Supplement makers frequently assert that peptides can enhance muscle development and support fat reduction. Yet only a handful of studies have examined how peptides affect bodybuilding, and some are prohibited in competitive sports.
Peptides are a common performance-enhancing option within the bodybuilding scene. They consist of short chains of amino acids, the small molecules that make up peptides and proteins.
Peptides occur naturally in the body and are also present in animal and plant protein sources. Companies can extract these peptides or synthesize them by linking individual amino acids.
You can buy peptide supplements in powder form to mix with liquids and swallow, or as injections.
Some people consider peptides a more “natural” substitute for anabolic steroids, praising their potential to increase muscle mass, encourage fat loss, and help bodybuilders get more out of training.
However, the scientific evidence for these claimed benefits is limited and inconsistent.
Read on to learn about the possible advantages and hazards of using peptides for bodybuilding.
What do peptides do in the body?
Peptides can share structural similarities with certain hormones and signaling molecules, enabling them to bind to and activate multiple receptors across the body and influence various physiological processes.
Many peptides can also penetrate tissues.
Depending on their sequence and makeup, some peptides may help prevent clotting, bolster immune function, shield cells from damage, and lower cholesterol, inflammation, and blood pressure.
Certain peptides may also encourage the release of hormones tied to muscle growth, fat loss, and improved exercise performance and recovery, which makes them attractive to athletes aiming to maximize results.
How might they help bodybuilding?
Bodybuilders generally aim to alter body composition as efficiently as possible. Some research indicates that particular peptides could assist in reaching those aims.
Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) are a class of peptides that draw interest among bodybuilders because they can trigger the production and release of human growth hormone (HGH).
HGH, produced by the pituitary gland, can support muscle growth and may indirectly promote fat loss by prompting the liver to release insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 in turn stimulates muscle protein synthesis and fosters muscle hypertrophy.
In the 1980s, HGH was widely used as a performance enhancer by recreational and professional athletes, including bodybuilders. However, safety concerns led organizations such as the International Olympic Committee to ban non-medical HGH use starting in 1989.
Some claim that GHS compounds provide similar benefits to HGH but with fewer adverse effects. This may explain why they’re seen as an HGH alternative among strength athletes.
Although a few studies show GHSs can raise HGH or IGF-1 levels in humans, additional research is necessary to confirm whether GHS use leads to meaningful improvements in body composition, training performance, or recovery.
Moreover, there’s a lack of studies on GHS effects in well-trained subjects, so researchers don’t yet know which muscle groups peptides may influence most or which types of training they might complement best.
Types of peptides used by bodybuilders
Bodybuilders often focus on GHS peptides. Common GHSs used in bodybuilding include:
- growth-hormone releasing hormones such as sermorelin, tesamorelin, CJC-1293, and CJC-1295
- ghrelin and ghrelin mimetics like lenomorelin, anamorelin, ipamorelin, macimorelin, and tabimorelin
- growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) including alexamorelin, GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-3, GHRP-4, GHRP-5, GHRP-6, and hexarelin
Each of these agents can induce HGH release, though they operate through slightly different mechanisms.
Manufacturers often market different categories for varied goals. It’s important to highlight that no controlled studies have assessed GHS effects specifically in bodybuilders or other highly trained athletes.
As a result, suggested uses and dosage protocols are largely based on anecdote rather than solid evidence.
What side effects can peptides cause?
The short- and long-term safety of GHSs is largely uncertain. Trials that have looked at safety are small and of limited duration, so more comprehensive research is needed.
A 2017 review lists some common side effects associated with GHS use, including:
- increased appetite
- higher blood glucose levels
- fluid retention
GHSs may also reduce insulin sensitivity, complicating blood sugar control. There’s an added infection risk if injections are administered with non-sterile needles.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain GHS types only for particular medical conditions under prescription. The World Anti-Doping Agency also lists these compounds among prohibited substances.
Despite restrictions, many GHS products are sold online without prescriptions.
Purchasing and using such products carries risks: long-term safety is unknown, and quality and ingredient accuracy are difficult to verify. For these reasons, off-label or non-prescription use of GHS peptides is not advisable.
Frequently asked questions
Who should avoid peptides?
Talk to a physician before taking peptide supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have a health condition.
Peptide supplements are often thought to be relatively safe because they can be derived from peptides naturally present in foods.
However, dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so product content, dosage, and purity may be uncertain.
Are peptides steroids?
No. Peptides are chains of amino acids found naturally in the body and foods, while anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones.
Do peptides impact testosterone?
A 2022 animal study showed some peptides increased testosterone in rats, but human studies are needed to determine effects on testosterone in people.
How quickly do peptides take effect?
Some research observed gains in muscle strength and size after 8 to 12 weeks of peptide use alongside resistance training.
The bottom line
Supplement companies often promote peptides as tools to increase muscle growth, reduce fat, and improve workout performance and recovery.
However, evidence supporting these assertions is limited, and little is known about how peptides affect well-trained athletes such as bodybuilders.
GHS peptides are banned in professional sports, their long-term safety is unclear, and they are approved only for a few specific medical uses. Their use may pose health risks.
For these reasons, using GHS peptides off-label or without a prescription is not recommended for bodybuilders.
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