The Daily Mail Features Healand Clinic In The Peptide Weight-Loss Debate

Peptide therapy began in 1922 with the first medical use of insulin to treat diabetes. However, to the general public, it is best known for its off-label use in weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and Wegovy, often seen in the media alongside celebrities who have struggled to lose weight and achieved success.

Weight loss aside, peptide therapy can also be used to treat osteoporosis, support muscle growth and recovery, promote anti-ageing, aid in joint and tissue repair, and much more.

It is difficult to argue that the appeal of these treatments lies in their promise of targeted action with minimal side effects. And with the growing demand, peptide treatments, especially for weight loss, have seen a drastic increase in counterfeit products and inexperienced providers, while regulatory oversight remains limited. This has left many questioning their safety and long-term effectiveness.

Our very own Dr Omar Babar was recently featured in an article in The Guardian discussing the growing trend of microdosing GLP-1 weight loss medications and how he ensures their safety. But he has now also been featured in The Daily Mail, as a previous patient not only sings the praises of peptide therapy but also highlights the utmost level of care provided by Healand Clinic in his recovery.

Here are some of the highlights.

Understanding Peptides

Peptides are tiny molecules that help form hormones or proteins. In our bodies, they act like messengers, telling cells to grow tissue, repair bone, or release hormones.

Although peptides naturally occur in the body, scientists can also make them in the lab using engineered yeast or bacteria. For example, drugs like semaglutide (found in Wegovy and Ozempic) mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which signals the brain when we have eaten enough.

Another peptide drug, teriparatide, is used to treat osteoporosis. It helps strengthen fragile bones by telling the body to rebuild bone and use calcium more effectively.

Healand's Position In The Market

Healand Clinic has been awarded several accolades over the years for its commitment to innovation and for providing its clients with some of the most advanced treatments available to help them be the best versions of themselves, whether on the outside or the inside. More recently, Healand Clinic was awarded Aesthetics Clinic of the Year 2025 at the esteemed Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards. This recognition comes as patients travel from all over the country to Leicester to experience Healand’s Bio Enhancement treatments, including advanced peptide-based therapies, featuring exclusive peptide protocols available only at Healand Clinic.

As highlighted in The Daily Mail article, written by Will Stoddart, a contributing journalist who covers a wide range of health-related topics, including cancer treatments and their broader societal impacts, Healand Clinic has positioned itself at the forefront of the peptide weight-loss trend. Stoddart’s reporting often sheds light on critical health concerns, such as the links between radiation exposure and cancer risk, and more recently, he has covered studies exploring potential hidden causes of dementia, highlighting ongoing research and developments in the medical field.

The article talks about Haroon Shaikh, 52, who was diagnosed with a benign tumour in his spinal cord just over two years ago. While the surgery to remove it saved his life, it left him with severe nerve damage, causing his left leg to drag and making it difficult to raise his right arm above his shoulder.

Eighteen months after the surgery, he was still struggling to walk steadily and felt stuck. He decided to book an appointment at our clinic. Dr Omar Babar created a peptide solution containing BPC-157, CJC-1295, and Ipamorelin, synthetic versions of molecules the body already produces, designed to promote repair and regeneration.

Haroon started a once-daily self-administered injection into his thigh, five days on, two days off, repeated over several weeks. He also made lifestyle changes, including more sleep, increased exercise, taking vitamin D and iron supplements, and using NAD+ (a molecule found naturally in all cells that provides energy) and CoQ10 (an antioxidant also found in the body).

Haroon told The Daily Mail,

“My balance was shot,” he says. “Stairs were difficult and I couldn’t run at all.” He added that, after peptide therapy, “Within months, I was jogging again. Now, I’m back in the gym and can run without thinking about it.”

His neurosurgeon later described his recovery as remarkable.

Expert Warnings And Health Implications

The Daily Mail article also features insights from other medical professionals who caution against the unregulated use of peptide-based weight-loss injections. Dr Sarah Johnson, a leading endocrinologist, warns that "the long-term effects of these peptides are unknown, and their use could lead to unintended metabolic disturbances." 

Similarly, Dr Michael Lee, a pharmacologist, emphasises the potential for adverse reactions, stating, "Without proper clinical trials, we cannot ascertain the safety profile of these substances."

“We are seeing promising improvements in patients with nerve-related problems, though it’s early days,” admits Dr Babar. “We need proper data. Anecdotes aren’t enough.”

Dr Babar, who is now setting up a small clinical trial, worries that “the lack of regulation means people who are trying to do things properly get put in the same category as those who aren’t.” Other experts concur.

That is why Dr Babar closely monitors all their patients to ensure the safest outcomes. Personalised medical consultations and ongoing supervision help guarantee both safety and efficacy, while meticulously sourced, high-quality peptides are used at Healand Clinic to achieve optimal results.

And in the words of Harroon, “I know it was experimental, but I did it properly under a doctor and it worked for me.”

The Future Of Peptide Therapy

Peptide therapy represents an exciting frontier in modern medicine, offering targeted solutions for weight management, tissue repair, bone health, and overall wellness. However, safety is essential when using off-label drugs or therapies. With peptide therapy in the spotlight, both for its potential benefits and the unknowns, stories like Haroon Shaikh’s highlight not only the transformative effects of these treatments but also the critical role of professional care in achieving safe and effective results.

As research continues and clinical trials expand, peptide therapy may become an increasingly reliable option for patients seeking to improve both health and quality of life. Until then, choosing reputable clinics like Healand and working under the guidance of qualified medical professionals remains essential for safe and successful outcomes.