- Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signals in the body. The ones sold for performance fall into a few groups.
- Evidence varies enormously: GLP-1 medicines like semaglutide have strong human data; healing peptides like BPC-157 mostly have animal data.
- Most are injected under the skin after mixing freeze-dried powder with bacteriostatic water.
- In Canada, most research peptides aren’t approved drugs and aren’t controlled substances; semaglutide is a prescription drug.
Peptides have become one of the fastest-growing areas of interest for lifters, from recovery to fat loss. The category is broad, and the quality of evidence ranges from excellent to almost none. This guide sorts peptides into groups, explains what each does and how strong the evidence is, and covers practical basics.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, smaller than proteins. Many hormones are peptides, including insulin and growth hormone-releasing hormone. Synthetic versions are designed to mimic or block these signals.
The main groups
| Group | Examples | Used for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| GH secretagogues | Sermorelin, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, GHRP-2, tesamorelin | Raise your own growth hormone | Moderate; some approved uses |
| Healing peptides | BPC-157, TB-500 | Tendon, ligament, gut repair | Mostly animal studies |
| GLP-1 and related | Semaglutide, retatrutide, GLP-1/GIP agonists | Appetite and weight loss | Strong (semaglutide) |
| Others | Melanotan, GHK-Cu, epitalon, thymosin alpha-1 | Tanning, skin, longevity, immunity | Limited and mixed |
GH secretagogues
These signal the pituitary to release more of your own growth hormone rather than replacing it. Sermorelin was once approved for children with growth problems. Tesamorelin, developed by Montreal-based Theratechnologies, is approved in the US to reduce abdominal fat in people with HIV. Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are research compounds often used together. Effects are milder than injecting HGH, and side effects can include water retention, tingling and higher blood sugar. See our HGH guide.
Healing peptides
BPC-157 and TB-500 are popular for injuries based on animal studies showing faster tendon, muscle and gut healing. Human trials are lacking. See our injury recovery guide.
GLP-1 peptides
Semaglutide has strong evidence for weight loss and is a prescription drug in Canada. Newer agents act on more receptors. See our Ozempic and semaglutide guide.
Practical basics
Mixing
Most peptides come as freeze-dried powder. You add bacteriostatic water (sold separately), let it dissolve, and swirl gently rather than shaking. Our peptides page has a mixing calculator that works out concentration and units on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Injecting
Most are injected subcutaneously (under the skin) with a fine insulin syringe, usually in the abdomen. Use a new syringe every time and never share.
Storage
Keep unmixed vials cold and away from light. Once mixed, refrigerate and don’t freeze.
Legal status in Canada
Semaglutide is on Health Canada’s Prescription Drug List. Most research peptides, such as BPC-157, TB-500 and retatrutide, aren’t approved by Health Canada as drugs and aren’t controlled substances. Many are prohibited in sport.
Frequently asked questions
Do peptides build muscle?
GH secretagogues have modest effects on body composition. Peptides generally don’t build muscle like anabolic steroids.
Is bacteriostatic water included with peptides?
No. It’s sold separately.
Are peptides legal in Canada?
Most research peptides aren’t approved drugs and aren’t controlled substances. Semaglutide is a prescription drug.
Which peptide is best for beginners?
It depends on the goal. Evidence is strongest for semaglutide (weight loss); healing peptides have mostly animal data.
Products mentioned in this guide
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
