The peptide craze has hit Florida hard. What you need to know.

Key Points:

• Thousands of Floridians are using injectable peptides promoted on social media and at medical spas despite many lacking FDA approval or robust safety data, driven by claims of benefits ranging from anti-aging to weight loss.
• Peptides are short amino acid chains that can act as hormone messengers; while some FDA-approved peptides exist, many popular wellness peptides sold online are unregulated and potentially unsafe, with quality and purity concerns.
• Experts caution that most peptides lack rigorous clinical trials to confirm their efficacy and safety, and improper use or contaminated products pose risks including severe immune reactions and possibly cancer promotion.
• The FDA is considering loosening restrictions on certain peptides to allow compounding pharmacies to legally prepare them, which could reduce reliance on unregulated gray market sources.
• Costs vary widely, with online raw powders costing as little as $30 and clinical protocols exceeding $1,500 per month, but insurance rarely covers these treatments; some experts predict a market correction as consumers become more aware of the risks and limited benefits.