The Ultimate Guide to Peptides 2025: Types, Benefits, and FDA Regulations

Peptides have taken the health, wellness, and aesthetics industry by storm. From muscle growth and fat loss to anti-aging and injury recovery, these small but powerful chains of amino acids play a crucial role in optimizing health.

However, despite their effectiveness, many peptides have been removed from the FDA’s approved list, making them harder to access in the U.S. This has led to confusion about what’s available, what’s still legal, and what options people have for peptide therapy.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular peptides, their benefits, and the FDA’s stance on them.

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Unlike full proteins, peptides are small enough to be easily absorbed by the body, making them highly effective for targeted functions like hormone regulation, tissue repair, and cellular rejuvenation.

Many peptides are naturally produced in the body, but their levels decline with age. That’s where peptide therapy comes in—by supplementing with specific peptides, you can enhance bodily functions and achieve specific health and performance goals.

Types of Peptides and Their Benefits

1. Growth Hormone Secretagogues (For Anti-Aging, Fat Loss & Muscle Growth)

These peptides stimulate the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH), which plays a key role in metabolism, muscle development, fat burning, and overall vitality.

CJC-1295 (with or without DAC)
Increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels for muscle growth and fat loss.
Improves sleep, skin elasticity, and recovery.
FDA Status: No longer approved for compounding (removed in 2023).
Ipamorelin
One of the safest GH-releasing peptides with minimal side effects.
Increases muscle mass, metabolism, and overall recovery.
FDA Status: No longer available for compounding under FDA regulations.
Sermorelin
Stimulates natural GH production with fewer risks than synthetic HGH.
Supports fat loss, energy, and recovery.
FDA Status: Still available through some compounding pharmacies but harder to access.

2. Fat Loss Peptides

AOD 9604
A fragment of human growth hormone (HGH) that targets fat breakdown.
Accelerates weight loss without increasing blood sugar or appetite.
FDA Status: No longer allowed for compounding as of 2023.
Tesamorelin
Reduces visceral belly fat, making it popular for abdominal fat loss.
Also improves cognitive function and lipid metabolism.
FDA Status: Still available but restricted to specific
FDA-approved indications (e.g., HIV-related lipodystrophy).

3. Muscle Growth & Recovery Peptides

BPC-157
A body protection compound that accelerates tissue and joint healing.
Reduces inflammation and enhances gut health.
FDA Status: Banned from compounding and classified as “not approved for human use” despite its effectiveness.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
Promotes tissue regeneration and flexibility.
Enhances recovery from injuries, surgeries, and intense workouts.
FDA Status: No longer allowed for compounding.
Follistatin 344
Inhibits myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth.
Allows for rapid muscle gain without excessive fat storage.
FDA Status: Unapproved and difficult to obtain legally in the U.S.

4. Cognitive & Longevity Peptides

Epitalon
Regulates telomerase, helping to extend telomeres and slow aging.
Supports better sleep, skin health, and longevity.
FDA Status: No longer approved for compounding.
Dihexa
A neuropeptide known to enhance cognitive function and brain plasticity.
Potential benefits for Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration.
FDA Status: Not FDA-approved for human use but still researched.
Semax
Boosts dopamine production and protects the brain from oxidative stress.
Enhances focus, mental clarity, and neuroprotection.
FDA Status: Not available for compounding in the U.S.

Why Did the FDA Remove Many Peptides from the Approved List?

In recent years, the FDA has tightened regulations on peptides, particularly those used in compounding pharmacies. The reasons include:

Lack of Large-Scale Clinical Trials – Many peptides show promising results, but the FDA requires extensive human trials before approving them for widespread use.
Concerns Over Quality Control – Some peptides have been sourced from unregulated labs or online suppliers with questionable purity.
Potential for Misuse – Certain peptides, especially growth hormone secretagogues, have been used off-label for athletic performance enhancement, raising red flags for the FDA.
Big Pharma Influence – Some believe pharmaceutical companies have pushed for peptide bans to control the market and direct consumers toward patented medications.

What Does This Mean for Peptide Therapy?

While many peptides are no longer FDA-approved for compounding, some are still available through:

FDA-approved pharmaceutical versions (e.g., Tesamorelin for HIV-related fat loss).
Research chemical suppliers (though these are not intended for human use).
International sources (but importing non-FDA-approved substances can be risky).

At Vitalize Medical and Aesthetics, we only work with trusted, legally compliant sources to provide the highest quality peptide therapy available. If you’re interested in peptide treatments, we can help navigate the latest regulations and options tailored to your goals.

Final Thoughts

Peptides offer a powerful, targeted approach to enhancing health, performance, and longevity. Whether you’re looking to burn fat, build muscle, recover faster, or improve brain function, there’s likely a peptide that can help.

However, FDA regulations are changing the landscape, making it crucial to work with a trusted medical provider to ensure you’re using safe, high-quality peptides.

Want to Learn More?

At Vitalize Medical and Aesthetics, we specialize in personalized peptide therapy and cutting-edge wellness treatments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how peptides can support your health journey—safely and legally!