STACK · ⑂ Goal fork · 5 tiers
Weight Loss.
Three intensity rungs — plus the muscle preservation most users skip.
Forks by intensity
Hook facts
The science, in one line each.
Scientists isolated the exact 16 amino acids of growth hormone responsible for fat burning — stripped away everything that causes cancer risk, IGF-1 spikes, and diabetes — and the resulting fragment is so safe it has been approved as a food ingredient.
Unlike every other weight-loss compound, 5-Amino-1MQ achieves fat cell shrinkage of 30–40% without any change in appetite, food intake, or hormone levels — purely by removing a metabolic 'brake' (the NNMT enzyme) that obese fat cells use to hoard energy. It breaks the vicious cycle where excess fat literally produces more of the enzyme that makes it harder to lose fat.
When to skip it
Read this first.
This stack is not appropriate for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), active pancreatitis, severe gastrointestinal disease, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Those with a history of eating disorders require careful specialist evaluation before proceeding.
Always cleared with your concierge before protocol start.
Why this works
The strongest evidence.
In the Phase 2 NEJM trial, Retatrutide at the 12 mg dose produced an average body weight loss of 24.2% at 48 weeks — nearly double the weight loss achieved with maximum-dose semaglutide (14.9%) in its own trials — while simultaneously improving fasting glucose, triglycerides, and blood pressure across participants.
Goal fork
Pick your path.
This stack branches by your specific objective. Choose one route — they’re alternates, not additions.
Sustainable
AOD-9604 turns up fat metabolism without touching appetite or systemic GH — the cleanest entry point for anyone who wants results without the GLP-1 commitment. A GH fragment, not a hormone.
Who it's for
Recomp-focused users, GLP-1-curious people unwilling to take an injectable GLP-1, or post-cycle maintenance. Lipolysis without appetite suppression or the GI burden of agonists.
What to expect
3–7% body weight reduction over 12 weeks, primarily fat-driven. Improved metabolic flexibility and energy stability. No appetite suppression — purely metabolic effect.
Steady
Semaglutide is the most clinically validated GLP-1 in existence — the only one with RCT-proven cardiovascular outcomes (SELECT trial). The default starting point for anyone entering this space.
Who it's for
First-time GLP-1 users, modest BMI elevation, or anyone prioritising the validated cardiovascular outcomes. The default tier with the strongest evidence base.
What to expect
12–16% body weight loss over 24–52 weeks. RCT-validated cardiovascular outcomes (SELECT trial). Appetite suppression typically expressed within week 1–2.
Accelerated
Tirzepatide adds GIP receptor activation on top of GLP-1 — deeper loss than Sema (mean ~17%) with the strongest glucose-control profile of the three. The dual-agonist sweet spot.
Who it's for
Users who want stronger results than Sema without Retatrutide's GI burden. Dual GLP-1 + GIP agonism. Strong glucose control makes it particularly valuable for borderline-diabetic or metabolic-syndrome users.
What to expect
16–21% body weight loss over 24–48 weeks. Faster onset and better HbA1c improvement than Sema. GI side-effect burden lower than Retatrutide (AE RR 2.78 vs 4.10).
Maximum Effect
Retatrutide is the highest-output triple agonist — GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors all activated. Mean trial loss of ~24% body weight. Stronger results, stronger GI profile.
Who it's for
Higher BMI, refractory cases, or users comfortable with stronger GI side-effect profile who want the maximum absolute weight loss available.
What to expect
18–24% body weight loss over 24–48 weeks (mean 23.8% in SUN-659 network meta-analysis). Highest output, highest GI side-effect burden. Not for everyone.
Muscle Preservation
+ sits on top of any tier above
Up to 40% of weight lost on GLP-1s is lean muscle. Tesamorelin (FDA-labelled for visceral fat) and Ipamorelin protect that muscle while you lose the fat. Stacks on top of any tier above.
Who it's for
Anyone on a GLP-1 tier who is over 45, training seriously, or concerned about lean mass loss. Up to 40% of weight lost on GLP-1s is lean muscle — this tier counters that.
What to expect
Measurable lean mass preservation during active fat loss. Improved metabolic rate protection. Particularly impactful for women over 45 where muscle loss accelerates GLP-1 side-effect burden.
The science
Peer-reviewed findings.
Key research findings from the compounds in this stack.
Chronic ip administration of AOD-9604 in obese mice produced significant body weight reduction and increased fat oxidation over 14 days, correlating with upregulation of β3-adrenergic receptor RNA in fat cells to levels matching lean controls. In β3-AR knockout mice the weight-loss effect was abolished — confirming the β3-AR pathway as a key mechanism. Notably, hGH and AOD-9604 produced equivalent results despite AOD-9604 being a fragment.
SOURCE · Heffernan M et al., Endocrinology, 2001 Dec;142(12):5182–9 (PubMed PMID 11713213)
AOD-9604 received GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) status from the FDA based on comprehensive genotoxicological, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic safety studies — including human Phase I/II trials — making it one of a small number of peptides to clear this regulatory bar for nutraceutical use. No genotoxicity, no IGF-1 stimulation, and no insulin resistance were observed.
SOURCE · Moré et al., Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism — Safety and Metabolism of AOD9604 (jofem.org/article/view/213)
Neelakantan et al. (2017/2018): Mice given 5-Amino-1MQ (20 mg/kg SC, 3×/day) for 11 days lost 5.1% body weight while controls gained 1.4%, with >30% reduction in adipocyte size, >40% reduction in adipocyte volume, and ~30% lower total cholesterol — no change in food intake
SOURCE · Biochemical Pharmacology / Scientific Reports, Neelakantan et al., 2017; PMC5826726
Kraus et al. (Nature Medicine): NNMT inhibition in white adipose tissue increased energy expenditure and reduced fat mass in animal models without altering food intake or physical activity, confirming the metabolic re-wiring mechanism
SOURCE · Nature Medicine, Kraus et al.
Protocol
How to run it.
Frequency
Semaglutide: once weekly subcutaneous injection. Retatrutide (where indicated): once weekly subcutaneous injection, titrated up from 2 mg. AOD-9604: 250–300 mcg subcutaneous injection, once daily in the morning fasted. Adipotide: per physician protocol, typically 2–3x weekly subcutaneous injection.
Duration
Minimum 12–24 weeks for meaningful body composition changes; GLP-1 agents are typically continued long-term under supervision with periodic reassessment
Timing
Weekly injections on a consistent day of the week. AOD-9604 in the morning fasted to maximise lipolytic effect. Adipotide timing per physician guidance.
Cycling
GLP-1 agents (Semaglutide, Retatrutide) are not cycled — they are maintained at the lowest effective dose long-term. AOD-9604 can be cycled in 8–12 week blocks with 4-week breaks. Titration schedule for Retatrutide: Weeks 1–4 at 2 mg, Weeks 5–8 at 4 mg, Weeks 9–12 at 6 mg, Weeks 13–16 at 8 mg, escalating toward 10–12 mg maintenance as tolerated.
Who it's for
Your profile.
This stack is designed for adults with a BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as insulin resistance, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. It's ideal for individuals who have struggled to achieve meaningful fat loss through diet and exercise alone, or who have plateaued on lifestyle interventions. People dealing with significant 'food noise' — persistent preoccupation with eating or strong cravings — respond particularly well to the GLP-1 pathway compounds in this stack. It is also appropriate for those seeking measurable body composition improvements alongside metabolic health markers (A1C, blood pressure, lipids) rather than scale weight alone.
Timeline
What to expect.
- 01
Week 1–2
Appetite suppression and reduced 'food noise' typically emerge within the first 1–2 weeks on GLP-1 agents. Nausea and mild gastrointestinal discomfort are common during initial titration and usually resolve as the dose stabilises. Early scale weight changes are modest; the primary shift is in appetite regulation and eating behaviour.
- 02
Week 6
Most patients achieve 3–5% body weight reduction by week 6, with visible changes in waist circumference and clothing fit. Blood sugar regulation and energy stability typically improve. AOD-9604 contributes targeted lipolysis by this point, particularly around stubborn adipose deposits. Nausea subsides for most patients.
- 03
Week 12
Clinical trial data for Retatrutide shows an average of 17% body weight loss at the 8 mg maintenance dose by 24 weeks — meaningfully exceeding the maximum semaglutide dose (14.9%). By week 12, metabolic markers including A1C, blood pressure, and lipid profiles typically show measurable improvement. Body recomposition (fat loss with lean mass preservation) is well underway for patients incorporating resistance training.
Stacking notes
How this combines.
Semaglutide and Retatrutide should not be combined — they overlap on the GLP-1 receptor. Use one or the other based on physician assessment, with Retatrutide reserved for patients needing stronger metabolic signalling via the additional GIP and glucagon receptor pathways. AOD-9604 complements either GLP-1 agent by targeting fat metabolism at the tissue level rather than appetite, creating a dual-pathway approach. Adipotide works via a distinct mechanism targeting vasculature of white adipose tissue and can be layered onto the protocol once the GLP-1 titration phase is complete and tolerability established. Ensure adequate protein intake (≥1.2g/kg body weight) and resistance training throughout to preserve lean muscle mass.