Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.
Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.Looking for a detailed comparison regarding the effects of peptides vs. steroids according to the latest research?
Then look no further, as this comprehensive guide will discuss the evidence on the benefits, side effects, and safety of peptides versus anabolic steroids.
Our expert team will clearly outline the similarities and differences between research peptides and steroids in applications including:
- Weight loss
- Muscle building
- Healing & recovery
Researchers also learn more about the legal statuses and potential risks of both classes of compounds. Based on our extensive experience, we’ll also share detailed information on the most trusted online vendors of peptides for research use.
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What are Peptides?
Research peptides are formed from amino acids chained together by peptide bonds. This leads to the formation of complex molecular structures with properties based on unique amino acid sequences.
Many have heard peptides being called the “building blocks of proteins.” Unlike proteins, peptides are much shorter and do not form complex three-dimensional structures. Instead, peptides generally consist of 2-50 amino acids, which are usually in a linear configuration [1].
Despite their simple structures, peptides are crucial in biological processes, acting as cell signal transmitters and overseeing functions like hormone production, appetite regulation, immune responses, tissue growth, and cellular motility [2].
Given their ability to target specific receptors and regulate biological functions, peptides have become a significant focus in the development of new drugs and therapies in medical research.
Currently, over 60 peptide-based medications are approved for human use and hundreds of research peptides are under active investigation [3, 4].
What are Steroids?
Steroids are a broad class of organic compounds that have a structure composed of four fused carbon rings and various functional groups attached to them [5].
There are numerous naturally occurring steroids in the human body, including cholesterol, vitamins (vit. D), the stress hormone cortisol, and sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen [5].
Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), commonly termed just “steroids,” are human-made derivatives of the sex hormone testosterone (T) and other naturally occurring androgens (male hormones) [6].
They were initially developed for their medicinal uses, such as therapy for male hypogonadism (testosterone replacement therapy) and muscle wasting due to surgeries, infections, cancer, or other causes [6].
Many of these medications, such as testosterone esters (enanthate, cypionate, etc.), are still used to this day as prescription-only substances for therapy in men with low T. Others have been discontinued for various reasons or developed only for veterinary use [7].
All AAS possess powerful anabolic effects on muscle tissue coupled with catabolic effects on fat tissue. Anabolic steroids also activate the androgen receptors in various tissues such as skin, larynx, and reproductive organs, which has masculinizing effects.
Peptides vs. Steroids | Pros and Cons
Scientists may wonder how peptides compare to steroids in research settings, namely when investigating applications like muscle growth, weight loss, and recovery.
Anabolic steroids can dramatically improve physical performance, increase muscle mass, and burn body fat [6, 8, 9]. Yet, they are also linked to serious adverse reactions, which include short-term and long-term physical side effects.
In addition, some subjects may also experience psychological side effects like dependence even after short-term use of high AAS doses [10]. This is why anabolic steroids are classified by the United States government as Schedule III controlled substances that may be legally purchased or possessed only with a valid medical prescription [11].
Steroids are also banned for use by athletes and classified by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as S1 substances. The S1 class refers to anabolic substances that are prohibited in and out of competition [12].
WADA has also banned many peptides, classified as either S0 (unapproved for human use) or S2 (peptide hormones and growth factors). However, peptides are not controlled substances and may be purchased by qualified researchers for experimental and educational purposes [12].
In summary, the main pros and cons of steroids include:
- Pros: Potent muscle-building and fat-burning properties, especially when used at high doses; some steroids are approved for hormone replacement therapy [6, 7, 8, 9, 13].
- Cons: Masculinizing effects; risk of serious or permanent side effects, especially at high doses [14].
On the other hand, the main pros and cons of peptides include:
- Pros: A wide variety of benefits, including weight loss, anti-aging, recovery, healing, and increase in lean body mass; most peptides are well tolerated with no serious side effects [15, 16].
- Cons: Many compounds are insufficiently tested in clinical trials and are yet to be approved for human use.
As evident, both peptides and steroids can have benefits related to muscle growth, weight loss, and other tissue-specific effects. However, they work via different mechanisms and may not have the same uses. Keep reading for a detailed comparison on the potential benefits of peptides vs. steroids for muscle building, fat loss, and recovery.
Steroids vs. Peptides | Weight Loss
Both peptides and anabolic steroids can lead to a significant reduction in total body mass.
In fact, anabolic steroids have been reported to stimulate weight loss in test subjects, particularly by increasing the energy demands of the human body.
For example, a study reports that testosterone enanthate at doses of 3mg/kg/week boosts average total testosterone levels up to about 1800ng/dl (around 3x baseline) and can result in about 10% increase in basal metabolic rate [9].
The increased metabolic rate is due to the increased muscle protein synthesis and higher lean body mass, associated with testosterone use.
Studies have also reported a significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in hypogonadal subjects receiving testosterone therapy [17].
On the other hand, some of the most effective peptides for weight loss research are the so-called incretin mimetics, which mimic naturally occurring incretin hormones like glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Incretins play an important role in glucose homeostasis and appetite control [18].
Examples of extensively researched incretin mimetics for weight loss include:
One of the most potent incretin mimetics is tirzepatide, a novel dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist that is under active research as a weight loss medication [19].
According to research, the peptide works by suppressing appetite and causing continuous energy deficit, which ultimately leads to weight loss. One tirzepatide trial involving 117 diabetics reported a -309.8kcal reduction in energy intake compared to placebo during an unrestricted buffet-style meal following 26 weeks of administration [20].
Another trial that involved more than 2500 overweight and obese individuals reported an up to 20.9% body weight reduction after 72 weeks at tirzepatide 15mg/weekly. Based on the fact that the average baseline body weight of the test subjects receiving the maximum dose was about 233lb, this translates to a mean weight loss of over 45lb [15].
Other notable incretin mimetics are the peptides semaglutide and liraglutide. They are GLP-1 agonists that are already approved for several indications, including for chronic weight management in both adolescents (aged 12 or older) and adults [21].
Peptides vs. Steroids | Muscle Growth
Both peptides and steroids are also known for their muscle-building effects. Studies involving elderly men with normal serum testosterone (T) levels who were given physiological steroid doses (oxandrolone or testosterone esters) reveal that the subjects gained 3.3lb-13.2lb in lean mass over an average duration of three months [22].
Another study looked at healthy men who were given supraphysiological steroid doses (testosterone enanthate) for 10 weeks, either with or without exercise, reporting that the steroid led to lean muscle gains of 13.2lb and 6.8lb, respectively. Further examination revealed that the men taking steroids but not exercising gained more lean muscle than the control group men who were exercising but taking placebo [23].
Steroids such as testosterone enanthate have also been reported to maintain and even increase lean body mass in subjects on highly restrictive, low-calorie diets [24].
Researchers may also want to note that the effects of steroids may vary for different muscle groups, depending on the density of androgen receptors for the corresponding muscle. For example, the trapezius muscle has more androgen receptors and responds with more muscle growth than leg muscles to steroids [25].
Peptides have also been reported to stimulate an increase in lean body mass and muscle size, albeit to a much smaller degree [16]. Compounds with potential muscle building effects include:
For example, tesamorelin is a growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) mimetic that works by stimulating natural growth hormone (GH) synthesis. Trials in HIV patietns have reported significant increases in muscle density and size [26]. Other GHRH analog peptides, such as sermorelin, have also been reported to increase lean mass in healthy individuals [16].
Another class of GH-stimulating peptides called ghrelin mimetics also may stimulate an increase in lean muscle mass. They mimic the function of the hunger hormone ghrelin, thereby stimulating GH release and increasing appetite.
For example, the GH secretagogue MK-677 (ibutamoren) significantly increased lean body mass without affecting fat mass in a two-month trial involving 24 obese males. It’s important to note that MK-677 per se has a modified non-peptide structure that makes it orally active, though it has a similar mechanism of action as peptide-compounds in the GHS class [27].
Steroids vs. Peptides | Recovery
Peptides and steroids may both promote healing and regeneration in humans, although they appear to work via vastly different mechanisms.
For example, testosterone cypionate has been researched in knee injury patients, and was shown to help the volunteers retain muscle mass and strength in the affected limb. Ultimately, administration resulted in faster rehabilitation and recovery of normal function [28]. Oxandrolone (Anavar) has been reported to speed up recovery in burn patients, although the steroid did not reduce overall mortality [29].
While steroids appear to influence recovery primarily due to their anti-catabolic effects on muscle tissue, peptides may directly affect cellular proliferation and motility. Examples of peptides for healing and recovery include:
For example, GH secretagogues like MK-677 increase both GH and its main anabolic mediator, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a well-known mitogenic agent that promotes cell proliferation. When administered alongside alendronate, MK-677 has been reported to increase bone cell turnover and mineral density, potentially speeding up bone healing [30].
Another peptide called TB-500 is a synthetic form of thymosin beta-4, a naturally-occurring protein found in almost all human and animal cells, where it is thought to regulate cellular motility [31]. TB-500 is often referred to as synthetic thymosin beta-4.
One trial in 73 patients with venous stasis ulcers given synthetic thymosin beta-4 for 84 days reported accelerated wound healing in the patients, with complete wound healing within 3 months in approximately 25% of the group. It was further reported to reduce the median time to healing by 45% among those whose wounds completely closed [32].
Are Peptides Actually Steroids?
Despite the similarities in some of the potential benefits of peptides and steroids, they have completely different mechanisms of action.
Anabolic steroids work on a broader scale, affecting a variety of tissues that possess androgen receptors [6].
This means they have far-reaching effects throughout the body. For instance, when anabolic steroids interact with androgen receptors in muscle tissue, they stimulate protein synthesis, thereby promoting muscle growth [6].
In fat tissue, steroids encourage lipolysis or the breakdown of fat. Additionally, their androgenic effects influence secondary male sexual characteristics like facial hair growth and a deepening of the voice [6, 7, 8].
Peptides, on the other hand, function in a multitude of ways, each depending on their particular sequence of amino acids. Some peptides stimulate the release of endogenous growth hormone, boosting muscle growth [16].
Others, like the incretin mimetic semaglutide, regulate blood sugar and appetite levels, with applications in diabetes and obesity management [21].
There are also peptides like TB-500 that work at a cellular level. TB-500 acts as an actin-binding protein that inhibits the polymerization of globular actin (G-actin) into filamentous actin (F-actin) and alters the cellular cytoskeleton [33, 34]. This affects the ability of cells to move and change shape, which is crucial for wound healing and tissue regeneration [35].
Overall, the actions of peptides are targeted, often involving specific cellular receptors or signaling pathways, and typically do not possess the broad androgenic effects seen with anabolic steroids. Thus, while both peptides and steroids can have beneficial effects, their mechanisms of action and overall effects are markedly different.
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Are Peptides Safer Than Steroids?
When discussing the safety of peptides vs. steroids, it is crucial to understand that both classes of compounds have specific risks and side effects that can vary greatly based on numerous factors, such as dosage, duration of research, and the subjects' health status.
Peptides are generally considered to be safer than anabolic steroids due to their more targeted mechanisms of action and the lower likelihood of causing hormonal imbalances.
Anabolic steroids, given their broad effects, can trigger a series of side effects. These may range from relatively minor issues like acne, oily skin, and hair loss to more serious concerns such as [36]:
- Gynecomastia (aromatizable/non-5α-reduced AAS) [37]
- Liver damage (oral AAS) [38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44]
- Cardiovascular complications (due to unfavorable effects on cholesterol levels, especially with AAS such as trenbolone) [45]
- Psychological changes [10]
- Disruption in the body's natural production of hormones, leading to infertility [46]
For example, oral AAS that have been reported to induce serious and even life-threatening liver injury include Winstrol (stanozolol, Stromba), Superdrol (methasterone), Dianabol (methandienone), Metandren (methyltestosterone), and others [38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44].
The androgenic effects of steroids may also lead to masculinization in female test subjects, which can include facial hair growth and voice deepening. Long-term use can lead to psychological dependence with withdrawal symptoms upon cessation [10].
On the other hand, peptides are linked to varying side effects depending on their structure and functions. For example, incretin mimetics such as GLP-1 agonists are known to cause gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea and diarrhea. Rarely, they may also lead to hepatobiliary disorders such as cholelithiasis and pancreatitis, which tend to be mild to moderate in severity [47].
Further, GHRH-agonists such as tesamorelin may lead to complaints related to water retention, such as joint pain, limb edemas, and puffiness, due to their GH-boosting effects [48].
Some peptides, such as TB-500, are yet to be thoroughly tested and approved for human use. Yet, the limited clinical data reveals that these peptides do not cause any serious side effects and do not possess dose-limiting toxicity [49].
Side effects such as allergic reactions and irritation at the injection site can occur with both steroids and peptides.
Where to Buy Peptides Online? | 2024 Edition
It is legal for qualified researchers to acquire peptides without a prescription for scientific purposes. Yet, it's crucial to tread carefully and avoid procuring subpar peptides, which could be harmful or inefficient for research-related use.
To secure superior peptides for research studies, it's advisable to rely on dependable sources like our most trusted online vendors:
Limitless Life
Their extensive quality control processes, paired with quick shipping, easy returns, and commitment to safety, make them the best option for any researcher. Here’s more about why we like Limitless Life:
- Stringent Quality Standards: Limitless Life takes product quality extremely seriously, partnering with three different labs to offer independent quality testing on each and every batch of product they produce. The end result is a quality rating of over 99% on most of their research peptides.
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- Responsible Distribution of Peptides: Limitless Life is committed to safety, and therefore provides products that are meant only for research purposes—never for individual or personal use.
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Steroids and Peptides | FAQ
Below, we cover some of the most common questions posed by researchers who are interested in comparing the effects of peptides vs. steroids.
Are peptides better than steroids?
Peptides and steroids have vastly different applications. Some anabolic steroids are used for hormone-replacement therapy in subjects with male hypogonadism (low T). On the other hand, peptides may be used for benefits like weight loss, recovery, anti-aging, reproductive health, and nootropic research. Therefore, whether peptides or steroids are better depends primarily on the research objective.
Are steroids and peptides the same?
Not at all. Steroids are fat-soluble molecules made of four fused carbon rings. Anabolic steroids interact with the so-called androgenic receptors in various tissues to exert their effects. On the other hand, peptides are short chains of 2-50 amino acids that can exert a wide variety of effects on the body. Different peptides will interact with different receptors, regulate enzyme activity, modulate cell signaling, and more.
Do peptides build muscle?
Yes. Some peptides that upregulate the production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary, such as sermorelin (GRF 1-29), tesamorelin, and CJC-1295, can also lead to increased levels of GH's main anabolic mediator, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 has anabolic effects on muscle tissue and can upregulate lean body mass. In addition, ghrelin mimetics can increase GH/IGF-1 levels and increase appetite, which can further help build muscle in test subjects [27].
Do bodybuilders use peptides?
Bodybuilders and athletes often use peptides as performance-enhancing drugs to stimulate recovery, build muscle, and/or increase fat loss. However, it is important to note that WADA bans most peptides, and using them in or out of competition is strictly prohibited. Moreover, many peptides are research compounds, and should be clearly labeled accordingly.
Steroids vs. Peptides | Verdict
Both steroids and peptides have been shown to exert benefits such as weight loss, increased muscle mass, and faster recovery in both clinical and research settings. However, these benefits are mediated via vastly different mechanisms.
Moreover, researchers should consider the different legal statuses and potential side effects of either group of compounds. Steroids are generally controlled substances that are tightly regulated by government agencies.
On the other hand, research peptides are available for purchase by qualified professionals for educational and experimental purposes.
For researcher looking for a reliable source of high-quality peptides, we highly recommend Limitless Life as our most trusted online vendor.
David Warmflash, M.D.