At the intersection of self-administered injectables and the protein craze comes another health and wellness trend full of promise and celebrity backing; peptide stacks. Peptides are naturally occurring strings of amino acids organically produced by the body and required for a variety of physiological processes, most notably the regulation of cell functioning, metabolism, and muscle maintenance. They provide cells in the body with instructions on how to act. Not unlike supplements like collagen and protein powders, these substances are being sought out as additives and treatments rather than nutrients derived from a clean diet and healthy lifestyle. So much so, that influencers and celebrities alike have begun promoting the self-administered injectables, claiming these treatments are the new-wave of the beauty industry. 

Peptide stacking is the practice of combining individual peptides to create a personalized recipe of injectables tailored to individual goals. Peptides within the stack are often chosen based on one’s chief concern. For someone wanting to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, a specific concoction of peptides exists. There are combinations for nearly every concern; muscle growth and maintenance, appearance of hair, skin, and nails, weight loss, immune support, gut health, the list goes on. 

How do these peptide stacks work?

Vials are often prescribed by med spas and other beauty clinics, curated by professionals to target specific concerns. Frequency of injection varies by individual experience and goals, but are commonly administered weekly. Each treatment, or injection, can range from $100 to upwards of $300, making this an expensive, inaccessible practice utilized primarily by those well-resourced, which is not a new concept in the health and wellness industry. 

This delivery of treatment may seem extreme, as self-administered injectables are closely associated with prescription medications for chronic illness. Yet, as the beauty and wellness industry continues to evolve, the boundary between product and procedure seems to blend. GLP-1’s are being given for reasons far beyond Type I and II diabetes, and instead are being used for aesthetic purposes. Vials of filler and botox are injected on the regular in med spas and plastic surgeons offices, though these products have yet to hit the mainstream market for self-administration.

Peptide stacks introduction to consumer markets mirrors the industries trend towards extremity, where minimally invasive procedures becoming a part of weekly beauty routines like a manicure or trim would be. It presents the question, at what length are we willing to go for perfection, and when do we draw the line? As of now, any boundary seems unclear. 

Are they even safe for us?

In recent news, the FDA narrowly approved injectable peptide production by pharmaceutical companies. To be clear, these aren’t drugs approved by the FDA, just that an ease of federal restriction and regulation of production has been given. An extremely limited body of research exists regarding peptide injections. These treatments have little to no support from human experimental trials, as studies themselves have been scarce. Often, these products are advertised for “research purposes only” or “not for human consumption”, placing the FDA’s primary motivation for backing off on restrictions and regulations questionable.

Big pharma’s intervention, and ultimate approval, of peptide production and use poses questions for the treatment’s future in terms of accessibility, safety, and popularity. Will these drugs become available for over-the-counter purchase at drug stores? Are they even safe for use? And what does this mean for competitive sports, like the Olympics? Are peptide stacks performance enhancing? They seemingly claim to be. 

It seems absolutely wild that big pharma now has the green flag to produce these products considering scientists and the public are widely unaware of the long term effects of these drugs, yet, influencers, celebrities, and now even the United States government, seem eager for these products to soar across markets and the health and wellness industry, something us consumers should stay weary of. 

What do you think of peptide stacks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!