GLP-1 vs peptides: what is the difference?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids. Many hormones, including insulin and GLP-1 itself, are peptides, so the word covers a huge range of substances with very different effects.

Semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide are peptide medicines that have been through clinical trials and are licensed by regulators for specific uses. They come with prescribing information, quality controls and a prescriber who monitors you.

Products sold online as research peptides are not licensed medicines and may not contain what the label says. Regulators in the UK and US have warned about unlicensed and counterfeit GLP-1 products. If you are unsure whether a product is genuine, speak to a pharmacist.

Whatever you are prescribed, a written history of the product name, dose, batch and how you felt is useful if you ever need to report a side effect or change supplier. Levli keeps that history in one private place.