nothing good has ever followed 'I don't even need coffee anymore!'

There is no simple, broad descriptor for peptides that helps us understand what peptides do, in the way that caffeine is a “stimulant.” “Peptide” is not quite as general of a term as “chemical,” but it feels close. They sound great, based on the marketing, which is the job of marketing: people feel more beautiful, have more energy, find it easier to get stronger in the gym, suddenly “don’t even need coffee anymore.” “Pep”—it’s right there on the tin! If it makes you feel good, and influencers love 'em, what could possibly be the problem?

This post by Eric Topol breaks down some of the science of peptides. Some of them act similarly to growth hormones. You may be familiar with HGH, or human growth hormone, a substance bodybuilders take that can lead to type 2 diabetes and induce enlarged organs, bones, and ribcage, until one’s torso looks like they swallowed a barrel, like Elon Musk. Doctors can also give HGH to babies who naturally underproduce growth hormone, to help them grow.

But “growth hormone imitator” isn’t the only lane; GLP-1s, for instance are peptides. There are many peptides floating around and specifically not approved by the FDA, but are available to buy as “research chemicals.” There are peptides that are specifically banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which is the organization that (is supposed to) stop athletes from using performance-enhancing drugs. And yet, “clinics” are popping up all over offering to inject peptides in anyone who just wants a little more out of life.