The Peptide Podcast

• The Science of Meal Timing, Fasting, and Weight Loss

  Today, we’ll examine an important debate in nutrition: whether skipping breakfast or skipping dinner is more effective for your health and metabolism. We’ll unpack what the research says, how your body’s internal clock affects metabolism, and why the timing of your last meal can make or break your weight loss—especially if you’re on a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide, dual GIP/GLP-1 like tirzepatide, or triple agonist like retatrutide. If you want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going. https://pepties.com/partners/ Let’s get into it. Circadian Rhythms and Eating Windows Our bodies are wired to follow a circadian rhythm—a 24-hour cycle that controls hormones like melatonin, cortisol, and insulin. One key thing to understand is that your body follows the rhythm of the day. When it’s light out, you’re naturally wired for activity—your metabolism is active, digestion works efficiently, and your body is more sensitive to insulin. As daylight fades, melatonin levels rise, signaling it’s time to slow down, rest, and prepare for sleep. Here’s the kicker: melatonin doesn’t just make you sleepy—it also reduces insulin sensitivity. That means when you eat late at night—say at 8 or 9pm—your body doesn’t handle sugar or calories as well. Instead of using that energy, you’re more likely to store it as fat. So, a meal at 5pm when it’s still light out? Your body’s insulin response is stronger. You burn and use more of what you eat. But a meal at 9pm in the dark? Your body’s gearing up for sleep, not digestion. Calories from that meal are more likely to go into fat storage. Breakfast vs. Dinner Skipping—What the Data Says Let’s talk about what the research shows when it comes to skipping breakfast versus skipping dinner. Several studies have looked at early time-restricted feeding, where you eat earlier in the day, like between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., versus eating later, where you skip breakfast and stretch meals into the evening. One of the most cited studies, published in Cell Metabolism. The study looked at men with prediabetes who followed an early time-restricted feeding schedule for five weeks. Even though they didn’t lose weight, they had significant improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and markers of oxidative stress compared to those eating over a twelve-hour window. The takeaway? Eating earlier in the day improved metabolic function even without reducing calories. Another study found that early eaters experienced lower evening hunger and better fat oxidation, meaning their bodies were burning fat more efficiently. By contrast, those eating later in the day had higher insulin and glucose levels after meals, signaling greater insulin resistance. And more broadly, research consistently shows that eating late at night, especially after seven or eight in the evening, is linked to increased body fat and higher risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The reason is straightforward: insulin sensitivity drops as the day goes on, so your body is less efficient at processing glucose at night, and those late calories are more likely to be stored as fat, especially around the belly. So while skipping breakfast might be easier for some people, from a metabolic standpoint, skipping dinner—or at least finishing it earlier—tends to be more beneficial. This connects directly to why fasting works for weight loss. Fasting gives your insulin a chance to drop, which signals your body to tap into stored fat for energy. Front-loading your meals earlier in the day aligns with your body’s natural rhythm: insulin sensitivity is higher, digestion is more efficient, and your body has more opportunity to burn fat overnight. People who eat earlier often report feeling more energized, less hungry in the evening, and sleeping better—all key factors in long-term weight control. Now, if you’re taking medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, or retatrutide, timing becomes even more important. These drugs slow gastric emptying, which helps you feel full longer but also means that eating a large dinner late at night can lead to bloating, nausea, heartburn, and in turn, poor sleep. Digestion naturally slows down as melatonin rises and your body prepares for sleep, so combining a late meal with slower gastric emptying can make it harder for your body to rest and burn fat overnight. A good rule is to finish your last meal two to three hours before bed, ideally around five or six in the evening. This gives your body time to digest, allows insulin levels to drop, and lets you switch into fat-burning mode. What’s the counter argument? Of course, it’s important to remember that meal timing isn’t one-size-fits-all. While the research often favors early eating, some people naturally aren’t hungry in the morning, and skipping breakfast can actually be a helpful way to stick to a fasting window.  Then there are the “night owls.” Some people’s circadian rhythms naturally shift later, and for them, eating later may actually align better with their biology. Forcing an early eating schedule might leave them tired, hungry, or unable to stick with it, which can actually be counterproductive for metabolic health. Research on chronotypes—the natural variations in our sleep-wake cycles—suggests that what works for a morning person might not work for someone who thrives later in the day. Practical lifestyle factors also play a role. Work schedules, family dinners, or social events can make it hard to consistently finish dinner at five or six in the evening. For some, a slightly later meal, if it’s balanced and nutrient-dense, can be more sustainable over the long term than forcing an early window and ending up snacking late anyway. Finally, metabolic flexibility matters. Some people can handle a later meal without negative effects on fat storage, insulin sensitivity, or sleep, especially if the meal is lighter or focused on protein and vegetables. The bottom line is that while early eating has clear metabolic advantages for many, especially those taking weight loss medications like tirzepatide, the most important factors are consistency, total calories, and the quality of your food, not just the exact timing. So, whether you’re a morning eater, a night owl, or somewhere in between, finding an approach that fits your body and lifestyle—and that you can stick to long term—is often more important than following a strict rule about skipping breakfast or dinner. Thanks for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If today’s episode resonated, share it with a friend, please share this episode! Until next time, be well, and as always, have a happy, healthy week.

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• Tesamorelin Peptide Therapy

  Today, we’re talking about tesamorelin, a peptide that works through the growth hormone pathway and is especially effective when it comes to targeting stubborn belly fat. If you want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going. https://pepties.com/partners/ So, what exactly is tesamorelin? In simple terms, it’s a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog—basically, it signals your pituitary gland to release more growth hormone (GH). Why does that matter? Because GH plays a big role in fat metabolism, especially when it comes to visceral fat, the deep fat that surrounds your organs in your abdominal region. Here’s how it works: when GH levels rise, your body starts breaking down fat for energy—a process called lipolysis. Visceral fat, in particular, is very responsive to GH. Reducing this type of fat isn’t just about looking better; it also improves metabolic health, boosts insulin sensitivity, and lowers inflammation, all of which support long-term health and reduce your risk of heart disease. Why not just give GH directly? Your body only produces a certain amount of GH naturally, and this declines with age. Giving exogenous GH can boost levels quickly, but it comes with higher risks like swelling, joint pain, and sometimes insulin resistance if overused.  Tesamorelin, on the other hand, stimulates your own pituitary gland to release GH naturally, which tends to be safer and more physiologic over time. That said, GH injections might be preferred in certain clinical scenarios, but for most people, tesamorelin offers a more controlled approach. What about side effects? Some common ones include joint pain, swelling, and muscle aches. These happen because GH causes fluid retention and increased tissue growth, which can put pressure on joints and muscles.  Also, tesamorelin can slightly increase blood sugar, so people with diabetes or prediabetes should be monitored carefully. But why does this happen? Since tesamorelin works by boosting your growth hormone, it can have an impact on how your body handles glucose. Growth hormone naturally makes your body a little less sensitive to insulin, which means your cells don’t take up sugar as efficiently. So, some people might notice a slight rise in fasting blood sugar when they start using tesamorelin. But here’s the interesting part: growth hormone also increases IGF-1, which has some insulin-like effects. In most healthy people, this helps balance things out, so blood sugar doesn’t spike dramatically. But if someone already has prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, it’s something to keep an eye on. The takeaway? Tesamorelin can slightly raise blood sugar, but it’s usually manageable. Regular monitoring is smart, especially for anyone with a history of blood sugar issues. And compared to direct growth hormone injections, tesamorelin tends to have less of an effect on blood sugar because it stimulates your body to release GH naturally, instead of flooding your system with it. Typical dosing of tesamorelin For men, peptide therapy is often 1 mg at night to support natural GH peaks during sleep, and 1 mg in the morning before fasted cardio or exercise. Women usually do 1 mg daily. Tesamorelin can be expensive, so many people cycle it 5 days on, 2 days off to reduce cost, or just do 1 mg at night, which still supports GH production and can even improve sleep. Typically, tesamorelin is cycled for 8 weeks on, then 8 weeks off, and most people start noticing results after 4 to 6 weeks. This cycling helps manage cost, reduce potential side effects, and allows the body to maintain responsiveness to the therapy. My Final thoughts Tesamorelin is a powerful tool for targeting visceral fat and improving body composition safely through your natural GH pathways. It’s not a cheap therapy, but if used strategically—especially timed with sleep or exercise—it can give great results while minimizing side effects. Thanks for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If today’s episode resonated, share it with a friend, please share this episode! Until next time, be well, and as always, have a happy, healthy week.

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• GLOW Peptide Therapy

  I’m so glad you’re here today because we’re diving into a therapy that people are buzzing about—GLOW peptide therapy. If you want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going. https://pepties.com/partners/ Now, you’ve probably heard me talk about individual peptides before, but this one’s a peptide stack—a combination of three peptides that are designed to work together. And honestly, the name says it all. People who use this blend often say they recover faster, their skin looks healthier, and they just feel better overall. That’s why it’s called GLOW. So today, I’m going to walk you through what GLOW peptide therapy is, what’s actually in it, how each of these peptides work, typical dosing, cycles, side effects, who should avoid it, and finally—I’ll go through some of the most common questions people ask. The Three Peptides in GLOW GLOW therapy combines BPC-157, TB-500 or thymosin beta-4, and GHK-Cu. Each one does something unique, but when you put them together, you get this synergistic effect that’s bigger than the sum of its parts. Let’s start with BPC-157. This peptide is naturally derived from something we all have in our stomach lining—it’s literally called the body protection compound. And the name fits. It helps protect and repair tissue, calm down inflammation, and even support gut health. A lot of people first hear about BPC-157 because athletes use it for muscle strains, tendon injuries, or joint pain. But it’s also been studied for gut issues like ulcers and leaky gut. The magic is in how it helps new blood vessels form so your tissues can actually heal faster and stronger. The next thing I want to touch on is that the GLOW peptide stack sometimes lists TB-500 or Thymosin Beta-4 (TB4) as if they’re interchangeable. And while they’re closely related, they’re not exactly the same. Both of them are best known for their role in healing and recovery. They guide cells to the site of an injury, help reduce scar tissue, improve blood flow by encouraging new blood vessel growth, and calm down excess inflammation so real healing can happen. Where they start to differ is in their scope of action. Thymosin Beta-4 is the full-length, naturally occurring peptide — the master version, if you will. Because it’s the entire chain, it interacts with more pathways and has been studied in a wide range of areas: wound healing, heart repair after a heart attack, corneal healing, brain and nerve protection, even immune system regulation. TB-500, on the other hand, is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4. It contains the “active core” that drives cell migration and blood vessel growth. That makes it very effective for tissue repair, tendon healing, wound closure, and circulation. But it doesn’t have all the extra regulatory sections that give the full peptide those broader effects on the heart, brain, or immune system. What’s good to know, is that in practice, most formulations use TB-500 because it’s more stable (both in the body and for storage), widely available, and it’s cost-effective. Some clinics may use the full Thymosin Beta-4, but that’s far less common due to the cost of production. From a user perspective, both serve the same purpose in the stack: recovery, regeneration, and repair. However, TB-500 does not have all the broader effects that the full-length Thymosin Beta-4 peptide has. Think of it this way, TB-500 tends to be seen as more targeted — very good at tissue and tendon repair, wound closure, and improving circulation, but without the same wide-ranging effects on the heart, brain, or immune system that you see with the complete TB4 peptide. Okay, moving along to the last component of the GLOW peptide stack: GHK-Cu or the copper peptide. You might’ve already seen this one in the skincare world—creams and serums often brag about having copper peptides because they boost collagen, smooth wrinkles, and improve elasticity. But GHK-Cu is more than just cosmetic. Inside the body, it promotes wound healing, reduces inflammation, fights oxidative stress, and even supports hair regrowth. This is the peptide that really brings the “glow” to GLOW therapy. People notice their skin looks fresher and healthier, their hair feels stronger, and they just have that rejuvenated look. Now, each of these peptides—BPC-157, TB-500 or TB-4, and GHK-Cu—can be prescribed and given separately as a subcutaneous injection, and sometimes that’s the right approach depending on someone’s goals. But for convenience, they’re often combined into a single formulation or vial, which makes daily use a lot simpler. Instead of juggling three different injections, you’re working with one balanced blend that delivers the same benefits in a more streamlined way. Why Combine Them? So, why put these three together? Well, BPC-157 is like the fire extinguisher—it calms down inflammation and starts the repair process. TB-500 or TB4 is like the construction crew—it moves the right cells into place and helps the tissue heal in a well-organized way. And GHK-Cu is like the finishing touch—it strengthens the structure, adds resilience, and brings back that youthful skin and hair quality. Individually, they’re great. Together, they have synergistic power. Typical GLOW Dosing Alright, let’s get practical and talk about dosing for the GLOW peptide stack. For BPC-157, the sweet spot is usually somewhere between 200 and 500 micrograms a day. When it comes to TB-500, most people land in the range of about 2 to 5 milligrams per week. If the formulation uses full thymosin Beta-4 instead, the dosing is usually a little lower since it has those broader effects on things like the immune system. In that case, you might see 1 to 2 milligrams per injection a couple times a week, or sometimes smaller daily doses depending on the goal. And then there’s GHK-Cu, which typically runs in the 100 to 300 microgram per day range. So while the exact numbers can shift depending on the protocol, those ranges give you a good sense of what’s common in practice. For convenience, GLOW formulations that contain all three peptides usually come in a single vial with 10 milligrams each of BPC-157 and TB-500, and 50 milligrams of GHK-Cu, so you can draw your doses from one vial rather than juggling three separate injections. Of course, these are just general guidelines—the exact dose and frequency really should be tailored to your specific needs and always prescribed by your provider. Side Effects So, what about side effects? Most people tolerate these peptides really well, but there are a few things to know. The most common side effect is some redness, irritation, or swelling at the injection site. With GHK-Cu, a lot of people notice a brief burning sensation when they inject it. It doesn’t usually last long, but it can be a bit uncomfortable, especially the first few times. Other mild side effects that sometimes get reported include fatigue, headache, or dizziness. Very rare, but worth mentioning. Typical Cycles A question I get all the time is: how long should I stay on GLOW therapy? This isn’t meant to be taken nonstop forever. A common approach is a 4 to 12 week cycle, depending on your goals. After that, people usually take a break for 1 to 2 months to let the body reset.  For example, someone recovering from an injury might just do one cycle and be done, depending on the severity. While someone with chronic pain or inflammation (e.g., arthritis or degenerative disc disease, Crohn’s) or someone using it for skin and anti-aging might do multiple cycles per year. It’s really individualized. Who Should Avoid It So, who should not be on GLOW therapy? Because these peptides promote healing and blood vessel growth, anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding or with a history of cancer should avoid GLOW therapy. And of course, if you’ve had any kind of allergic reaction to peptides before, that’s a clear “no.” Frequently Asked Questions Alright, let’s wrap up with some FAQs because these usually come up. 1. How soon will I notice the results? It really depends on what you’re targeting. For joint pain or muscle recovery, some people notice improvements within a week or two, especially if the inflammation is mild or the issue is more recent. More chronic or long-standing injuries can take a little longer. When it comes to skin and hair benefits from GHK-Cu, those changes usually take a couple of months to become noticeable, since collagen production and hair growth are naturally slower processes. 2. Do I have to stay on this forever? No, that’s where cycling comes in. Most people use it for 4–12 weeks, then take a 1-2 month break. 3. Is GLOW only for athletes or injuries? Not at all. Athletes use it for recovery, but many people use it for gut health, skin rejuvenation, hair regrowth, or even surgical recovery. 4. Can I stack GLOW with other treatments? Yes, but it should be coordinated with your provider. It’s often combined with hormone replacement therapy, PRP, or even cosmetic treatments, but the plan should be individualized. 5. Can I use GLOW peptides if I’ve had cancer in the past? Even after someone has been treated for cancer and is considered “cancer-free,” not all cancer cells may be completely eliminated from the body. Some microscopic cells can remain dormant for months or even years. Because BPC-157 and TB-500 or TB4 promote tissue repair, cell growth, and new blood vessel formation, there’s a theoretical risk that these dormant cells could be stimulated. That’s why these peptides are generally avoided in anyone with a history of cancer unless a doctor has carefully reviewed the risks and given explicit clearance. Final thoughts So that’s the full picture on GLOW peptide therapy. It’s a blend designed to help your body heal, repair, and restore—whether that’s from an injury, surgery, or just the natural wear and tear of life. And while the “glow” is real, it’s not magic—it’s science-driven, and it works best when used thoughtfully and safely. Thanks for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If today’s episode resonated, share it with a friend—because we all could use a little GLOW up. Until next time, be well, and as always, have a happy, healthy week.

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• How Retatrutide Compares to Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

  Welcome to The Peptide Podcast. In this episode, we’re unpacking the latest on retatrutide and how it measures up against semaglutide and tirzepatide.  If you want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going.  https://pepties.com/partners/ We’ll look closely at what the studies tell us so far — from overall weight loss to reductions in visceral fat and how much lean muscle mass is preserved. We’ll also talk about where the evidence is solid, where it’s still developing, and why cross-trial comparisons should be made with caution. What is retatrutide? So let’s start with the basics—what is retatrutide? Retatrutide is a new type of weight-loss medication called a triple agonist. That sounds fancy, but what it really means is that it targets three hormone receptors in the gut and pancreas: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Each of these plays a slightly different role in metabolism and appetite regulation. To break it down: GLP-1, which you might already know from drugs like semaglutide, mainly slows digestion, helps you feel full, and improves insulin sensitivity. GIP, which tirzepatide targets along with GLP-1, also helps regulate blood sugar and may improve how the body stores and burns fat. Retatrutide adds glucagon receptor activation on top of that, which seems to further boost fat burning. So how does this compare to semaglutide and tirzepatide? Semaglutide is a GLP-1-only drug, so it mainly works by reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist, hitting GLP-1 and GIP, which gives it a slightly stronger effect on blood sugar control and fat metabolism compared to semaglutide. Retatrutide goes one step further by adding glucagon activity, potentially giving more total fat loss. In other words, you can think of it like a spectrum: semaglutide hits one target, tirzepatide hits two, and retatrutide hits three—each additional receptor seems to enhance metabolic effects and fat loss in clinical trials. That’s why people are excited about retatrutide, though it’s still early, and we’re waiting on larger studies to see exactly how it compares head-to-head with the others. And that’s going to be key, since right now we don’t have direct comparisons to other advanced therapies like semaglutide or tirzepatide in the published Phase 2 data. How does retatrutide compare to semaglutide and tirzepatide? Total body weight loss: Now let’s put these three medications side by side and look at what the trials actually tell us about total body weight loss. Starting with retatrutide: in its Phase 2 obesity program, the numbers were unusually large, especially given the relatively short trial window. In the 48-week study, people on the higher doses—8 or 12 milligrams weekly—lost about 22 to 24% of their body weight on average. That’s the result that really made headlines. It’s worth noting that some trials report slightly different averages depending on the group studied—people with obesity but no diabetes versus people with type 2 diabetes—but across the board, that 48-week signal is consistently very strong. For comparison, let’s step back to semaglutide at the 2.4 mg dose, which was tested in the pivotal STEP-1 trial. Over 68 weeks, participants lost about 15% of their body weight on average. That was a landmark finding when it was published in the New England Journal of Medicine—it essentially set the modern benchmark for what a GLP-1 monotherapy could do. Then we have tirzepatide, the dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist. The SURMOUNT-1 trial, which ran for 72 weeks, showed dose-dependent results: about 15% weight loss at 5 mg, 19.5% at 10 mg, and 20.9% at 15 mg, compared to only around 3% with placebo. Other obesity studies with tirzepatide have backed this up, especially at the higher doses. And in head-to-head comparisons with semaglutide, tirzepatide has consistently come out on top. So if we zoom out: retatrutide’s Phase 2 data suggest the greatest average reductions—over 22%—in less than a year. Tirzepatide follows closely behind with around 21% over 72 weeks. And semaglutide shows very meaningful, but smaller, weight loss of around 15% over a similar time frame. The big caveat here is that these aren’t perfect apples-to-apples comparisons. The trials differed in their length, the types of patients enrolled—some had type 2 diabetes, some did not—their baseline weights, and even the way results were reported. Plus, retatrutide is still in Phase 2 for obesity, whereas semaglutide and tirzepatide already have large Phase 3 programs and real-world data backing them up. Visceral fat reduction: Next, let’s talk about visceral fat reduction—that’s the deep fat that surrounds organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. It’s particularly important because high levels of visceral fat are strongly linked to cardiometabolic disease. Starting with retatrutide, one of the Phase 2 substudies used DEXA scans to measure body composition in detail. At the higher doses—8 and 12 milligrams per week—participants saw visceral fat drop by about 29 to 31% over 48 weeks. That’s a very large relative reduction in under a year and one of the reasons people are excited about retatrutide’s potential not just for weight loss, but also for improving long-term metabolic health. How does that compare to the other drugs? With semaglutide, we also have DEXA and imaging substudies from the STEP program and follow-up mechanistic work. These consistently show meaningful visceral fat reductions, along with improvements in the ratio of lean to fat mass. The difference is that semaglutide studies typically report VAT changes as “significant and clinically relevant,” but they don’t always publish one clear headline number that’s directly comparable to retatrutide’s ~30%. In other words, semaglutide definitely lowers visceral fat, but depending on the study and population, the exact percentage looks different. For tirzepatide, we also have imaging-based data from the SURMOUNT trials and related body-composition studies. These show that the majority of weight lost is fat mass—including a significant portion of visceral fat. Some analyses report reductions on par with what’s seen with GLP-1 therapies, while others suggest tirzepatide may push a bit further. But again, the actual percentages vary depending on whether the study used DEXA, CT, or MRI, and on who was enrolled. The big caveat here is that we don’t yet have a head-to-head imaging study comparing all three drugs in the same population with the same methods. Retatrutide’s ~30% visceral fat drop is certainly eye-catching, but without that kind of standardized comparison, it’s hard to say definitively whether it’s truly better than semaglutide or tirzepatide. Lean muscle mass preservation: Now let’s shift to lean mass preservation, which is just as important as total weight or fat loss. Across all of the modern obesity drug trials, one thing has been consistent: most of the weight people lose is fat, but some lean tissue is lost too. That’s expected whenever you’re in a sustained calorie deficit. The question is how much muscle is preserved, and how the proportions break down. With retatrutide, the DEXA substudy showed something reassuring. Even though people lost a lot of total weight and fat, the proportion of lean mass lost compared to total weight loss was similar to what we see with other therapies. In other words, the drug seems to drive large fat reductions without causing disproportionate muscle loss. Interestingly, the absolute amount of lean tissue lost in kilograms was pretty stable across different doses, even though fat loss varied quite a bit. That suggests the extra weight loss with higher doses is really coming from fat, not muscle. Looking at semaglutide, the STEP trials with DEXA scans reported the same general pattern. People lost more fat than lean mass, and when you adjust for the total weight loss, body composition actually improved. In fact, some analyses showed a slight increase in the percentage of body weight that was lean tissue, even though the absolute lean mass in kilograms went down. So again, it’s not that muscle isn’t affected—it is—but fat loss makes up the majority of the change. For tirzepatide, the SURMOUNT body-composition studies found that about 75% of the weight lost is fat and about 25% is lean mass. That split is very similar to what was seen in the placebo groups, which means the drug isn’t shifting the balance unfavorably. It preferentially reduces fat, while lean mass preservation is in the same ballpark as semaglutide and retatrutide. Now, here’s the important nuance: lean mass on a DEXA scan isn’t just skeletal muscle. It includes water, organ tissue, and other components. So if someone loses 3 or 4 kilograms of “lean mass,” we don’t know how much of that is functional muscle versus water or smaller organ size. That’s why these numbers can be misleading if you take them at face value. And this is where lifestyle comes in. Resistance training and adequate protein intake are critical alongside medication. Lifting weights or doing bodyweight resistance work helps preserve functional muscle, while getting enough protein—typically somewhere in the range of 0.8 to 1 gram per pound per day depending on age and activity—supports muscle repair and maintenance. Every trial we’ve seen shows that the best outcomes, in terms of maintaining strength and function, come from pairing these drugs with exercise and nutrition strategies. That way, the unavoidable lean mass changes have far less impact on long-term metabolic health and performance. Limitations, biases, and what’s missing (the critical context). No large, peer-reviewed head-to-head trials (yet) comparing retatrutide with semaglutide or tirzepatide for the same endpoints using identical imaging protocols. Most comparisons are cross-trial and therefore imperfect. Retatrutide Phase-2 was often compared to placebo or dulaglutide (in the T2D DEXA substudy) rather than to semaglutide or tirzepatide. A head-to-head (planned/registered) study vs tirzepatide is listed on ClinicalTrials.gov but results are not published yet. Different populations & durations. Some retatrutide data come from cohorts that include people with T2D or NAFLD; semaglutide STEP trials were often in people with obesity (without diabetes) and run longer (68 weeks), while tirzepatide SURMOUNT trials ran to 72 weeks. These differences change the absolute and percent outcomes. Funding and reporting bias. Many of the early retatrutide analyses are industry-funded (Eli Lilly), which is standard for drug development, but it requires us to carefully read methods, endpoints, and completeness of reporting. Independent replication and Phase-3 confirmation matter. Imaging method variation. VAT reported by DXA vs MRI vs CT are not directly interchangeable. Some trials report VAT area, others percent change; that complicates cross-trial percent comparisons.  Thanks for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If today’s episode resonated, share it with a friend. Until next time, be well, and as always, have a happy, healthy week.

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• Pancragen

  Today, I want to shine a light on a fascinating, little-known peptide called Pancragen.  And if you want to support what we do, head over to our Partners Page. You'll find some amazing brands we trust—and by checking them out, you're helping us keep the podcast going. https://pepties.com/partners/ Now, if you’ve been following the world of anti-aging and metabolic optimization, you probably know about GLP-1 medications, metformin, and other mainstream therapies—but Pancragen is something a bit different. It’s a tiny peptide with a big mission. That is rejuvenating your pancreas and restoring metabolic function. And trust me, the science behind it is pretty remarkable. What is Pancragen? So here’s the story—Pancragen was developed by a team of Russian researchers led by Professor Vladimir Khavinson in St. Petersburg. These are the same minds behind legendary peptides like Epitalon and Thymalin. What they discovered was pretty fascinating. In the bovine pancreas, they found a tiny tetrapeptide—just four amino acids—that acts like a molecular switch for keeping your pancreas youthful. The full sequence is Lysine, Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, and Tryptophan. Now, in biochemistry, we usually shorten these with a one-letter code, so Lysine becomes K, Glutamic acid is E, Aspartic acid is D, and Tryptophan is W—which is why this peptide is known as KEDW. Pancragen was created to mimic that exact peptide.  And over decades of studies in both animals and humans, the results have been honestly amazing. How Pancragen Works Here’s where it gets really exciting. Unlike most medicaitons that act broadly and non-specifically in the body, Pancragen is precise. When you inject it under the skin, it travels through your bloodstream straight to the pancreas. And get this—it can even enter the nucleus of pancreatic cells and interact with the DNA that controls key genes for insulin and enzyme production, like Pdx1, Ptf1a, and Pax6. Pdx1 is essential for insulin production, Ptf1a helps pancreatic cells make digestive enzymes, and Pax6 keeps the insulin-producing cells functioning properly.  Basically, Pancragen flips these genes back on, helping pancreatic cells survive, grow, and work efficiently. The result? Better insulin regulation, improved enzyme production, and a pancreas that behaves years younger—think of it like updating your pancreas’s software to the latest version. What the Studies Show Let’s talk numbers.  In aging patients with type 2 diabetes, Pancragen reduced fasting blood glucose by 20–25% and improved post-meal glucose even more. Even better, patients needed up to 35% less insulin for the same level of glucose control—meaning their cells became more sensitive to insulin rather than being forced to overwork. In primate studies, old monkeys treated with Pancragen actually outperformed those on glimepiride, a standard diabetes medication. Pancragen restored normal insulin and C-peptide rhythms without forcing the pancreas into burnout—and these effects lasted for weeks after treatment ended. And here’s a bonus: Pancragen also normalizes melatonin secretion, which helps improve sleep, circadian rhythm, and overall metabolic health. So it’s not just about blood sugar—it’s a full-spectrum metabolic reset. Safety and Benefits Pancragen has been on the market in Eastern Europe for over a decade with no reported toxicity or adverse interactions. It simply breaks down into regular amino acids when its job is done. Users report: More stable blood sugar and fewer hypoglycemic events Reduced insulin requirements Better digestion and enzyme function Increased energy and fewer “hangry” moments A general feeling of metabolic youthfulness/health And because it works at the gene-expression level, these benefits can last for weeks or months after a cycle of Pancragen. Who Should Consider Pancragen? So, who is Pancragen for? People with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes: Pancragen helps restore normal pancreatic function, improving insulin production and glucose control instead of just masking symptoms. Those with chronic pancreatitis or enzyme insufficiency: By supporting pancreatic cells and enzyme production, it can help the pancreas work more efficiently, which may ease digestive issues. Older adults looking for metabolic anti-aging support: Pancragen can rejuvenate pancreatic function, improve insulin sensitivity, and support overall metabolic health—essentially helping the body act younger. Athletes or high-performers wanting optimal metabolic efficiency: Better pancreatic function means more precise insulin and enzyme regulation, supporting energy, recovery, and performance. People looking to prevent a plateau from GLP-1 therapy: Over time, some GLP-1 users hit a point where their progress stalls. Pancragen may help “reset” the pancreas so therapy stays effective. But keep in mind, if you’re just after a quick appetite suppressant, Pancragen isn’t for you. But if your goal is true pancreatic rejuvenation and long-term metabolic health, it can help. How to Use Pancragen The typical approach is to take 2 mg of Pancragen per day—either under the skin or into the muscle—for about 30 to 60 days (1 cycle). Most people repeat this course two to three times a year to keep the pancreas functioning at its best.  Which brings me to a good point.  If you stop taking Pancragen, nothing dangerous happens—it’s not like suddenly quitting a medication. What you’ll likely notice is that your pancreas gradually returns to its baseline function over time. The improvements in insulin regulation, enzyme production, and overall metabolic efficiency may slowly taper off, which is why most people do repeat courses a couple of times per year to keep those benefits going. Think of it like hitting “pause” on a fitness program—your gains won’t vanish overnight, but staying consistent helps maintain them. You also don’t need any complicated stacks to see results, though Pancragen can work well alongside GLP-1s and other anti-inflammatory peptides like BPC-157 or thymosin beta-4, if you’re already using them. Thanks for listening to The Peptide Podcast. If today’s episode resonated, share it with a friend. Until next time, be well, and as always, have a happy, healthy week.

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