Medical weight loss
An evaluation first, then a plan you decide together, with prescription medication when it is appropriate.
Learn moreWhat peptides are
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Your body makes many peptides on its own, and they act as signals between cells.
Some peptides are well-studied, FDA-approved medicines. Insulin, for example, is a peptide hormone. Other peptides are used in wellness and functional medicine settings. Those are the peptides most people mean when they search for "peptide therapy," and they are a very different group.
The regulatory reality
Most wellness peptides are not FDA-approved. That means they have not gone through the full FDA review for safety and effectiveness that approved medicines go through.
Many of these peptides have been made by compounding pharmacies. The rules for compounding many of them changed in 2026 and remain under FDA review. Because of this, what is available, and how it can be prescribed, can change. We follow the current rules and will tell you if something changes for you.
What the evidence shows
The evidence varies widely from one peptide to another. Some have been studied in people. Many have limited human research, with much of what is known coming from lab or animal studies. Results in animals don't always hold up in people.
We don't make promises about what a peptide will do. Before you start, we'll talk about what is known, what isn't, possible side effects, and whether other options with stronger evidence make more sense for you. Results vary from person to person.
Who may be a candidate
Peptide therapy may be worth discussing if:
- You are an adult who has had a full evaluation with us
- You understand that evidence for many peptides is limited
- You are willing to come to follow-up visits and report side effects
- Other causes of your symptoms have been looked at and treated
Who is not a candidate
Peptide therapy is not right for everyone. It is usually not a good fit if you:
- Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have active cancer or a history of certain cancers
- Have a serious health condition that is not yet under control
- Are looking for a quick fix or don't plan to come to follow-up visits
- Want to use peptides bought online without a prescription
Your provider will look at your full health history to decide what is safe for you.
How peptides are prescribed and monitored
Dr. Diatte is trained in peptide therapy. Here is how we approach it:
- Evaluation first. We start with your history, a physical exam, a review of your medications and supplements, and lab work as needed.
- An honest discussion. We go over the evidence, the risks and other options before you decide.
- Prescription only. If peptide therapy is a fit, we prescribe only from licensed pharmacies. We don't recommend peptides sold online as "research chemicals."
- Follow-up visits. We check how you're doing, watch for side effects and order lab work as needed.
- Stop if needed. If you have side effects, or if it isn't helping, we stop and talk about next steps.
Patients come to us from across Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Butler and Warren counties.
When to see a specialist
If you have a serious reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or chest pain, call 911. For other new or worsening symptoms, call our office during office hours.
If your evaluation points to a condition that needs a specialist, such as a hormone, heart or neurological problem, we'll refer you. We work alongside neurologists, infectious disease specialists and other specialists, and peptide therapy is never a substitute for that care.
