As interest in peptides continues to grow, experts are increasingly looking beyond 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."
Citing previous research, Cole noted that an estimated 93% of US. adults are metabolically unhealthy, leaving only about 7% who meet the criteria for optimal — a figure he described as "wild."
"That's common, but not normal," Cole said He added that while can be beneficial, improving metabolic health also requires addressing lifestyle and other underlying factors.
Cole shared that he does not believe "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, and other mood-boosting factors
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?"
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 and a growing fear of hunger
Cole attributed the trend to a culture that favors simple, fast solutions over sustained "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?"
The expert questioned why there has been an "epidemic rise" of metabolic problems, pointing to factors such as diets high in ultraprocessed foods, , environmental toxins and the presence of stress and trauma
"That is why we're seeing a rise of chronic , not a pharmaceutical deficiency," he said
Cole said he supports , but emphasized the importance of transparency, product purity and clear labeling so healthcare professionals and consumers can make informed decisions
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
"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 "