PeptideNerds

New to peptides? Start here.

A no-nonsense introduction to peptides — what they are, how they work, and what you need to know before doing anything.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up proteins. Your body naturally produces thousands of peptides that regulate everything from appetite to tissue repair to immune function.

Therapeutic peptides are lab-synthesized versions of these natural molecules. Some are FDA-approved medications (like semaglutide for weight loss). Others are still in clinical trials or available only for research purposes.

Why peptides for weight loss?

GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) are the biggest development in obesity medicine in decades. Clinical trials show 15-26% body weight reduction. These are not supplements — they are powerful medications that change how your body regulates appetite and metabolism.

Beyond weight loss, peptides are used for healing (BPC-157, TB-500), growth hormone optimization (ipamorelin, CJC-1295), anti-aging (GHK-Cu, epithalon), and cognitive enhancement (semax, selank).

FDA-approved vs research peptides

This is the most important distinction to understand:

  • FDA-approved: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), tesamorelin (Egrifta), PT-141 (Vyleesi). These have completed clinical trials and are available by prescription.
  • In clinical trials: Retatrutide, survodutide, orforglipron. Still being studied. Not yet available by prescription.
  • Research only: BPC-157, TB-500, ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and many others. Not FDA-approved for human use. Available from research peptide suppliers.

Every compound on this site clearly states its FDA status. We do not make therapeutic claims for non-approved peptides.

Where to go from here

Weekly peptide research updates

New studies, GLP-1 news, protocol insights, and weight loss data — delivered every week. Free. No spam.