Body Composition Peptides
Affects body fat to muscle ratio
Body composition peptides improve the ratio of lean tissue (muscle, bone) to fat tissue, which is a more meaningful health metric than body weight alone. Someone can lose fat and gain muscle simultaneously (recomposition), resulting in improved health markers without significant scale weight change. Growth hormone secretagogues, GLP-1 agonists, and myostatin inhibitors all improve body composition through different mechanisms.
The appeal of body composition peptides is that they address the dual goal of less fat and more muscle that diet and exercise alone achieve slowly. GH peptides partition nutrients toward muscle and away from fat storage. GLP-1 agonists preserve more lean mass during weight loss than caloric restriction alone. Follistatin removes myostatin's brake on muscle growth. The specific combination and protocol depends on whether the priority is fat loss, muscle gain, or simultaneous recomposition.
This page collects every peptide on PeptideWiki tagged for body composition. Browse individual profiles for mechanisms, dosing, and safety data.
Peptides (17)
Retatrutide
Retatrutide is an investigational medication that activates three hormone receptors (GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon) at the same time. Phase 2 trials showed up to 24% body weight loss at 48 weeks, and it is currently in Phase 3 development.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing compound used for reducing deep abdominal fat in patients with lipodystrophy (abnormal fat distribution). It is FDA-approved and marketed as Egrifta, specifically targeting visceral fat accumulation.
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid growth hormone-releasing compound. It was FDA-approved for pediatric growth hormone deficiency and is widely used off-label for anti-aging and body composition improvement.
CJC-1295 (Modified GRF 1-29)
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29) is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing compound with a short active window of about 30 minutes. It is being studied for its effects on growth hormone release and body composition.
CJC-1295 with DAC
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a long-acting growth hormone-releasing compound that binds to a blood protein called albumin, extending its active life to several days. This provides sustained growth hormone elevation compared to the shorter-acting Mod GRF 1-29.
IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 is a modified version of insulin-like growth factor 1 with structural changes that reduce its binding to carrier proteins. These modifications increase its potency and extend how long it stays active in the body compared to natural IGF-1.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective compound that triggers growth hormone release, originally developed by Novo Nordisk. It stimulates growth hormone without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin levels. It has been studied in clinical trials for postoperative recovery.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is an oral (non-injectable) compound that triggers growth hormone release by mimicking the hunger hormone ghrelin. Research focuses on increasing growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, improving sleep quality, body composition, and bone density.
GHRP-6
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a six-amino-acid peptide that triggers growth hormone release through the ghrelin (hunger hormone) receptor. It is known for strong growth hormone release but also significant appetite stimulation.
Follistatin 344
Follistatin is a naturally occurring protein that blocks myostatin, a molecule that limits muscle growth. It is being studied for muscle wasting conditions and performance enhancement. Gene therapy approaches using follistatin are also in development.
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a natural variant of the IGF-1 gene that the body produces in response to muscle being stretched or loaded during exercise. Research focuses on muscle repair, activation of muscle stem cells, and recovery from exercise-related damage.
5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule that blocks an enzyme linked to fat storage and metabolic problems. Research focuses on fat cell metabolism, weight loss, and reversing diet-related obesity in animal studies.
HGH Fragment 176-191
HGH Fragment 176-191 is a stabilized piece of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191) and the parent compound of AOD-9604. Research focuses on fat breakdown without the growth-promoting or blood sugar effects of full growth hormone.
AOD-9604
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191). Originally developed as an anti-obesity compound, it shows preclinical evidence for promoting fat metabolism without affecting blood sugar or growth.
SLU-PP-332
SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic "exercise mimetic", a small molecule that switches on the same cell machinery (mitochondria and fat burning) the body normally activates during aerobic exercise. In animal studies it reduced fat and boosted endurance, but it has not been tested in humans and is poorly absorbed when taken by mouth.
Hexarelin
Hexarelin is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide and one of the most potent compounds that trigger growth hormone release. Beyond its growth hormone effects, research also shows heart-protective properties that work independently of growth hormone.
GHRP-2
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide that triggers growth hormone release. It is considered more potent than GHRP-6 with less appetite stimulation.