Health
Thinking about peptides? Doctors reveal key dos and don’ts as ‘Wild West’ market grows
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The peptide boom is under scrutiny as the FDA weighs easing restrictions on several drugs in the category.
Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins, have gained popularity among wellness influencers and fitness gurus as a means of building muscle, healing injuries or appearing younger.
Similar to how GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can signal other functions, like the release of growth hormones.
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But unlike GLP-1 drugs — which were extensively studied and regulated — many peptides lack comparable evidence and oversight, said New York endocrinologist Dr. Philip Rabito, adding that some are “not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality before marketing.”
Peptides under FDA review, including BPC-157, are often marketed for tendon and gut healing, injury recovery and inflammation reduction, despite warnings about the risks of unapproved treatments.
Similar to how GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can signal other functions, like the release of growth hormones. (iStock)
Even as regulators consider loosening restrictions, the market has been widely described as a “Wild West,” with various versions sold online without a prescription.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, board-certified internist and longevity expert Dr. Amanda Kahn, who prescribes peptides in her own New York practice, confirmed that interest has grown “significantly” across the U.S.
Peptides are popular because they “sit at the intersection of wellness optimization and medicine,” according to the doctor.
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“As a class, they are targeted biosimilar molecules that can influence specific pathways like inflammation, recovery and metabolism in a way that feels more biologically synergistic than traditional pharmaceuticals,” she said.
Most patients spend a few hundred to thousands of dollars on these drugs per month, according to Kahn. Costs can be high because peptides are often custom-made and must meet strict quality and sterility standards.
Peptides are popular because they “sit at the intersection of wellness optimization and medicine,” according to one doctor. (iStock)
“At the same time, patients today are far more proactive and invested in their health,” Kahn added. “They’re not waiting to get sick; they want to feel better, recover faster and age more intentionally.”
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Peptides have evolved rapidly from just a few years ago, when they were largely focused on weight loss, the expert said, with growing interest in energy, post-illness or injury recovery, muscle preservation and sleep quality.
But these drugs are not one-size-fits-all, experts warn, especially when not prescribed by a professional or cleared by a reputable pharmacy.
There is growing interest in peptides for more muscle preservation and sleep quality, an expert said. (iStock)
Peptides dos and don’ts
Experts shared the following guidance on using peptides.
Do use peptides within reason
Kahn recommends using peptides with “a clear, clinical rationale, not just because they’re trending.”
“Think of peptides as part of a broader health plan, not a standalone solution,” she advised.
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Kahn said patients often come into her practice focused on weight or appearance, but in-depth testing may uncover underlying issues such as inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, hormonal imbalance or recovery deficits.
“It’s both aesthetic and medical, but the trend in my internal medicine practice has always been toward specific health concerns,” she added.
Do work with a clinician
Dr. Kent Bradley, chief medical officer at 10X Health in California, recommends approaching peptides with “curiosity and rigor” and discussing the science with a physician.
“Work with a clinician who provides a baseline of biomarkers before you introduce peptides,” he recommended during an interview with Fox News Digital. “You will need to know where you’re starting in order to measure the impact.”
Experts recommend working with a physician to determine which peptides are right for you. (Getty Images)
Do find a credible source
Peptides should always be purchased from “reputable compounding pharmacies by prescription,” Kahn emphasized.
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“While they are powerful signaling molecules, when used appropriately, they can be very safe and effective,” she said. “When used incorrectly, [with] the wrong dose, wrong indication or poor sourcing, they can be dangerous or ineffective.”
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She added, “The key is clinical oversight, proper selection and individualized use.”
The current peptide ecosystem — including unlicensed providers and “gray market” access — is “more dangerous than the molecules themselves,” Kahn warned.
It’s important to use pharmacies that meet FDA 503A or 503B regulations to ensure consumer safety, the expert added.
Don’t stack peptides without a purpose
Multiple peptides should not be combined without understanding how they interact with each other, nor should they be injected as mixtures, Kahn warned.
Some products marketed as “natural” online may still have the capacity to cause complications, an expert warned. (iStock)
“Don’t treat them as risk-free supplements,” she said. “They are biologically active and should be used thoughtfully.”
“Peptides should be cycled, paused and re-assessed — don’t ‘set it and let it go.’”
Don’t self-prescribe
Dose-response and drug interactions require medical oversight, and peptides should be prescribed by a doctor, according to Bradley. Some products that are marketed as “natural” may still have the capacity to do harm to the body, he warned.
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Don’t use them as a shortcut or substitute
Fundamental pillars of health, like sleep, nutrition and exercise, should be addressed before using a peptide as a “shortcut” to fix health complications, Kahn said.
Bradley agreed, adding that “the same instinct that drives patients toward unnecessary surgery drives them toward complex peptide stacks when the real leverage is upstream and boring.”
Younger individuals most likely don’t need to take peptides for muscle building, according to a fitness expert. (iStock)
Kenny Santucci, a fitness expert and founder of Strong New York, shared with Fox News Digital that he takes peptides for muscle building himself – but noted that it’s not right for everyone.
Especially for younger individuals, whose bodies are “already working at optimal levels,” peptides may be unnecessary, he said.
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“If you take care of yourself — if you’re eating right, sleeping right, working out — you probably don’t need much,” he said.
“I think as you get older, these things start to help out a little bit, or if you suffer from an injury and you want to take something that will help repair the tissue quicker, that’s great.”
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No sex for the win? This was the advice given to this year’s NBA champions.
New York Knicks owner James Dolan addressed the now-champs as they headed into the playoffs in April 2026, acknowledging their high potential to eventually win the championship.
“I don’t know if you understand what it would mean for you to win a championship this year … It would be life-changing,” he said. “It will stick with you the rest of your lives, and if you don’t win, you’ll be thinking about it the rest of your lives.”
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As Dolan’s inspirational speech to the team went on, he explained how the next 10 weeks would require each player to make sacrifices – watching their diets, getting proper sleep and perhaps even abstaining from sex.
“You need sacrifice and you need to eliminate all the distractions around you,” he said.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy and Knicks owner James Dolan after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks,” the owner said. “You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks – but, like the Spartans … They denied themselves, so that they can have an edge. Get the edge.”
This received a few snickers from the team, and Dolan responded, “Don’t tell [your wives and girlfriends] you’re not going to have sex and don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this is going to be like … and how they’re going to have to sacrifice, too.”
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Dr. Anna Elton, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist in Massachusetts, confirmed that this belief has been around for centuries, dating back to the ancients Spartans and early Olympic competitors.
Avoiding sex can preserve energy, increase aggression and sharpen focus, according to Elton.
The theory behind abstaining from sex for better athletic performance supports that it can preserve energy, increase aggression and sharpen focus. (iStock)
But modern research has found little evidence that consensual sexual activity negatively impacts strength, endurance, reaction time or athletic performance when it occurs at least 10 hours before competition, the doctor countered.
However, “activity very close to competition may affect recovery measures,” she added. What may be more important, according to Elton, is the psychological value of abstinence.
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“Choosing to abstain can reinforce discipline and total commitment to a larger goal,” she said. “In those cases, the advantage may come more from mindset and focus than from any physical effect.”
“Whether the sacrifice is alcohol, social activities, favorite foods or sex, the message is often the same: ‘We are all in.’”
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson celebrates with teammates after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
The science of abstinence
This discussion has historically focused on men, which Elton said is often based on “misconceptions about testosterone and energy depletion.”
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“Research has not demonstrated that normal sexual activity causes a meaningful decline in athletic performance, and concerns about testosterone depletion have not been consistently supported by the evidence,” she said.
“For women, sexual activity may have additional benefits related to stress reduction, emotional regulation and relationship satisfaction.”
Abstaining from sex for athletic performance may create a sense of discipline, minimize distractions, maintain focus on training and reinforce a team culture centered on sacrifice and commitment, experts say. (iStock)
In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men’s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, echoed Elton’s assessment that research largely does not support abstinence as a performance enhancer.
This is despite a small amount of evidence that suggests engaging in sexual activity within two hours of competition could pose a risk to cardiovascular recovery.
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“Unfortunately, nearly all studies (99%) have been conducted in males aged 20 to 40, so there is virtually no data on female athletes, older athletes or diverse populations,” said the Puerto Rico-based expert. “We know what to tell the Knicks, but we are not sure what to recommend for the New York Liberty.”
Importance of connection
Elton said abstinence may still offer psychological benefits for some competitors. “For some athletes, it can become part of a pre-competition ritual that enhances confidence,” she told Fox News Digital.
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Some other potential benefits of sexual activity include stress reduction, improved sleep, mood enhancement, emotional connection with a partner and relief from performance-related tension.
“Strong, supportive relationships are associated with better psychological resilience, which can be valuable during high-pressure competitions,” Elton said.
“One of the most overlooked performance advantages may be having a supportive relationship waiting at home,” a doctor said. (iStock)
“Ultimately, there is no universal rule,” she went on. “What helps one athlete perform at their best may not help another.”
Elton stressed that sleep, recovery, nutrition, stress management and support from loved ones are universal performance boosters.
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“Athletes devote tremendous attention to training their bodies, while overlooking the importance of their personal relationships,” she cautioned. “A supportive partner can be one of the greatest assets during a demanding season.”
“If competition requires temporary sacrifices, make those decisions together and keep communication open.”
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Eliminating sugar from your diet may seem like the key to healthy eating, but research suggests it could have unintended effects on digestive health.
A study presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, suggests that a total lack of sucrose, or table sugar, may harm gut health and disrupt the body’s natural metabolism.
To explore how the total absence of dietary sugar impacts the body, researchers at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait City conducted a 16-week study on two groups of mice. Both groups were placed on a low-fat diet, but with one critical difference.
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One group consumed a low-fat diet that included a standard amount of sucrose, while the other group ate a low-fat diet that was completely sugar-free, according to the study’s press release.
Throughout the trial, the scientists monitored a wide variety of physiological factors, including the animals’ weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, internal inflammation and the specific composition of their gut bacteria.
A total lack of dietary sugar can cause imbalances in the gut bacteria and lead to signs of fatty liver disease, even without any weight gain, researchers said. (iStock)
The study outcome suggested that completely removing sugar caused several unexpected health problems.
“Completely removing sucrose from a low-fat diet may unexpectedly disrupt gut health and promote inflammation and metabolic dysfunction,” Rasheed Ahmad, principal scientist and head of the Immunology & Microbiology Department at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, said in the release.
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Even though the mice on the sugar-free diet did not gain any extra weight compared to the control group, their internal health indicators deteriorated.
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The animals that lacked sucrose developed an imbalance in their gut microbes and increased inflammation within the intestines and liver.
They also showed signs of poor glucose regulation, insulin resistance and cellular changes associated with fatty liver disease, according to the research.
Future dietary guidelines may shift away from strict, absolute sugar bans and instead focus on overall gut health through balanced nutrition. (iStock)
“The findings suggest that complete removal of sucrose from a low-fat diet may negatively affect gut microbiota and metabolic health,” Ahmad concluded.
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While the risks of high-sugar diets are well-established, the researchers noted that little attention has been given to the effects of completely eliminating sugar from low-fat meals.
Scientists say these new findings highlight that dietary carbohydrates play a valuable role in supporting balance between the immune system and the gut microbiome.
Completely cutting sucrose from a low-fat diet can unexpectedly trigger gut inflammation and disrupt the metabolism, experts say. (iStock)
Because this research was conducted on mice over a relatively short 16-week period, further clinical trials are necessary to determine whether a completely sugar-free diet causes the same gut and liver inflammation in humans.
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Additionally, the study focused specifically on removing sucrose from low-fat meals, meaning the results might not apply to people eliminating sugar while following higher-fat or ketogenic eating plans, the researchers noted.
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The team believes that future dietary guidelines may shift away from strict, absolute sugar restrictions and instead place a greater emphasis on maintaining a diverse, healthy population of gut bacteria through balanced nutrition.
“In the long term, these findings could help improve strategies for preventing and managing metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease and chronic inflammatory conditions,” Ahmad said.
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