Popular weight-loss drugs can become an ‘atomic bomb’ at high doses, doctor warns

As interest in peptides continues to grow, experts are increasingly looking beyond weight loss to their potential role in healthy aging.

Functional medicine expert Dr. Will Cole told Fox News Digital that peptides are “intimately connected” with longevity, cellular healing and metabolic health.

“[Peptides] help with cellular communication,” said Cole, co-author of the upcoming book “Heal Your Cells.” The recommendations for peptides depend on the context in which they’re used, he said, noting that the answer often falls “somewhere in the middle.”

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Citing previous research, Cole noted that an estimated 93% of U.S. adults are metabolically unhealthy, leaving only about 7% who meet the criteria for optimal metabolic health — a figure he described as “wild.”

Peptides have surged in popularity for weight loss, muscle building, performance enhancement, chronic disease management and even wound repair. (iStock)

“That’s common, but not normal,” Cole said. He added that while GLP-1 medications can be beneficial, improving metabolic health also requires addressing lifestyle and other underlying factors.

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Cole shared that he does not believe “macro-dosing” GLP-1s “forever and ever in perpetuity” is the solution to improving metabolic health.

While GLP-1s can reduce food cravings — often referred to as “food noise” — and promote weight loss, Cole said he’d like to see more research on how decreasing the desire for food could also decrease cravings for love, relationships and other mood-boosting factors.

The semaglutide weight-loss drug Wegovy, made by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, is designed to treat type 2 diabetes, but is widely known for its weight-loss effect. (James Manning/PA Images via Getty Images)

Cole questioned whether suppressing food cravings could have unintended effects on other reward-related behaviors, including social relationships.

“So, are we circumventing pathways and pathologizing things that don’t have to be pathologized?”

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Cole argued that some degree of hunger signaling is healthy. “Food noise is actually a decent thing in balance, so shutting down your hunger cues with an ‘atomic bomb’ peptide dose is not the solution.”

He added that he believes overreliance on GLP-1 medications may contribute to disordered eating patterns and a growing fear of hunger.

The expert said he believes that overreliance on GLP-1 medications may contribute to disordered eating patterns and a growing fear of hunger. (iStock)

Cole attributed the trend to a culture that favors simple, fast solutions over sustained lifestyle changes. “We want a magic pill,” he said.

“And the truth is somewhere in the middle: Can we micro-dose? Can we do it cyclically? And can we pair it with lifestyle?”

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The expert questioned why there has been an “epidemic rise” of metabolic problems, pointing to factors such as diets high in ultraprocessed foods, nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and the presence of stress and trauma.

“That is why we’re seeing a rise of chronic health problems, not a pharmaceutical deficiency,” he said.

Pairing peptides with lifestyle is a good balance to improve metabolic health, experts agree. (iStock)

Cole said he supports wider access to peptides, but emphasized the importance of transparency, product purity and clear labeling so healthcare professionals and consumers can make informed decisions.

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Despite those concerns, Cole said he believes GLP-1s also hold significant therapeutic promise, citing their potential to reduce inflammation, help manage autoimmune conditions and improve gut health.

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“But again, what’s the lowest dose that yields a beneficial result paired with lifestyle? I think that’s where peptides can really shine,” he said.

“And I am actually more excited about some of these other [peptides], like the inflammation ones or the longevity peptides.”