CJC-1295 is a 30 amino acid peptide that acts as a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog – meaning it binds to GHRH receptors and helps stimulate the secretion of growth hormone and IGF-1.

It’s one of the most popular peptides in the world today. 

As a result, CJC1295 promotes muscle growth, strength, fat metabolism (fat loss), tissue repair, recovery, cell regeneration, bone density, skin elasticity, increased energy levels, and improved overall vitality. 

Ipamorelin: Often Used With CJC1295

Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide (five amino acids) that functions as a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) and mimics the action of ghrelin, a natural hormone that triggers the release of growth hormone (GH). 

It offers a lot of the same benefits as CJC1295. 

In fact, CJC1295 and Ipamorelin complement one another and are often taken together. You can think of them as the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick (or Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen) of peptide therapy. 

Sermorelin: Similar to CJC1295 & Ipamorelin

Sermorelin is a 29 amino acid peptide that functions as a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog and stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release (secrete) more growth hormone (GH). 

In that manner, it works in much the same way as Ipamorelin and CJC1295. 

Natural GHRH is composed of 44 amino acids, but researchers found that the first 29 amino acids are just as effective as the full 44 – and those 29 amino acids are what CJC1295 and Sermorelin are made of.

PRO TIP: Sermorelin offers a more modest increase in GH levels when compared to CJC1295 and Ipamorelin. If you’re interested in a more milder effect, Sermorelin is the better choice – but don’t worry, our team of experts will help you determine which one is best for your goals.

BPC-157: Wound-Healing & Cell Regeneration

BPC-157, which stands for Body Protection Compound-157, is a peptide consisting of 15 amino acids and is derived from a naturally occurring protein (known as PDGF-BB) in the gastric juice of the stomach. 

It’s primarily known for its wound-healing and regenerative properties. 

In fact, it aids the formation of new blood vessels, increases collagen production, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhances the migration and proliferation of cells involved in the healing process.

TB500: Inflammation & Tissue Repair

TB500 is a 43 amino acid peptide that mimics the effects of a naturally occurring peptide called Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) – which is found in almost all human and animal cells. Many athletes use it during recovery.

It’s widely known for its regenerative and healing properties, and is commonly taken with BPC-157.

In addition to forming new blood vessels and stimulating collagen production, TB500 binds to actin – a protein involved in cell structure and movement – and helps facilitate cell migration and proliferation. 

GHK-Cu: Anti-Aging & Skin Repair

GHK-Cu, or Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper, is a tripeptide (composed of three amino acids) that can bind copper ions. It’s naturally present in human plasma, saliva, and urine, but levels decline as we age.

It has similar benefits as TB500 and BPC-157, but with a heavy focus on the skin and hair.  

Because of its effect on copper in the body, GHK-Cu improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, enhances skin firmness and smoothness, stimulates hair follicle growth, and reduces hair loss – among other things.

PT 141: Sexual Function & Libido

PT 141, also known as Bremelanotide, is a heptapeptide (composed of seven amino acids) that works by activating melanocortin receptors in the central nervous system, specifically targeting the hypothalamus. 

It’s primarily known for its ability to increase sexual arousal and desire. 

Where other sexual dysfunction treatments affect the vascular system (Viagra for ED patients), PT 141 affects the nervous system – directly altering brain activity to increase sexual motivation and response.

AOD9604: Weight Loss & Fat Reduction

AOD9604, which stands for Anti-Obesity Drug 9604, is a peptide consisting of the last 16 amino acids of the coveted human growth hormone (HGH) molecule – otherwise known as the C-terminus of HGH. 

It mimics the fat-reducing effects of HGH without influencing muscle growth or blood sugar levels. 

It works by stimulating lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and inhibiting lipogenesis (the formation of fat) through the interaction of receptors in fat cells that promote the release and oxidation of stored fat. 

Nü Forma Wellness: Peptide Therapy At Its Finest

Are you looking to take your weight loss and fitness goals to the next level? Do you want to train harder, recover faster, look younger, and feel your best? Did Joe Rogan inspire you to give peptide therapy a try? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to the Nü Forma Wellness Lounge – your one-stop shop for peptide therapy. 

Our team of experts are heavily trained and widely knowledgeable on all things peptide related. Since peptides can have a wide range of effects, our goal is to find the right treatment that best fits your needs. 

And with five locations throughout the Staten Island and New Jersey area, we’re excited to introduce you to the exciting world of peptide therapy. Feel free to contact us today or schedule an appointment online.