Fact vs. fiction: Doctors share whether peptides are safe and effective

From YouTube influencers to Reddit threads, the health and wellness side of the internet is full of talk about peptides. The term refers to a class of chemical compounds made up of short chains of amino acids. In the wellness market, synthetic peptides are often sold to consumers as injectables, which some health influencers say can bring a wide range of health benefits from muscle recovery and longevity to improved sexual function. Some peptides, including GLP-1 drugs commonly used for weight loss or diabetes, are heavily researched and federally approved for medical use. Many other forms of peptides are not. Yet even some lightly researched peptides may be on their way to pharmacy shelves.