Peptides—Health or Hype?
Peptides have become one of the biggest trends in health and wellness, with claims ranging from weight loss and muscle building to faster recovery, better sleep, and even longevity.
But what exactly are peptides—and how much of the hype is supported by science?
In this episode of The Vitals, host Leslie Schlachter is joined by registered dietitian Eugenia Hamshaw to explore the rapidly expanding world of peptides. They discuss FDA-approved peptide medications, including GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, as well as collagen peptides, growth hormone secretagogues, “healing” peptides, and other products marketed in the biohacking and longevity communities.
The conversation also looks at the risks of non-FDA-approved peptides purchased online, the limited evidence behind many of the products being promoted on social media, and why there may be no substitute for the fundamentals of good health: nutrition, exercise, sleep, hydration, stress management, and human connection.
Eugenia Hamshaw: It's a fad right now. Yeah. Like, we can safely call it that. Or like a craze or whatever word you want to assign to it. I think it will, a lot of people try it if they're not having the results they want and it's not, like, giving them the effects they want, especially 'cause they're spending money on it.
Leslie Schlachter: Yeah.
Eugenia Hamshaw: It'll taper off.
Leslie Schlachter: I think- Also, like injecting yourself, I don't mind injections. It didn't bother me for the six weeks, but like-
Eugenia Hamshaw: It bothers some people ... didn't love it. Gonna bother someone.
Leslie Schlachter: Hi, and welcome back to The Vitals, the Mount Sinai Health System's video show that explores the latest developments in health, medicine, and wellness. I'm your host, Leslie Schlachter, a physician associate here at the Mount Sinai Hospital in the Department of Neurosurgery.
You may have heard a lot about peptides lately, from social media influencers and wellness clinics, to conversations about weight loss, recovery, and healthy aging.
But what exactly are peptides? Are they the future of personalized medicine, or are some of the claims just getting way ahead of science? So to help us [00:01:00] separate fact from fiction, we're joined by registered dietician Jenna Hamshaw.
Eugenia Hamshaw: Let's start with just the basics, 'cause this
Leslie Schlachter: is, I'm very excited about this topic.