What are peptides and could they be the missing piece in your longevity regime?
There are now more than 80 therapeutic peptides which have reached the global market to date, according to a paper in Nature journal. It's big business. The global peptide therapeutics market size is calculated at $52.59 billion in 2025 and forecasted to reach around $83.75 billion by 2034 according to Precedence Research. The newest rockstars of the peptide world are ones likes ipamorelin and CJC, which Dr Enayat says he prescribes 'for upregulating growth hormone production', TA-1, for anti-inflammatory purposes, cerebrolysin 'for prevention of common brain related conditions, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease progression' and BPC-157, the most commonly used peptide for soft tissue injury prevention for people that use their musculoskeletal system a lot' and TB-500, also known as thymosin beta four, 'for soft tissue repair, musculoskeletal injury prevention, and for lean body optimisation.' He says that he does use GLP-1s in clinic for weight loss, Mounjaro in particular, but doesn't like to use them as a first port of call. 'There are often other levers we can pull.'
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
A MOTHER has revealed that despite losing over three stone thanks to Mounjaro, she has been hit with some unfortunate side effects. Chloe Mckernan, 32, a mum-of-two from Glasgow who is currently on her 'glow up journey', got candid on the side effects, which are not limited to hair loss. 4 A mum-of-two has explained that in addition to hair loss, she has experienced a very unexpected side effect since using Mounjaro Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Chloe claimed that since using Mounjaro, her new hairs have been growing in GREY Credit: TikTok/@chlo_mckernan 4 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The brunette, who recently opened up on dealing with a sore scalp and a strange 'burning sensation', has now got candid on the unexpected implication that she is 'not coping' well with. Posting on social media, Chloe, who has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs since using Mounjaro. The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Mounjaro, which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, she has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity'. But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking Mounjaro. As she held a huge pile of hair extensions, which she claimed have fallen out of her head since using the jabs, she said: 'These [extensions] have all come out my head. 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really thin.' Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, Drugs reported. This is usually a result of a rapid weight loss. Not only this, but in another clip which was uploaded with the caption 'Mounjaro girls…anyone else's hair growing back in grey after hair loss?', Chloe claimed that since using the fat jabs, any new hairs that have grown have been grey - yes, you heard that correctly. All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that Chloe Mckernan The mother said: 'So obviously I've had hair loss on Monjaro, but I'm not coping with the grey hairs that are poking through my head. 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in grey hair. However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that these observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, nutritional intake, and overall health. Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @chlo_mckernan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 165,200 views, 636 likes and 115 comments. Numerous other Mounjaro users eagerly flocked to the comments, keen to express that they too have experienced hair loss whilst using fat jabs. It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back TikTok user One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' A third commented: 'I've had the longest and thickest hair for years and I've lost so much hair.' Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough calories in, otherwise you're doing as much damage as good.' Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that the jabs can have fatal consequences. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days. 4 They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill." Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I've lost 3.8 stone on Mounjaro – I've had bad hair loss & another VERY unexpected side effect I'm not coping well with
A MOTHER has revealed that despite losing over three stone thanks to Mounjaro, she has been hit with some unfortunate side effects. Chloe Mckernan, 32, a mum-of-two from Glasgow who is currently on her 'glow up journey', got candid on the side effects, which are not limited to hair loss. 3 3 The brunette, who recently opened up on dealing with a sore scalp and a strange 'burning sensation', has now got candid on the unexpected implication that she is 'not coping' well with. Posting on social media, Chloe, who has the 'confidence to wear shorts again', revealed that she has lost 3 stone 8 lbs since using Mounjaro. The young woman confirmed that as a result of taking Mounjaro, which is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs, she has been accused of 'cheating' her weight loss. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams claimed that Mounjaro, which could soon be rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity '. But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' In recent clips shared online, Chloe discussed the side effects she has experienced since taking Mounjaro. As she held a huge pile of hair extensions, which she claimed have fallen out of her head since using the jabs, she said: 'These [extensions] have all come out my head. 'I'm actually really scared to get my hair done on Thursday because I don't know how much of my actual hair I've got left. I'm actually so scared.' As she showed off her natural hair underneath her extensions, she added: 'My hair has been really bad. I don't have much hair underneath, my hair is getting really thin.' Weight Loss Jabs - Pros vs Cons While hair loss isn't a direct side effect listed in Mounjaro's package insert, a 2022 clinical trial showed that 4.9% to 5.7% of participants taking Mounjaro reported hair loss, compared to 0.9% in the placebo group, Drugs reported. This is usually a result of a rapid weight loss. Not only this, but in another clip which was uploaded with the caption 'Mounjaro girls…anyone else's hair growing back in grey after hair loss?', Chloe claimed that since using the fat jabs, any new hairs that have grown have been grey - yes, you heard that correctly. The mother said: 'So obviously I've had hair loss on Monjaro, but I'm not coping with the grey hairs that are poking through my head. 'I'm 32 not 62, why have I get grey hairs? All the new hairs are growing in white, I can't be dealing with that.' Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Despite Chloe's concerns, there is currently no scientific evidence directly linking Mounjaro to an increase in grey hair. However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that these observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, nutritional intake, and overall health. Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ chlo_mckernan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 165,200 views, 636 likes and 115 comments. Numerous other Mounjaro fat jabs. One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' A third commented: 'I've had the longest and thickest hair for years and I've lost so much hair.' Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough calories in, otherwise you're doing as much damage as good.' Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that the jabs can have fatal consequences. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days. They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill."
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Telegraph
Weight-loss jabs can stop HRT working, doctors warn
Weight-loss drugs could stop hormone replacement therapy from working and increase the associated risks, guidance has warned. The British Menopause Society has told doctors to closely monitor any women who are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the menopause and are also taking a weight-loss jab. The injections, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, also sold as Ozempic for diabetes, have revolutionised obesity treatment and are increasingly taken by people who are not obese but looking to lose a few pounds. But the drug's ability to delay the transit of food through the gut can slow the absorption of pills taken orally. It is one theory behind the so-called ' Ozempic baby boom '. Earlier this week, the medicines regulator issued a warning about the impact of weight-loss drugs on contraception after receiving more than 40 reports relating to pregnancies from women on the jabs. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said women should 'not rely on oral contraception' and warned them not to use the injections if pregnant or trying to get pregnant because of a lack of safety evidence. Guidance has now suggested women taking HRT orally may also be at risk. There were 2.6 million women taking HRT in 2023-24 in England to help with symptoms of the menopause, which can include hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, and muscle aches. It typically onsets between age 45 and 55 and can last for a number of years. The most common form of HRT is a progesterone pill alongside a skin patch or gel to deliver oestrogen, although some women will be on a combined pill. The progesterone is important to balance out the effects of oestrogen, which on its own stimulates the growth of the womb lining, and can cause ' abnormal cells and cancer ' to grow. The loss of the protective effect of progesterone on the womb was the primary concern for the British Menopause Society, which recommended doctors move women to an intrauterine device, such as a Mirena coil, or increase the dose of progesterone. Prof Annice Mukherjee, a consultant endocrinologist and member of the society's medical advisory council, who led on the guidance, said an imbalance in the hormones, particularly among women with obesity, would put them 'at increased risk of womb cancer '. 'Oestrogen is almost always given through the skin for HRT in women living with obesity, but progesterone is frequently given as a tablet, and that formulation is thought to be the safest route for women who have complicated health issues,' she said. 'If we then start one of these injectable weight-loss drugs, then you're preferentially stopping absorption of the progestogen that's coming in orally, but you're allowing plenty of the oestrogen through the skin. 'The rules are very clear that if you give a very high dose of oestrogen and you don't give enough progesterone, however that happens, you're putting that woman at risk of womb cancer,' she said. Prof Mukherjee said there was currently a 'culture of putting women on very high doses of oestrogen', which can make the womb lining thicken. 'It's like having a lawn in a woman's womb. Oestrogen makes the lawn grow. Progestogen cuts the lawn. But if it's not being cut, it grows thicker, and then you can get abnormal cells and cancer.' But she also stressed that the biggest risk factor for womb cancer was obesity and so on the whole the weight-loss injections were a positive tool to reduce weight and cancer risk. 'These drugs reduce the risk of cancer,' she said. 'But if they are prescribed to a woman who's on oestrogen through the skin, and she might already have womb thickening because she's living with obesity, and she's not absorbing the progesterone because she's been put on a weight-loss injection, she's potentially getting loads of oestrogen on top of her thickened womb lining, and that could potentially unmask cancers that are there or drive an early cancer to a more advanced stage.' More than 1.5 million people in the UK are now taking weight-loss jabs, with demand doubling in the last six months. The overwhelming majority are accessing them privately from pharmacies at a cost of around £200 per month. It is not known how many people are on both drugs, but the British Menopause Society has created guidelines after calls from GPs for advice to give to patients. Dr Janet Barter, the president of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, said there was 'a small but growing body of evidence that the new diabetes and weight loss drugs, which can bring really positive improvements to people's health, can also cause vomiting and severe diarrhoea in some patients'. 'Obviously this could render any medication, such as HRT tablets or oral contraception, ineffective if there hasn't been enough time for them to be fully absorbed,' she said. 'If these side-effects are occurring, then people should discuss the matter with their doctor or specialist clinician to find the combination of drugs that's right for them.'
