What Are Peptides? Everything You Should Know

Aug 29, 2025 | Peptide Therapy Blogs

Peptides are strings of amino acids, the building blocks of protein found naturally in the body. 

Peptides perform many essential functions in your body, including metabolism, hormone regulation, and tissue repair. When used in therapy, they can help with weight management, anti-aging, muscle recovery, improved sleep, and other benefits.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about peptides, including what they are, their health benefits, safety considerations, and where to get them.

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of two or more amino acids joined by chemical bonds, known as peptide bonds. Peptides become proteins when they are arranged into intricate structures, usually made up of 50 or more amino acids.

The use of peptides in medicine is not new. For more than a century, scientists have been developing them as treatments. The first peptide ever produced in a laboratory was insulin, which was developed in 1921 and approved for use in the treatment of type 1 diabetes by 1923.

Peptide therapy may offer several benefits over traditional drugs, including the simplicity of delivering to specific bodily tissues, and may cause fewer side effects. Peptides are also considered safe, since the byproducts of the breakdown of peptides are amino acids, which your body can naturally recycle.

Peptides play a crucial role in various essential bodily functions, including cellular communication, wound healing, reducing inflammation, collagen synthesis, and muscle growth.

Peptide therapy involves delivering these peptides to promote or repair functions that decrease with age or stress.

Unlike other therapies, peptide therapy is tailored, allowing clinicians to select specific peptides according to your individual health concerns, such as improving skin health, boosting the immune system, or supporting weight loss.

Peptide therapy can be administered via a topical cream or oral supplement, depending on the desired result and your preference.

The Many Peptides Therapy Benefits

The benefits of peptides extend to various areas of health and wellness. From enhancing physical performance to increasing energy, peptides offer versatile support for the body.

1. Improved healing and recovery

Peptides can support faster healing and tissue repair. Certain peptides, such as BPC-157, have been shown to promote the repair of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and even the gut lining. They work by stimulating blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) and reducing inflammation at the site of injury.

For athletes or anyone recovering from surgery, injury, or even day-to-day physical strain, peptide therapy may help the body heal quickly and with less discomfort.

2. Enhance fat loss

Peptide therapy has shown promising results in weight management by targeting the metabolism and fat breakdown processes. Some peptides are designed to promote lipolysis, or the breakdown of fat cells, and can also help reduce appetite.

Hormone-related peptides, such as those that mimic the GLP-1 hormone, such as semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, can help regulate blood sugar levels, make you feel full faster, and reduce food cravings. This leads to reduced calorie intake and, eventually, weight loss.

Other peptides may work by boosting metabolism, improving sensitivity, or encouraging the body to use stored fat as energy. Unlike fad diets or unsafe supplements, peptide therapy addresses weight management by working with your body’s natural biology, making it a more sustainable approach.

Peptide therapy is also in line with hormone therapy for weight loss, which can be especially beneficial for people whose weight is affected by hormone imbalances.

3. Increased muscle growth and strength

Studies suggest that peptide therapy may help in building muscle and strength. Compounds like sermorelin and other growth hormone–stimulating peptides encourage the pituitary gland to release more of your body’s own growth hormone. This helps build lean muscle, improve strength, and support faster recovery after workouts.

Other studies show that combining resistance exercise training with peptide supplements is a more effective way to build muscle than exercise alone. Similarly, another study suggests that taking peptide supplements in conjunction with exercise can help enhance strength and muscle mass.

4. Boosts the immune system

A strong immune system is essential for overall health, and certain peptides are designed to strengthen your body’s natural defences. Some peptides work by stimulating the production of immune cells, while others help regulate inflammation.

Peptides like thymosin alpha-1 have been studied for their ability to enhance the activity of T cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infections and supporting immune resilience. This is especially beneficial for you if you frequently fall ill, are recovering from an illness, or simply want to give your immune system an extra boost.

By boosting immune resilience, peptide therapy can reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may have a beneficial effect on conditions such as autoimmune diseases or allergies associated with chronic inflammation.

5. Anti-aging effects

Natural peptide and hormone production decline with age, which can reduce collagen production, skin elasticity, and slow cell repair, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.

Peptides, like sermorelin and epithalon, may help slow these processes by encouraging the body to repair itself. Others support healthier skin by boosting collagen and elastin, helping slow the aging process.

Research suggests that collagen supplements may help prevent or delay the aging process of the skin. Collagen peptides can also improve skin health.

6. Improved sleep and cognitive function

Peptides may help increase the production of growth hormone, which regulates circadian rhythms and promotes deeper, more restorative sleep. 

Peptides may also support cognitive performance by encouraging healthier blood flow, reducing inflammation, and supporting cellular repair. Some peptides have been linked to sharper focus, improved memory, and greater mental clarity.

7. Balances hormones

Hormonal imbalances can impact nearly every aspect of health, including weight, mood, energy, sleep, and sexual well-being. Certain peptides work by stimulating the body to release its own hormones in a more balanced way, rather than replacing them with synthetic alternatives.

For example, sermorelin signals the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone naturally, which can enhance metabolism, improve muscle tone, and increase energy. 

Other peptides may help raise your testosterone levels by causing your body to produce and release gonadotropin luteinizing hormone (LH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the main hormones your body uses to produce testosterone.

Popular Peptides Offered at NP2GO

At NP2GO, we offer a range of carefully selected peptides designed to support weight loss, anti-aging, recovery, and overall wellness. Each peptide is sourced from well-vetted compounding pharmacies to ensure safety and effectiveness. Some of the most popular options include NAD+, sermorelin, semaglutide, and tirzepatide.

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) peptide

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is a coenzyme involved in DNA repair, stress response, and energy metabolism. NAD+ plays a crucial role in various bodily processes and cellular activities, including DNA repair, immune function, and metabolism. It’s also used to boost energy, improve mental health, and slow down the aging process.

However, as we age, NAD+ decreases. This may lead to reduced DNA repair, impaired cellular stress response, and altered energy metabolism regulation. Metabolic disorders caused by low NAD+ levels may include obesity and insulin resistance, which can result in diabetes and high blood pressure, which may also lead to age-related illnesses. One possible way to prevent age-related metabolic diseases is to stop the decrease in NAD+.

Supplementing with NAD+ helps restore those levels, leading to increased energy, enhanced cognitive clarity, improved mitochondrial function, better cellular repair, and anti-aging benefits.

Sermorelin peptide

Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide made up of 29 amino acids. It primarily targets the pituitary gland, stimulating the body to produce more growth hormone. Sermorelin peptide is a safer and more natural alternative to exogenous growth hormone supplementation, as it mimics the body’s natural release of growth hormone.

Sermorelin was FDA-approved to treat growth hormone insufficiency in children when researchers discovered it might stimulate the pituitary gland to pump out more HGH. However, it’s now commonly administered off-label as a daily injection to help increase the release of more growth hormone in men and women.

Sermorelin can be used by itself or in combination with other anti-aging peptides. It can be administered as a sublingual troche, an injectable form, or as a blended solution with other peptides.

Semaglutide peptide

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved prescription medication used for weight management, type 2 diabetes treatment, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease in certain adults. It has also shown effectiveness in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in patients without cirrhosis.

As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone released after eating. Semaglutide works by curbing appetite, slowing digestion, boosting insulin release, and reducing glucagon production.

Brand names for semaglutide include Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, each approved for different medical indications.

Tirzepatide peptide

Tirzepatide is a powerful peptide medication available under two brand names: Zepbound and Mounjaro. The Zepbound brand is FDA-approved for weight loss, helping people lose weight and keep it off. It works by decreasing appetite and slowing the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, allowing you to feel full more quickly and for longer periods. 

Zepbound is also approved for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. It is administered as a once-weekly injection, delivered subcutaneously using a simple-to-use pen.

The Mounjaro brand of tirzepatide is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps improve blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar is high, reducing the amount of sugar produced by the liver, and slowing the passage of food through the intestines. Like Zepbound, Mounjaro is used in conjunction with a diet and exercise regimen.

Tirzepatide mimics the effects of two natural gut hormones: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, suppressing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and increasing the feeling of fullness. By activating both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide provides powerful benefits for weight management and metabolic health.

Other Peptides Available by Request

Beyond the ones mentioned above, we have access to a wide variety of peptide therapies, including more recent and specialized formulations for immune regulation, anti-aging, cognitive support, and metabolic health. When therapeutically suitable, we may source any peptide that stirs your interest.

Are Peptides Safe?

When prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, peptides are generally considered safe. Because they are made from amino acids, the same building blocks your body already uses. They tend to work in harmony with your natural processes. This means they’re often better tolerated than many synthetic drugs.

That said, safety depends heavily on how and where peptides are obtained. The rise in popularity of peptide therapies has led to a booming online market, where many products are sold as “research chemicals” labeled Not for Human Consumption. These compounds may be unregulated, contaminated, or inaccurately dosed, posing a real risk to patients if used without medical supervision.

Working with a licensed clinician helps minimize these risks. At NP2GO, every peptide therapy begins with a thorough health evaluation, lab work when needed, and a treatment plan designed for your unique needs. By sourcing peptides exclusively from accredited compounding pharmacies, NP2GO ensures that patients receive therapies that meet stringent standards for safety and quality.

Where Can I Get Peptides Safely?

If you are considering peptides for weight loss, muscle recovery, or overall wellness, it’s important to get them from a safe and reliable source. Peptides should only be prescribed by a licensed medical professional who can assess your health history, determine the right dosage, and monitor your progress. Buying peptides online without medical supervision can be risky, as some products may be counterfeit, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed.

The safest way to access peptides is through a trusted clinic or healthcare provider. At NP2GO, we source our peptide compounds from well-vetted compounding pharmacies and provide physician-supervised peptide therapy to ensure that every patient receives high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade peptides tailored to their specific needs. With professional guidance, you can be assured that your treatment is not only effective but also safe and reliable.

FAQ About Peptides

Are peptides steroids?

No, peptides are not steroids. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, that naturally occur in the body. They work by triggering specific cellular functions, such as improving metabolism, supporting tissue repair, or regulating hormone levels. Steroids are synthetic substances that mimic hormones like testosterone and often come with more serious side effects. Peptide therapy is considered a safer and more targeted approach to supporting wellness compared to steroids.

How long does it take to see results from peptides?
Results from peptide therapy vary depending on the type of peptide and the individual’s specific goals. Some people notice improvements in energy, sleep, or recovery within a few weeks, while benefits such as weight management or anti-aging effects may take 3-6 months of consistent use.

Can I get peptides without a prescription?
For your safety, peptides should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. While some online sources sell peptides without requiring a prescription, these products are often unregulated and may not be safe. NP2GO provides medically guided peptide therapy with compounds from trusted compounding pharmacies, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Are there any side effects when starting peptide therapy?

Most people tolerate peptide therapy well, but some may experience mild side effects when starting. These can include temporary fatigue, headaches, dry mouth, flushing, or mild irritation at the injection site. In most cases, side effects are short-lived as your body adjusts to the medication. Working with a qualified provider such as NP2GO helps minimize risks and ensures your treatment is tailored safely to your specific needs.

Take the Next Step With Peptide Therapy

Peptides are opening new doors in health, weight loss, and overall wellness. Whether you’re interested in boosting energy, improving recovery, or achieving your weight goals, professional peptide therapy ensures you get safe and effective results. At NP2GO, we source all peptide compounds from well-vetted compounding pharmacies and provide expert medical supervision tailored to your unique needs.

Don’t leave your health to chance—schedule your consultation with NP2GO today and discover how peptide therapy can help you look, feel, and live better.