Peptides by Dr. Kelly Burkenstock, SKIN.BODY.HEALTH

Exploring their role in science, health, and beauty

Peptides mimic hormones in your body by enhancing insulin secretion, preventing the liver from making and releasing too much sugar, and delaying stomach emptying. They also target brain regions that regulate appetite and food intake. The most popular Peptides being used are Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), and Ozempic® (semaglutide). If you are a diabetic, these peptide prescriptions are excellent options to decrease blood sugar and lose weight. The prescriptions are covered by insurance only if you have diabetes. Mounjaro® and Ozempic® cost from $800-$1400 per month at the pharmacy. However, you can get compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide injections at an affordable cost at many physician clinics.

A Novo Nordisk study (NCT0354597) demonstrated that in patients who are overweight and have preexisting heart disease but do not have diabetes, those treated with semaglutide (Ozempic®) reduced the occurrence of death from cardiovascular causes, heart attack, and stroke over a 3-year follow-up period. Positive results include weight loss, blood sugar control, health improvements from weight loss, and kidney disease improvement in diabetics.

Peptides work by slowing how quickly food moves through the stomach, which can lead to a person feeling fuller longer. However, they may cause gastrointestinal issues, including abdominal pain, constipation, nausea and vomiting. It is rare, but they can also cause an obstruction in the intestine, which has led to two deaths. In addition, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid cancer, dehydration and kidney failure have infrequently occurred.

To be safe, clinics offering weekly weightloss peptide injections should monitor your bloodwork and urine every three to six months.

Making sure your gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and thyroid levels are within normal range. In addition, a yearly ultrasound of the abdomen (pancreas and gallbladder) as well as the thyroid ensures that the patient is not experiencing substantial side effects.

Currently, it's unclear how these drugs, when prescribed for weight loss, affect the body after years of use. Speak with your physician before starting or stopping any medication.

To learn more from Dr. Burkenstock call 985-727-7676 Mandeville, 504-888-2829 New Orleans or email info@skinbodyhealth.com