A few weeks back, I received an email asking me about BPC-157. This is a peptide that is being pushed a lot by algorithms on platforms such as Instagram, usually to more mature users who may be interested in its claimed benefits for recovery. This week, I will talk about peptides, what they are, and why you may or may not want to consider using them.

Peptides, biohacking, transhumanism

I first heard of peptides myself in 2018 when someone in Iceland wanted to sell me some MK677, also called Ibutamoren. As you may well imagine if you are a long-time listener here, I do not view my own fitness as anything but being healthy and disease-free. It may well be the case that in some situations, such as the onset of illness, external interventions such as pharmaceuticals may be required, but I find the idea of using them to try and gain something to be unethical. Philosophically speaking, I look at many of the so-called ‘bio-hackers’ and wonder about transhumanism. To me, although it is a fallacy (an informal one actually called the slippery slope fallacy), I can’t help but wonder what endpoint we get to with this kind of starting point. If one is willing to buy black market pharmaceuticals to stave off the wrinkles or respond to weight training as if one were 20 years younger, then what of implants and neural chips? Cybernetic eyes and robotic legs. To me, biohacking is the gateway to a post-human society. Anyone wants to talk about the philosophy of transhumanism, email me. In the meantime, let’s crack on.

If you’ve been hearing about peptides, chances are it’s about the more common ones, which I would say include Ibutamoren and BPC-157. These compounds are grabbing attention for their potential benefits, but like anything in the world of supplements and performance enhancers, they come with their own set of pros and cons. So, let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to digest (I hope).

What are peptides?

First off, let’s get on the same page about what peptides are. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Proteins are made up of long peptide chains and are called polypeptides. They play crucial roles in various biological processes. Think of them as messengers that help cells communicate and perform their functions. Because of this, they’ve become popular in various fields, including bodybuilding, anti-aging, biohacking, and general wellness.

Ibutamoren: the growth hormone booster

Ibutamoren is also known as MK-677. This peptide is famous for its ability to stimulate growth hormone (GH) release. Unlike other growth hormone secretagogues, Ibutamoren is orally active, which means you can take it in pill form rather than through injections. This convenience factor has definitely boosted its popularity in general populations.

Benefits of Ibutamoren

• Increased muscle mass: One of the primary draws of Ibutamoren is its potential to increase lean muscle mass. By stimulating growth hormone production, it can enhance muscle growth and improve strength. This makes it appealing to bodybuilders and athletes looking to get that extra edge as well as aging cohorts who are resisting age-related loss of muscle mass, called sarcopenia.
• Improved bone density: Growth hormone is also linked to bone health. Increased GH levels can help improve bone density, which is particularly beneficial as we age and our bones naturally weaken. You may recall I have spoken on this previously and it is called osteopenia.
• Better sleep quality: Many users report improved sleep quality while using Ibutamoren. Since growth hormone is released during deep sleep, boosting its levels could potentially enhance overall sleep patterns.
• Enhanced recovery: For those who engage in intense physical activities, faster recovery times are a big plus. Ibutamoren may help by speeding up the healing of muscles and tissues.

Potential downsides of Ibutamoren

• Water retention: One common side effect of Ibutamoren is water retention. This can lead to a bloated feeling and might mask muscle gains with some unwanted puffiness.
• Increased appetite: While this might be a pro for some (especially those who are trying to bulk up), increased appetite can lead to unwanted weight gain if not managed carefully.
• Possible insulin resistance: There are concerns about Ibutamoren potentially causing insulin resistance over time, which could be problematic for those with or at risk for diabetes.
• Hormonal imbalances: Since Ibutamoren affects hormone levels, it might lead to imbalances if used excessively or without proper monitoring.

Legal status and bans on Ibutamoren

Now, about legality—there’s a bit of a gray area here. Ibutamoren is not approved by the FDA for human use, which means it’s not legally available as a prescription medication in the United States. However, it’s often sold as a research chemical, which can be a loophole for those looking to use it for personal reasons. Many sports organizations and anti-doping agencies have banned Ibutamoren because of its performance-enhancing effects, so users should be cautious. In fact, in 2019 a CrossFit Games athlete was found with supra logical doses of MK677 in her bloodstream and claimed that her boyfriend was a bodybuilder and they had been kissing and so on before her drug test and it got in her mouth. I almost died laughing.

BPC-157: the healing peptide

Next up is BPC-157, short for Body Protection Compound-157. This peptide is known for its regenerative and healing properties. Unlike Ibutamoren, BPC-157 is often used for its potential to help with injuries and healing rather than muscle growth directly.

Benefits of BPC-157

• Enhanced healing: One of the standout benefits of BPC-157 is its ability to accelerate the healing of various types of injuries, including tendons, muscles, and ligaments. It’s like having a supercharger for your body’s repair processes.
• Reduced inflammation: BPC-157 has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain, making it a go-to for those dealing with chronic inflammation or recovery from acute injuries.
• Improved joint health: Users often report better joint health and mobility, which can be incredibly beneficial for athletes or anyone dealing with joint pain.
• Gut health: Some studies suggest that BPC-157 can aid in gut health by promoting healing of the gastrointestinal tract, which could be useful for individuals with digestive issues.

Potential downsides of BPC-157

• Limited human research: While animal studies and anecdotal evidence are promising, there’s a lack of extensive human trials on BPC-157. This makes it harder to fully understand its long-term effects and safety.
• Possible side effects: Some users might experience side effects such as nausea or headaches, though these are generally less severe compared to other compounds.
• Ethical concerns: The use of peptides like BPC-157 raises ethical questions, particularly in sports and competitive environments where there’s a concern about unfair advantages.

Legal status and bans on BPC-157

Similar to Ibutamoren, BPC-157 isn’t approved by the FDA for human use. It’s often sold as a research chemical, and like many performance-enhancing substances, it’s banned by various sports organizations. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) includes peptides like BPC-157 in their list of prohibited substances, so athletes should steer clear if they want to avoid any trouble with doping tests.

So, there you have it—a conversational dive into Ibutamoren and BPC-157. These peptides offer some intriguing benefits, especially in terms of muscle growth, healing, and overall wellness. However, they also come with potential side effects and legal considerations that are worth pondering depending on where you live.

The world of peptides is complex and rapidly evolving, and while the allure of quick gains or accelerated healing is tempting, it’s crucial to approach these substances with a good dose of caution. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide regimen, and stay informed about the legalities and regulations that might affect your usage. Hope this helps clarify things a bit!

If you have more questions or need further details, feel free to email me at getfitguy@quickanddirtytips.com. But also feel free to not be influenced by quick results from chemicals sold on social media that come from underground labs. Eat well, get outdoors, monitor stress, lift weights, and do aerobic work. Job done.