March 2026 Newsletter

A note from our Chief Medical Officer | Gustav Lo, MD

Every day we’re asked, “Do you offer peptide therapy?” The answer is yes. But most patients asking aren’t entirely sure what peptides are – they’re simply hearing more about them.

Peptides are everywhere right now. They’re marketed for fat loss, longevity, muscle gain, recovery, mood, and sleep. Clinics advertise them. Trainers recommend them. Compounding pharmacies promote them. And many people are talking about them without fully understanding what they are.

So what exactly is a peptide?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, essentially a small protein. Peptides send signals that trigger biological responses. The message might be “help me,” “repair me,” or “OK, you can stop now.” Tens of thousands of peptides occur naturally in the human body. Insulin is one well-known example. Synthetic peptides are also used in modern pharmaceuticals, including many GLP-1 medications used for weight management.

Some peptides are FDA approved and well studied. Others are experimental, or not legal for human use. For example, in 2025, the FDA officially prohibited the peptide BPC-157 outside of formally approved research settings.

At RegenCen and CSLC, we monitor emerging therapies carefully. We adopt treatments when strong science supports their safety and effectiveness, as it does with the peptides we use in our practice. We also guide patients away from therapies that are not ready for responsible clinical use.

Peptide-based therapies that have shown meaningful benefits for our patients include:

Sermorelin

Sermorelin stimulates your body’s natural production of growth hormone. Unlike synthetic growth hormone, it works through your body’s regulatory pathways, which means it’s safer (and has actually been proven).

It’s often used to help increase lean muscle mass while reducing fat, particularly in the abdominal area. It also speeds recovery from workouts or injury and improves energy levels. We use it only after careful medical evaluation and with appropriate monitoring. Many patients consider it after hormone optimization, especially if they want further progress with energy, sleep, or body composition.

GLP-1 medications

GLP-1 receptor agonists aren’t a passing trend. They are among the most studied therapies in modern medicine. Originally developed for diabetes, they play an important role in weight management, insulin regulation, and metabolic health.

However, overly aggressive use can lead to muscle loss, weakness, and other ill effects. We prescribe them often, but our coaching on their proper use and monitoring the effects is the reason we get great results.

Ultimately, peptides can be powerful tools when used properly under the guidance of an experienced medical provider who understands how to balance the goal of optimal results with the risk of untoward side effects.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are not a trend – they are one of the most studied therapies in medicine. Originally developed for diabetes, they can be incredibly helpful with weight management, insulin regulation, and metabolic health. But overly aggressive use can lead to losing muscle mass, weakness, and other ill effects. We prescribe them often, but our coaching on their proper use and monitoring the effects is the reason we get great results.

Many peptides currently circulating online are:

• Not FDA approved
• Not legally compounded
• Not supported by strong human data
• Marketed far ahead of the science

The future of longevity medicine will absolutely include peptide therapies. But as with all emerging treatments, they must meet our standards: safety, legality, evidence, and thoughtful integration into a comprehensive care plan.

Trends come and go.

Science remains.

– Gustav Lo, MD
Chief Medical Officer

Personalized care, close to you

📍 You can find sermorelin and GLP-1 medications at RegenCen in:

• Northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Traverse City, Suttons Bay
• Southeast Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Ann Arbor, Fenton, Chelsea, East Lansing
• West Michigan: Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids
• Southwest Florida: Naples, North Naples, Marco Island, Boca Grande, Sarasota
• Southeast Florida: Palm Beach, Hobe Sound, Vero Beach, Wellington
• Central Florida: Winter Park, Lake Mary
• Northeast Florida: Atlantic Beach

Or click here to book online at any RegenCen location.