Show Notes
Peptides are being promoted everywhere.For weight loss, injury recovery, muscle growth, skin, hair, sleep, andanti-aging. But what are peptides, which ones are actually evidence-based, andwhich claims should make you pause? In this episode of the Avaaz HealthPodcast, Dr. Madhu and Dr. Nav break down the science behind peptide therapy.Our moderator Rup, guides the conversation as we discuss established peptidemedicines and the difference between regulated prescriptions and experimentalproducts being marketed online, and why popularity on TikTok or in gym cultureis not proof of safety or effectiveness. We also discuss retatrutide, a newerinvestigational medication attracting attention for its early weight-managementresearch, and we dive into the risks of unregulated “recovery,” “anti-aging,”and “glow” peptide stacks. Before considering a peptide, rememberthe three Ps: Is it proven? Is it prescribed? Is itpure? *This Avaaz Health Podcast and thisepisode are for general education only, and is not a substitute for medicaladvice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a qualified health-careprofessional about your individual circumstances.
Show Notes: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(26)00099-4/abstract .FDA's Stamp of Approval: Unveiling Peptide Breakthroughs in Cardiovascular Diseases, ACE, HIV, CNS, and Beyond. Journal of Peptide Science : An Official Publication of the European Peptide Society. 2024. Al Musaimi O.Review Peptide‐based diagnostic and therapeutic agents: Where we are and where we are heading?. Chemical Biology & Drug Design. 2023. Khalily MP, Soydan M.Review New Molecules and Indications for GLP-1 Medicines. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2025. Gonzalez-Rellan MJ, Drucker DJ.RecentReview Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. Mayfield CK, Bolia IK, Feingold CL, et al.RecentReview Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance. Sports Medicine. 2026. Mendias CL, Awan TM.RecentReview Regeneration or Risk? A Narrative Review of BPC-157 for Musculoskeletal Healing. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2025. McGuire FP, Martinez R, Lenz A, Skinner L, Cushman DM.RecentReview Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide-Literature and Patent Review. Pharmaceuticals. 2025. Józwiak M, Bauer M, Kamysz W, Kleczkowska P.Review Impact of Collagen Peptide Supplementation in Combination With Long-Term Physical Training on Strength, Musculotendinous Remodeling, Functional Recovery, and Body Composition in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine. 2024. Bischof K, Moitzi AM, Stafilidis S, König D.SR Collagen Peptide Supplementation for Pain and Function: Is It Effective?. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 2022. Kviatkovsky SA, Hickner RC, Ormsbee MJ.Review Injectable Peptides in Sports Medicine: A Structured Narrative Review of Evidence, Safety, and Antidoping Implications. JBJS Reviews. 2026. Villegas Meza AD, Nocek M, Mitchell BC, et al.RecentReview Illicit Injectable Peptides and Regulatory Gaps. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2026. Piatkowski T, Ganson KT, Nagata JM.RecentOpinion Under FDA, Unapproved Peptides Likely to Become More Widely Available. JAMA. 2026. Rita Rubin, MANews
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