GLP truth bomb: fact vs. fiction

Today we are going beyond the hype to discuss the truth about peptides and why most experts get it wrong. That’s right. Lots of GLP truth bomb fact vs. fiction to share and all the reasons your conventional approaches fail!!

In the world of health optimization, few topics generate as much controversy and misinformation as peptides—especially GLP-1s. As a functional medicine practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience, I’ve watched the pendulum swing wildly from “miracle cure” to “dangerous drugs” in popular discourse. The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in between.

Cutting Through the Fear-Mongering

The fear-mongering surrounding peptides has reached fever pitch. Stories of muscle loss, rebound weight gain, and dangerous side effects dominate social media feeds.

It’s particularly disappointing to see this resistance even within innovative Keto / Carnivore Diet health communities that typically embrace cutting-edge approaches.

What’s ironic is that many who condemn these compounds outright haven’t taken the time to understand how they actually work when used correctly. It’s like condemning all exercise because someone got injured doing improper deadlifts with excessive weight.

Let me be clear: I don’t just jump on health trends or believe everything I read. My approach has always been centered on evidence, clinical experience, and results. And the results I’ve seen with properly implemented peptide protocols tell a very different story than the fearful narratives being spread.

The Pharmaceutical Approach vs. Strategic Implementation

Most of the legitimate concerns about GLPs stem from pharmaceutical misuse rather than the peptides themselves. The standard medical approach often involves:

** Excessive dosing that triggers unnecessary side effects.
** Indefinite use without strategic cycling.
** No attention to underlying health foundations!!!
** A single-minded focus on weight rather than body composition.
** No exit strategy or maintenance plan – other than taking GLPs with no end date.

This approach virtually guarantees problems. Of course patients experience side effects on excessive doses. Of course they build tolerance when there’s no cycling strategy. And of course they regain weight when underlying metabolic issues remain unaddressed.

What True Micro-Dosing Actually Looks Like

Here’s where things get interesting. Most people who claim they’re “microdosing” GLPs actually aren’t. They’re simply taking smaller amounts of a pharmaceutical dose—which is not the same thing.

Or, they may be taking a “lower dose” though they’re taking it all at one time which is going to quickly desensitize receptor sites.

True micro-dosing involves:

~ Starting at the minimum effective dose (often 1/10th – 1/15th of standard recommendations)!
~ Strategic titration based on individual response.
~ Careful cycling to prevent receptor desensitization.
~ Dosing more than once a week to avoid a large bolus of peptide compound at once.
~ Comprehensive tracking beyond just weight.
~ Integration with foundational health optimization.

My clients who follow this approach consistently show remarkable results. Not just weight loss, but improved body composition—actually gaining muscle while losing fat. Their inflammatory markers improve, insulin sensitivity increases, and visceral fat (the dangerous kind) decreases significantly.

Addressing the Root Causes First!

The muscle loss and rebound weight gain that people blame on GLPs almost always trace back to improper implementation and/ or pre-existing conditions: 

• Chronic dieting history creating metabolic adaptation.
• Undiagnosed thyroid issues.
• Cortisol imbalances from chronic stress.
• Gut dysbiosis and inflammatory conditions.
• Hormonal imbalances that predate peptide use.

When someone jumps straight to peptides without addressing these foundations, they’re setting themselves up for disappointment. The peptide becomes the scapegoat for problems that were already developing. Then they have side effects from medical doses and the only thing they blame is the peptide, when in all reality it was not said peptide.

Beyond GLPs: The Wider World of Peptides

Here’s something else most conversations miss: GLPs are just one category in a vast landscape of peptides. You absolutely don’t need to use GLPs to benefit from peptide therapy.

Other peptides that support fat loss and body composition include:

1. AOD-9604 for targeted fat mobilization.
2. Fragment 176-191 for stubborn fat loss.
3. CJC/ Ipamorelin for muscle gains/ preservation.
4. Tesamorelin for visceral fat reduction.
5. SS31 and/ or MOTS-C for cellular rejuvenation + metabolic efficiency.

 Beyond fat loss, there are entire categories of peptides for:

• Recovery and healing.
• Immune support.
• Cognitive enhancement.
• Skin and collagen support.
• Cellular energy production.

Each category offers different benefits with different mechanisms, and many have significantly fewer side effects than GLPs. That being said, my approach with all peptides is micro dosing as you always want to use as little as you can for the most benefit. Which also happens to be the most budget friendly approach as well!

Accessing Peptides Responsibly

The good news is that peptides are increasingly accessible for those willing to do their research. While I can’t provide specific sources here, I can tell you that:

Reputable research peptide companies exist. Many peptides don’t require prescriptions for research purposes. Quality matters tremendously (always check for COAs)!! And self-education is important before starting any protocol. My clients receive access to the best sources out there as I’ve vetted A LOT of companies, read more COAs than I can count, etc.

The key is to approach peptides with the same diligence you’d approach any other health intervention. Don’t just follow trends or take advice from influencers who discovered peptides last month.

Moving Forward with Realistic Expectations

Whether you’re considering GLPs or other peptides, remember:

• Results come from proper implementation, not just the compound itself!
• Build your foundation first. Are you stuck?! I can help!
• Start low, go slow – assess your tolerance and results.
• Remember, more is not better!!
• Track more than just weight.
• Have a plan/ protocol and cycle strategically!
• Combine with proper nutrition, training, sleep, optimized hormones and more!

Peptides can be powerful tools for health optimization when used correctly. The difference between pharmaceutical misuse and strategic peptide protocols couldn’t be more dramatic.

Fear-Mongering and Foundations!!

Don’t let fear-mongering or closed-mindedness prevent you from exploring these options if they’re appropriate for your situation. But also don’t expect peptides to compensate for poor foundations or replace the fundamentals of weight loss, wellness and long term health!!

In my practice, peptides are just one tool in a comprehensive approach to optimizing health. Used properly, they can help break plateaus and accelerate progress in ways that conventional approaches simply can’t match. But they’re never the whole solution!!

Whether or not you’re ready for regenerative peptide protocols, you might be ready to finally stop the guesswork! And this is where I can help. Shoot me a message to find out what option is right for you… One on one coaching, The Wellness Collective or The Weight Loss Accelerator Program.

LET’S DO THIS!!

Licensed Holistic Health Practitioner
Board Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
Functional Bloodwork Specialist
Gut Thrive Practitioner
Adv. Metabolic Typing Advisor
Kalish Method Functional Med. Practitioner