Peptides, "Bulky," and the Jennifer Aniston Effect

Your toughest questions, answered.

What is Jennifer Aniston talking about?

Welcome to LIFT THE CURTAIN, where paid subscribers can ask me anything about strength. As a professional athlete, I’ll share my own experiences and insights, and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll ask someone who does. No fluff—only practical answers to your toughest questions.

This week I answered two questions. The first is from Nathalie Drexler:

Why Am I Hearing So Much About Peptides Lately? Should I Be Taking Them?

Peptides have recently surged in popularity, popping up in conversations about bodybuilding hacks, longevity, recovery, and even Botox alternatives. Certain types have begun appearing in topical over-the-counter face creams, such as Neutrogena Collagen Bank, which boasts “patented micro-peptide technology. . .to penetrate more than 10 surface layers.” Others are heavy-duty injectables intended to help regenerate tissue, treat injuries and other conditions.

My friend Adam Friedman, a dermatology professor at George Washington University, calls this area the “Wild West.” First of all, notes Friedman, “saying ‘peptides’ is like saying ‘food’—it’s a massive umbrella term.” Still, the term has become catchy enough that friends and gymgoers frequently ask me whether they should look into them.