Peptides: Tiktok's Latest Wellness "Hack"- Uses, Benefits, and Risks

Introduction

Throughout social media and medicine, peptides have been promoted for their role in weight loss, muscle growth, and even anti-aging. Peptides are a short chain of amino acids that function as building blocks for protein (1). They are taken via injection in either the abdomen or thigh. While peptides have been around for decades, the research behind them remains limited, and are still considered experimental. 

Structure and Function

The most common misconception with peptides is that they are the same as proteins. Peptides generally consist of 2-50 amino acids whereas proteins are significantly larger and can carry over hundreds of amino acids. Along with a difference in size, their role also varies. Proteins create stability and support for tissues, whereas peptides only act as the “messengers” to direct the tasks. However, peptides are essential because they target some of the most necessary physiological processes. Some of these processes include producing collagen, boosting metabolism, and enhancing immune functions. 

How Peptides Are Used and Why They Matter

The most well-known peptides are:

• BPC-157 (healing), 

• TB-500 (repair), 

• CJC-1295/Ipamorelin (growth hormone/anti-aging), and

•  Semaglutide/Tirzepatide (weight loss). 

Peptides for healing and repair target areas in tissue repair that ultimately reduce inflammation. For weight loss, peptides suppress appetite, regulate metabolism, and slow digestion to have you feeling full for longer periods of time. Hormone and anti aging peptides serve to boost collagen and elastin which improves areas in the face such as reducing wrinkles.

Although peptides were originally developed for medical reasons, their increasing popularity through social media has expanded their use beyond medical needs. Peptides are frequently advertised for aesthetic purposes targeting improvements in both the skin and body. These kinds of advertisements raise concerns, especially amongst younger audiences. Many of us have already witnessed the rise of skincare trends amongst children and teenagers, including the use of strong anti-aging products such as retinol. Promoting peptides on a platform that mainly reach young audiences contributes to unrealistic social media standards, making it seem as though injections are a quick and easy solution for beauty improvement. Jerri K. Hirst, RN and the founder of JKH aesthetic notes that peptides are already a natural occurrence in our bodies, and that instead we should be prioritizing nutrition, sleep, and exercise to incentivize those same pathways.The growing prevalence of peptide use shifts focus away from healthy habits, towards short-term and appearance based solutions.

Risks, Regulations, and Scientific Evidence

 Despite their growing popularity, scientific research remains mixed depending on the type of peptide being used. In 2023, the FDA banned 19 peptides and labeled them in “Category 2” due to raised safety and efficacy concerns.  The banned peptides include  BPC-157, TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4), AOD-9604, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, Epitalon, GHK-Cu, Melanotan II, and MOTS-c. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claims that he is working to overturn the ban because of the increase in product consumption through the grey market. While the department of health and Human services seems to acknowledge the importance of Americans' access to ethical suppliers, they fail to recognize the safety risks of some peptides (2). As of April 2026, the FDA has reversed the ban and has placed them back to category 1, allowing its use, with limitations. Studies show that the peptide Semaglutide, is beneficial for weight-loss with the correct dosage and doctor approval. Semaglutide is medically prescribed to patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Research proves a result in ~15% body weight reduction over 68 weeks, with roughly 86% of patients losing over 5% of their body weight (4). Approximately 6% of the American population (15 million people) were prescribed Semaglutide peptide brands, such as Ozempic and Wegovy in early 2024 (5). While some peptides have been medically approved, others remain controversial due to their limited research and potential risks. For instance, recovery peptides such as BPC are considered  a primary theoretical risk and raise concerns regarding cancer. While BPC is often promoted for athletes in enhancing performance, the tissue repair involves an aggressive healing process. This process involves stimulating new blood vessels and growth hormone receptors that can potentially spread existing cancer cells in our bodies (6). These concerns suggest that peptide use should be approached carefully with medical supervision and consideration of potential long-term health risks.

Final Takeaway

As wellness trends continue to spread through social media, peptides are becoming known for a quick solution to weight-loss, skin improvement, or other physical enhancements. When done naturally, these processes take time for a reason. Taking shortcuts may seem appealing, especially when desired results take longer than expected. However, these approaches often carry many risks and lack scientific evidence. Rather than risking one's health, individuals should prioritize sustainable methods that support long-term well-being.

1.

Peptide [Internet]. Genome.gov. Available from: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Peptide

2.

News P. FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and MAHA supporters. PBS News. Published April 16, 2026. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/fda-to-weigh-easing-limits-on-unproven-peptides-favored-by-rfk-jr-and-maha-supporters

4.

Wadden TA, Chao AM, Moore MB, et al. The Role of Lifestyle Modification with Second-Generation Anti-obesity Medications: Comparisons, Questions, and Clinical Opportunities. Current Obesity Reports. 2023;12(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-023-00534-z

5.

Noor, Khan M, Tague C, Aymar Akilimali. The unseen risk of ozempic: NAION and vision damage. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. Published online October 20, 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/ms9.0000000000004149

6.

| Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal. Columbia.edu. Published 2025. Accessed May 6, 2026. https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/cusj/blog/view/720

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