Skip to content 
Peptide Therapy
Power Up Your Metabolism with MOTS-c Peptide Therapy
A naturally occurring mitochondrial peptide being studied for its role in energy, metabolism, and healthy aging. Offered only under physician supervision at MedShape.
What Is MOTS-c?
A peptide made by your own mitochondria
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in your mitochondrial DNA, the part of your cells responsible for producing energy. It acts as a signal that helps cells respond to metabolic stress, and research suggests natural levels tend to decline with age.
Researchers are interested in MOTS-c because, in laboratory and animal studies, it has been linked to better glucose handling, improved insulin sensitivity, and greater exercise capacity, largely through the AMPK pathway, a key regulator of how cells use energy. Human research is still early.
- ✓ Produced naturally by the mitochondria in your cells
- ✓ Studied for metabolism, energy, and healthy aging
- ✓ Sometimes described in research as an "exercise mimetic"
Potential Benefits
What MOTS-c may help support
Individual results vary. As part of a supervised wellness plan, patients explore MOTS-c to help with:
Metabolic health
Studied for helping cells use glucose and fat more efficiently for energy.
Insulin sensitivity
Research suggests MOTS-c may help the body respond better to insulin.
Energy & vitality
May support steadier day-to-day energy by acting on how your cells produce it.
Exercise capacity
Being explored for its role in endurance, physical performance, and recovery.
Healthy aging
Natural MOTS-c levels decline with age, making it a focus of longevity research.
Weight management support
Can be considered alongside your MedShape weight loss or wellness program when appropriate.
Alone or Combined
Metabolic support on its own or alongside a GLP-1 program
Your provider may recommend MOTS-c as a standalone wellness therapy, or consider it as a complement to a medically supervised GLP-1 weight loss program.
MOTS-c on its own
A focused option for patients whose main goal is energy and metabolic health.
- ✓ Targeted support for cellular energy and metabolism
- ✓ May help your body respond to exercise
- ✓ Fits into a wellness or healthy-aging plan, no weight loss program required
MOTS-c with a GLP-1 program
GLP-1 medications such as compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide work mainly by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. MOTS-c is studied for acting on a different system: how your cells use energy.
- ✓ Adds cellular-energy support while your GLP-1 plan works on appetite
- ✓ May help support energy and activity while you are eating less
- ✓ One MedShape care team manages both, with check-ins to adjust your plan
Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications are not FDA-approved for safety and efficacy. Individual circumstances and potential risks vary. This content does not guarantee or promise any specific outcome or timeline.
Simple Process
How to get started in 4 steps
Free consultation
Talk with our team about your energy, goals, and whether MOTS-c makes sense for you.
Medical evaluation
A provider reviews your health history, medications, and any conditions before anything is prescribed.
Personalized plan
If MOTS-c is appropriate, your provider sets the form, schedule, and length of your plan.
Ongoing support
Regular check-ins let us track how you feel and adjust your plan as needed.
Is It a Fit?
Who may consider MOTS-c
Your provider makes the final call, but patients often ask about MOTS-c when they:
- ✓ Feel low on energy or like their metabolism has slowed
- ✓ Want added support for metabolic health as part of a supervised plan
- ✓ Are active and want support for endurance and recovery
- ✓ Are already in a MedShape program and want a more complete plan
Not right for everyone
Your safety comes first
MOTS-c may not be appropriate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing certain medical conditions, or taking certain medications, including medications that lower blood sugar. Your MedShape provider will review all of this during your evaluation and recommend other options if MOTS-c is not a good fit.
Free Consultation
Book your free MOTS-c consultation
Talk with a MedShape provider about whether MOTS-c peptide therapy fits your health goals. No pressure, just answers.
Where to find us
Five clinics across Arizona & Minnesota
Prefer to start from home? Our Nationwide Telehealth program brings physician-supervised MOTS-c peptide therapy to patients anywhere in the U.S.
Questions
MOTS-c FAQ
What is MOTS-c peptide?
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide naturally produced from your mitochondrial DNA. It helps cells respond to metabolic stress and is being studied for its potential effects on metabolism, insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity, and healthy aging.
Is MOTS-c FDA-approved?
No. MOTS-c is not FDA-approved for any condition, and its safety and effectiveness have not been established in large human studies. Most research to date comes from laboratory and animal models. At MedShape, MOTS-c is only considered after a medical evaluation and under ongoing provider supervision.
How is MOTS-c given?
Your provider decides the form, amount, and schedule that fit your situation. Never start, change, or combine peptides without medical guidance.
Are there side effects?
Human safety data on MOTS-c is limited. As with any injectable or compounded therapy, reactions such as redness or irritation at the injection site can occur. Because MOTS-c is studied for effects on blood sugar, your provider will review any diabetes or glucose-lowering medications you take and monitor how you respond.
Can MOTS-c be part of my weight loss program?
MOTS-c is not a weight loss medication, but some patients ask about adding it to a broader MedShape wellness or weight loss plan. Your provider will review your full plan and current medications before recommending any combination.
Do I need to be a MedShape patient?
Yes. Online store orders require being a current or past MedShape patient and are reviewed for approval. New visitors can call their nearest MedShape location or book a free consultation to become an established patient.
Is MOTS-c available in my state?
Not all programs and medication may be available in each State. Please check with your nearest MedShape Clinic to determine if your State qualifies for a specific program or medication you may be interested in.
Ready to see if MOTS-c is right for you?
Start with a free consultation. Our team will help you understand your options and build a plan that fits your health and goals.