Personal trainer Rick Brennan, with over 30 years in the fitness industry, highlights a significant shift in the perception of peptides, which were once banned for athletes. These short chains of amino acids, now popular in the fitness community, are marketed for various benefits, including enhanced recovery and even cosmetic improvements. However, their efficacy remains largely unproven, as large-scale human trials are notably absent.
Some medical professionals in Australia prescribe peptides, but a significant portion is acquired through online wellness clinics or illegally from local gyms and social media influencers. Brennan notes the widespread interest, stating, “I can’t believe the interest. People from all walks of life are looking to trial it to live a healthier life.” This trend has grown to the extent that even clients in their 60s are inquiring about peptides based on the experiences of their younger relatives.
Despite the enthusiasm, experts caution against their use due to insufficient evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. Ian Musgrave, a senior lecturer in pharmacology at the University of Adelaide, emphasizes, “They certainly work OK under certain circumstances in animals, but that does not necessarily translate into effects in humans.” He also points out the cancellation of the only clinical trial involving a specific peptide, BPC-157, without clear reasons provided.
The risks associated with purchasing peptides are underscored by Alison Craven, the CEO of PEDTest Australia, who warns of potential contamination and degradation. “You know that red mould that grows in your shower? That is commonly found in peptides,” she explains. The conditions under which these products are stored and shipped can severely affect their quality, raising concerns for users who may not be aware of what they are ingesting.
Interest in peptides has been fueled in part by endorsements from well-respected figures in the medical community. Notable proponents include Andrew Huberman, an associate professor at Stanford University and host of the influential Huberman Lab podcast. He has discussed the benefits of peptides like Sermorelin, stating, “It helps me get into really deep sleep quickly… You recover fast [from exercise].”
Another fitness professional, Raph Freedman, co-founder of Lockeroom Gym in Sydney, has personally used both BPC-157 and CJC-1295, a peptide that stimulates the release of human growth hormone. Although he experienced a negative impact on his sleep after using CJC-1295, he reports significant improvement in knee pain after taking BPC-157, saying, “I didn’t really change anything in my training routine.”
The stigma around injecting substances has seemingly lessened, particularly following the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Freedman observes that this change has opened the door for more people to consider peptide use, stating, “Before this, the only people who would ever consider an injection were bodybuilders or athletes cheating in sports.”
In clinical settings, medical professionals like Dr. Dominik Schaffner, an orthopedic surgeon based in Sydney, prescribe peptides after conventional treatments fail. Schaffner explains, “This is where peptides perfectly fit the regulatory framework in Australia.” His approach involves thorough assessments before considering peptides for patients.
Despite the rising interest, caution remains essential. Steven Lu, co-founder and chief medical officer of Everlab, advises against the use of peptides due to the lack of robust evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety. “With all the supplements we recommend, we look at the evidence, and I have to ask myself, ‘Would I [take] this?’ So, right now, the answer for me is ‘no’, but I think that answer could also change moving forward,” Lu states.
As the fitness community continues to explore the potential benefits of peptides, the narrative remains complex. While many are eager to experiment with these compounds, the absence of substantial clinical evidence and the potential for adverse effects highlight the need for further research and cautious consideration.
