Weight loss can be a frustrating and challenging experience. For some, a healthy diet and regular exercise just aren’t enough to melt away stubborn body fat. If you’re looking for a solution to reach your weight loss goals, peptides might be the answer.
Amy Brenner MD & Associates are leaders in medical weight loss. Our nutrition coaches and physicians customize treatment programs to help you reach your goals and live a happier, healthier life. If you’re interested in learning more about how we help patients achieve sustainable weight loss, check out our guide to medical weight loss.
Recently, peptide therapy has grown in popularity (and for a good reason.) Combining peptides with a comprehensive weight-loss program can help you boost muscle growth and reduce fat. The AB Modern Warrior Program is unique because it offers nutrition support and check-ins for optimal weight loss results.
There are many types of peptides available and each peptide treats a different condition. Because of this, it can be difficult to determine which peptide you need. At Amy Brenner MD & Associates, we are here to help guide you through the incredible (yet sometimes overwhelming) world of peptides and help you achieve your weight loss goals.
What are peptides?
Your body naturally produces short chains of amino acids called peptides. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, so they are essential to your body’s functions and overall health. Peptides naturally exist in every cell and tissue in the body, but adding additional peptides can help improve specific processes.
Peptides are not only found in the body, but they are also naturally occurring in certain foods. These include:
- Meat
- Fish
- Beans
- Soy
- Wheat
- Flaxseed
- Oats
- Hemp Seeds
It’s also possible to create synthetic peptides to mimic the effects of naturally occurring peptides. This is beneficial because they can be tailored to achieve very specific results. You might find synthetic peptides in:
- Skincare products
- Medications
- Supplements
Note: Manufacturers can also make the above products with peptides naturally derived from food. These types of products could have naturally derived peptides or synthetic peptides.
What do peptides do?
There are many types of peptides (we are talking over 7,000) and each one plays a specific role in your body. Because peptides have so many functions, they can treat a variety of conditions. Depending on your needs, peptides can help you:
- Lose weight
- Build muscle
- Improve your memory
- Improve your sleep
- Support your immune system
- Improve learning and focus
- Slow the aging process
- Promote healing
If you’re wondering if peptide therapy could be right for you, take our short peptide therapy quiz to get recommendations straight from our experts.
Peptides for weight loss
Peptides can be a safe and effective way to lose weight. Sometimes people use them as a stand-alone treatment, but some achieve the best results when peptides are part of an overall treatment plan. In the case of weight loss, a physician-supervised weight loss program will be the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off long-term.
What are the best peptides for weight loss?
There are a lot of choices when it comes to peptides. To help you determine the best one for your needs, we’ll break down the top 5 peptides for weight loss.
1. Semaglutide
Semaglutide was originally developed as a medication to help regulate insulin production in people with Type 2 Diabetes. However, physicians noticed these patients started losing weight when taking this medication. It is now one of the most commonly prescribed peptides for weight loss.
You may have heard the term “Ozempic ” or “Wegovy” more recently in the news and online. Many people are now searching Ozempic for weight loss; these are brand names for semaglutide! At Amy Brenner MD & Associates, we use this same medication, compounded with other vitamins to ensure optimal results.
How does it work?
Semaglutide works by stimulating a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. Semaglutide requires a doctor’s prescription and can be given orally or through a series of injections.
Patients have experienced significant weight loss results when participating in our AB Modern Day Warrior Weight Loss Program. This program combines Semaglutide peptide therapy with a nutritional support, macro guidance and exercise routine to give you optimal results.
What are the benefits?
Semaglutide can provide various benefits that aren’t limited to weight loss. Other potential benefits of Semaglutide include:
- Increased endurance
- Improved muscular strength
- Improved energy
- Improved neurologic dysfunction
- Cardiovascular support
- Kidney support
Are there side effects?
Like any medication, Semaglutide has the potential for side effects. Potential side effects include hives and allergic reactions.
Who should NOT use Semaglutide?
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Semaglutide.
2. 5 Amino 1MQ
5 Amino 1MQ is a newer peptide that can help people achieve significant weight loss.
How does it work?
5 Amino 1MQ works by blocking NNMT (Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase.) NNMT is found in fat tissue and is responsible for regulating cell energy balance. NNMT slows down fat cell metabolism (which makes losing weight even more difficult.) By blocking NNMT, 5 Amino 1MQ can prevent this metabolism slow-down and promote weight loss.
5 Amino 1MQ is taken via oral capsules. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking this peptide for dosage instructions and recommendations. What are the benefits?
5 Amino 1MQ can have a variety of potential benefits, including:
- Weight loss
- Improved energy
- Improved endurance
- Muscle gain
- Cardiovascular support
- Kidney support
Are there side effects?
Any medication can have potential side effects, but those of 5 Amino 1MQ are minimal. Hives or allergic reactions are possible with this peptide.
Who should NOT use 5 Amino 1MQ?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take 5 Amino 1MQ.
3. CJC-1295/Ipamorelin combination
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is a combination of two peptides that work together to increase the production of human growth hormone. It is known as one of the best peptides for female fat loss.
How does it work?
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin stimulates your body to release more growth hormones. Growth hormones can help you lose weight by acting on two enzymes that control lipolysis (or the breakdown of fats.) This allows for easier weight loss and faster muscle growth.
Only a doctor can prescribe CJC-1295/Ipamorelin. Users inject it under the skin in the abdominal region and follow a very specific injection schedule.
What are the benefits?
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin can have a variety of potential health benefits, including:
- Fat loss
- Muscle growth
- Increased collagen production
- Increased bone mineral density
- Increased cell repair and regeneration
Are there side effects?
Potential side effects of CJC-1295/Ipamorelin include hives, redness at the injection site, vivid dreams, difficulty sleeping, and flushing.
Who should NOT use CJC-1295/Ipamorelin?
Patients with a history of cancer and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take CJC-1295/Ipamorelin.
4. MOTs-C
MOTs-C is a peptide that mimics the effects of exercise to help you lose weight.
How does it work?
MOTs-C works by regulating mitochondrial energy. Mitochondria play an important role in your energy production and metabolism. By regulating this energy, the result is an increase in energy and improved metabolism.
A physician must prescribe MOTs-C. MOTs-C is a subcutaneous injection.
What are the benefits?
The potential benefits of MOTs-C are numerous. These include:
- Improved energy
- Weight loss
- Improved capacity to exercise
- Metabolic homeostasis
- The potential to boost longevity
Are there side effects?
MOTs-C has potential side effects similar to other injectable medications. These can include hives and redness at the injection site.
Who should NOT use MOTs-C?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use MOTs-C.
5. Tesofensine
Tesofensine is a peptide that works as a natural appetite suppressant to help you lose weight.
How does it work?
Tesofensine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine. By inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, they are more present around cells. This can help regulate energy balance and suppress appetite for weight loss.
Tesofensine comes in oral capsules. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking this peptide for dosage instructions and recommendations.
What are the benefits?
Tesofensine can provide the following potential benefits:
- Appetite suppression
- Promote weight loss
- Beneficial effects on learning and memory
- Enhanced mood
Are there side effects?
There is always a risk of potential side effects when taking medication. Tesofensine side effects can include dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, anxious feelings, increased blood pressure, and serotonin syndrome (if combined with antidepressant medication.)
Who should NOT use Tesofensine?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and patients with uncontrolled blood pressure should not take Tesofensine.
Visit Amy Brenner, MD & Associates in Cincinnati to learn more about peptides for weight loss!
We have patients who visit us from all over the country for expert, transformative wellness services. We always work hard to create a personalized treatment plan for your needs. As a medspa and medical practice in Mason, Ohio, we have the unique ability to boost your overall health and enhance your outer beauty with aesthetic treatments.
We offer a warm, friendly environment while providing the highest quality treatments and wellness plans to help you look great and feel great. If you are ready to try peptides for weight loss, get started by using our virtual consultation tool or by scheduling an appointment online.