Not all weight loss peptides work the same way!!!

Some suppress appetite, others increase fat burning.

Some do both…

The main categories:

GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) - Reduce hunger, slow digestion, improve insulin sensitivity. These are the most powerful for pure weight loss.

Growth hormone peptides (Ipamorelin, CJC-1295) - Enhance metabolism, preserve muscle during weight loss, improve body composition. Less dramatic weight loss, but better overall results.

Lipolytic peptides (HGH Fragment 176-191) - Target fat cells directly, mobilize stored fat for energy. Work best combined with diet and exercise.

Metabolic peptides (MOTS-C, AOD9604) - Improve mitochondrial function and metabolic efficiency. Subtle but sustainable fat loss.

Let's break down each category and help you choose.

GLP-1 peptides: the heavyweights

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)

Semaglutide is the peptide everyone's talking about. For good reason - it works.

Clinical trials show 15-20% total body weight loss over 68 weeks at maximum dose. That's 30-40 pounds for a 200-pound person. This is pharmaceutical-grade weight loss.

How it works:

• Activates GLP-1 receptors in your brain and gut

• Dramatically reduces appetite and food cravings

• Slows gastric emptying (you feel full longer)

• Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control

The protocol:

• Start: 0.25mg once weekly

• Week 5-8: Increase to 0.5mg

• Week 9-12: Increase to 1mg

• Week 13-16: Increase to 1.7mg (if needed)

• Maximum: 2.4mg weekly

This gradual titration minimizes side effects. Most people find their sweet spot at 1-1.7mg weekly.

Results timeline:

• Weeks 1-4: Reduced appetite, 2-4 pounds lost

• Weeks 5-12: Consistent 1-2 pounds weekly loss

• Weeks 13-24: Continued steady loss, 15-25 pounds total

• Weeks 25-52: Plateau and maintenance phase

Use our semaglutide dosage calculator to plan your complete titration schedule with dose escalation timing and expected results.

Side effects:

• Nausea (20-30% of users, improves over time)

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Reduced appetite (this is the point, but can be intense)

• Fatigue in first few weeks

• Potential gallbladder issues with rapid weight loss

Most side effects are manageable with proper dosing escalation and dietary adjustments.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)

Tirzepatide is newer and arguably more effective than semaglutide. It's a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist.

Clinical data shows 20-25% body weight loss - slightly better than semaglutide. Some users lose 50+ pounds.

How it works:

• Activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors

• Even stronger appetite suppression than semaglutide

• Better insulin sensitivity improvements

• May preserve more muscle mass during weight loss

The protocol:

• Start: 2.5mg once weekly

• Week 5: Increase to 5mg

• Week 9: Increase to 7.5mg (if needed)

• Week 13: Increase to 10mg (if needed)

• Maximum: 15mg weekly

Tirzepatide doses are higher in milligrams but follow the same gradual escalation principle.

Results timeline:

• Similar to semaglutide but often faster

• Average 2-3 pounds weekly at therapeutic doses

• 25-35 pounds in first 6 months is common

• Better muscle preservation than semaglutide

Side effects:

• Similar to semaglutide but potentially more intense

• Higher doses = more GI issues

• Start low, go slow with titration

Which GLP-1 should you choose?

Choose semaglutide if:

• You want proven, reliable results

• You're sensitive to side effects (easier to find your sweet spot)

• Cost is a factor (semaglutide is cheaper)

• You want the most research backing

Choose tirzepatide if:

• You want maximum weight loss potential

• Semaglutide wasn't quite enough

• You're willing to pay more for better results

• Preserving muscle is a priority

Both work. Tirzepatide is slightly more effective but costs more and has more intense side effects for some users.

Growth hormone peptides: body recomposition specialists

GH peptides don't create dramatic weight loss like GLP-1s. But they improve body composition - less fat, more muscle, better metabolism.

Ipamorelin

Ipamorelin stimulates your body's natural growth hormone production. More GH = better fat metabolism and muscle preservation.

How it works:

• Triggers growth hormone pulses from pituitary

• Enhances lipolysis (fat breakdown)

• Improves insulin sensitivity

• Preserves or builds lean muscle during calorie deficit

The protocol:

• Dose: 200-300mcg per injection

• Frequency: 2-3 times daily (before meals and bedtime)

• Duration: 8-12 weeks

• Best results: Combined with strength training

Expected results:

• 5-10 pounds fat loss over 12 weeks

• Visible improvement in body composition

• Better muscle definition

• Enhanced metabolism

This isn't dramatic weight loss, but you'll look better at the same weight because you're losing fat while maintaining or gaining muscle.

Use peptide dosage calculator to determine your exact Ipamorelin dose based on body weight and goals.

CJC-1295

CJC-1295 extends the duration of growth hormone elevation. It pairs perfectly with Ipamorelin.

How it works:

• Extends natural GH pulses

• Maintains elevated GH levels between Ipamorelin doses

• Improves overall metabolism

• Enhances fat oxidation

The protocol:

• Dose: 200-300mcg per injection

• Frequency: 2-3 times weekly

• Duration: 8-16 weeks

• Stack with: Ipamorelin for synergistic effects

Expected results:

• Similar to Ipamorelin but more sustained

• Better when stacked than used alone

• 8-12 pounds fat loss over 12-16 weeks

• Noticeable improvement in muscle-to-fat ratio

The Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 stack

This is the gold standard growth hormone stack for body recomposition.

The protocol:

• Morning: Ipamorelin 200mcg

• Pre-workout: Ipamorelin 200mcg

• Evening: Ipamorelin 200mcg + CJC-1295 200mcg (Monday/Thursday)

• Duration: 12-16 weeks

Use our peptide stack calculator to plan your complete stacking protocol with injection timing and cost breakdown.

Expected results over 12 weeks:

• 10-15 pounds fat loss

• 3-5 pounds muscle gain (if training properly)

• Net result: Better body composition, possibly same scale weight

• Improved metabolic markers

• Better sleep and recovery

Lipolytic peptides: direct fat mobilization

HGH Fragment 176-191

HGH Fragment is the specific portion of growth hormone responsible for fat loss, without the muscle-building effects.

It's popular because it targets fat cells directly and has minimal side effects.

How it works:

• Stimulates lipolysis in fat cells

• Inhibits lipogenesis (new fat storage)

• Particularly effective on stubborn fat areas

• Works best in fasted state

The protocol:

• Dose: 250-500mcg per injection

• Frequency: Once daily, before fasted cardio

• Duration: 8-12 weeks

• Timing: Morning on empty stomach, wait 30-45 minutes before eating

Expected results:

• 8-12 pounds fat loss over 12 weeks

• Better results with consistent fasted cardio

• Targets stubborn fat areas (belly, love handles)

• No muscle loss during calorie deficit

Use our HGH fragment calculator to determine your dose based on body weight and fat loss goals.

HGH Fragment mobilizes fat from storage. You still need to burn it through exercise and calorie deficit. It makes fat available for energy - you have to actually use that energy.

AOD9604

AOD9604 is similar to HGH Fragment but with slight structural modifications for better stability.

How it works:

• Similar fat mobilization to HGH Fragment

• May have better oral bioavailability

• Reduces fat accumulation

• Improves metabolic markers

The protocol:

• Dose: 300-500mcg per injection

• Frequency: Once daily

• Duration: 8-16 weeks

• Best results: Morning fasted

Expected results:

• Comparable to HGH Fragment

• 6-10 pounds over 12 weeks with proper diet

• Better when combined with cardio

AOD9604 is less popular than HGH Fragment but works through similar mechanisms.

Metabolic optimization peptides

MOTS-C

MOTS-C is a mitochondrial peptide that improves cellular energy metabolism. Weight loss is a side effect of better metabolic function.

How it works:

• Enhances mitochondrial efficiency

• Improves insulin sensitivity

• Increases metabolic flexibility (better fat burning)

• Reduces metabolic stress

The protocol:

• Dose: 5-10mg per injection

• Frequency: 2-3 times weekly

• Duration: 8-12 weeks

• Best timing: Morning before breakfast

Expected results:

• 5-8 pounds over 12 weeks

• Better energy levels

• Improved body composition

• Enhanced metabolic health markers

MOTS-C is subtle. You won't see dramatic scale movement, but your body becomes better at burning fat for fuel.

Comparing all options: which peptide for you?

Let's get practical about choosing.

For maximum weight loss (20-50+ pounds): → Semaglutide or Tirzepatide → Most effective, fastest results → Use: Semaglutide dosage calculator

For body recomposition (look better, not just lighter): → Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 stack → Lose fat, gain muscle simultaneously → Use: Peptide stack calculator

For stubborn fat with minimal side effects: → HGH Fragment 176-191 → Targets problem areas, very well-tolerated → Use: HGH fragment calculator

For metabolic health + gradual fat loss: → MOTS-C → Improves insulin sensitivity, sustainable results → Lower cost, fewer injections

For complete transformation (advanced): → Stack GLP-1 + Growth Hormone peptides → Semaglutide for appetite + Ipamorelin for muscle preservation → Maximum fat loss with muscle protection

Stacking strategies for maximum results

Single peptides work. Strategic stacks work better.

Stack #1: Aggressive fat loss with muscle preservation

• Semaglutide: 1mg weekly

• Ipamorelin: 200mcg morning and evening

• Duration: 12-16 weeks

• Result: 25-35 pounds fat loss, minimal muscle loss

Stack #2: Body recomposition

• Ipamorelin: 200mcg 3x daily

• CJC-1295: 200mcg 2x weekly

• HGH Fragment: 250mcg morning fasted

• Duration: 12-16 weeks

• Result: 12-18 pounds fat loss, 3-5 pounds muscle gain

Stack #3: Stubborn fat targeting

• HGH Fragment: 300mcg morning fasted

• MOTS-C: 5mg twice weekly

• Duration: 8-12 weeks

• Result: 10-15 pounds, improved metabolic markers

Use our peptide cost calculator to budget for any stack before starting.

Side effects and safety considerations

All weight loss peptides have potential side effects, though severity varies.

GLP-1 peptides (semaglutide, tirzepatide):

• Nausea and GI issues (very common at first)

• Gallbladder problems (rare, but monitor)

• Reduced appetite (sometimes too much)

• Fatigue during initial adaptation

• Not suitable for: History of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer

Growth hormone peptides:

• Water retention (temporary)

• Joint discomfort (usually mild)

• Carpal tunnel symptoms (rare, at high doses)

• Insulin resistance (monitor blood sugar)

• Not suitable for: Active cancer, uncontrolled diabetes

Lipolytic peptides:

• Minimal side effects overall

• Occasional injection site irritation

• Mild headaches (rare)

• Generally very well-tolerated

General safety notes:

• Start with lowest effective dose

• Titrate slowly to minimize side effects

• Use sterile injection technique always

• Store peptides properly (refrigerated after reconstitution)

• Monitor your response and adjust accordingly

• These are research chemicals, not FDA-approved drugs

What to expect: realistic timelines

Be honest about expectations. Peptides aren't magic.

Weeks 1-4:

• GLP-1s: Noticeable appetite reduction, 4-8 pounds lost

• GH peptides: Minimal weight loss, improved energy

• Lipolytic: 2-4 pounds if diet is dialed in

Weeks 5-12:

• GLP-1s: Steady 1-2 pounds weekly, 12-20 pounds total

• GH peptides: 6-10 pounds fat loss, visible body recomposition

• Lipolytic: 6-10 pounds with consistent fasted cardio

Weeks 13-24:

• GLP-1s: 20-35 pounds total, reaching plateau phase

• GH peptides: 12-18 pounds fat loss, significant muscle definition

• Lipolytic: 12-15 pounds, stubborn fat areas improving

Beyond 24 weeks:

• GLP-1s: Maintenance phase, weight stable

• GH peptides: Can cycle off or continue maintenance dose

• Lipolytic: Cycle off, results maintained with proper lifestyle

The faster you lose weight, the more likely you'll regain it. Sustainable fat loss is 1-2 pounds weekly maximum.

Diet and training while on peptides

Peptides aren't a free pass to eat garbage and skip exercise.

Diet principles:

• GLP-1s: Your appetite will drop dramatically. Focus on protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods in smaller portions.

• GH peptides: Maintain slight calorie deficit (300-500 below maintenance) with high protein (1g per pound body weight).

• Lipolytic peptides: Fasted cardio in morning, then normal healthy eating. Moderate calorie deficit.

Training recommendations:

• GLP-1s: Maintain strength training to preserve muscle. Reduced calories = reduced recovery capacity.

• GH peptides: Progressive overload strength training 3-4x weekly. GH peptides enhance recovery.

• Lipolytic peptides: Low-intensity fasted cardio (walking, cycling). Don't overdo it.

Common mistakes:

• Cutting calories too low on GLP-1s (muscle loss, metabolic damage)

• Expecting fat loss from GH peptides without training

• Not doing any cardio with HGH Fragment (it mobilizes fat, you must burn it)

• Neglecting protein intake (muscle loss guaranteed)

Cost analysis: budgeting your protocol

Weight loss peptides vary dramatically in cost.

Semaglutide:

• Research peptide: $150-250 per month

• Pharmaceutical (Wegovy): $1,000-1,500 per month without insurance

• Total 6-month cycle: $900-1,500 (research peptide)

Tirzepatide:

• Research peptide: $200-300 per month

• Pharmaceutical (Zepbound): $1,000-1,500 per month

• Total 6-month cycle: $1,200-1,800

Ipamorelin + CJC-1295:

• Combined cost: $200-300 per month

• Total 12-week cycle: $600-900

HGH Fragment 176-191:

• Cost: $150-200 per month

• Total 12-week cycle: $450-600

Stacked protocols:

• Semaglutide + Ipamorelin: $350-500 per month

• Full recomposition stack: $400-600 per month

Research peptides are dramatically cheaper than pharmaceutical versions. Quality varies, so source carefully.

Calculate your exact costs using our peptide cost calculator before committing to any protocol.

Choosing your weight loss peptide

Here's the decision tree:

Need to lose 30+ pounds? → Semaglutide or Tirzepatide → Nothing else comes close for pure weight loss

Want to lose fat and build muscle simultaneously? → Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 stack → Body recomposition over scale weight

Targeting stubborn fat areas? → HGH Fragment 176-191 → Works best with fasted cardio

Want gradual, sustainable fat loss? → MOTS-C or growth hormone peptides → Slower but better metabolic adaptation

Already lean but want the final 10 pounds off? → HGH Fragment + growth hormone stack → Precision fat loss without muscle sacrifice

Most people benefit from starting with a single peptide, assessing response, then adding others if needed.

GLP-1s give you the biggest bang for your buck if pure weight loss is the goal.

Growth hormone peptides give you better body composition results.

Calculate your protocols:

• Semaglutide dosage calculator - complete titration schedule

• HGH fragment calculator - fat loss protocol

• Peptide stack calculator - combine multiple safely

• Peptide cost calculator - budget accurately

Get your protocol dialed in. Stay consistent. Let the peptides work.

The weight comes off. And this time, it stays off.

In case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night. Take care of yourself.