Best Peptides for Body Composition in 2026
38 compounds in the Body Composition cluster, ranked by research relevance, mechanism clarity, source availability, and the volume of named-expert discussion.
Ranked Compounds
5-amino-1MQ
NNMT inhibitor used at the end of contest prep / fat-loss phases to enhance fat loss.
29 dosing mentions · 4 vendor recs · 0 PubMed papers
Anastrozole
Aromatase inhibitor used to control estradiol on TRT; bone mineral density concerns at chronic high doses.
33 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
BAM15
Mitochondrial uncoupler being explored as a safer DNP alternative.
9 dosing mentions · 6 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Berberine
Plant alkaloid with insulin-sensitizing and AMPK-activating effects; also lowers IGF-1.
14 dosing mentions · 2 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Bioglutide
Purported next-gen GLP-4 agonist; Steve and Tanner believe it's a fabricated/'pipe dream' compound with no CAS number.
0 dosing mentions · 1 vendor rec · 0 PubMed papers
Cagrilintide
Amylin analog; reported to cause lethargy when used by Nile.
8 dosing mentions · 1 vendor rec · 15 PubMed papers
Cardarine
PPAR-delta agonist that increases fatty acid oxidation and endurance.
30 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Dapagliflozin
SGLT2 inhibitor with longevity benefits, similar use case as empagliflozin.
5 dosing mentions · 5 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Dulaglutide
Early-generation single GLP-1 receptor agonist in the same class as semaglutide/liraglutide.
0 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 14 PubMed papers
Empagliflozin
SGLT2 inhibitor with longevity benefits; helps keep bodybuilders dry while carbing up without aggressive diuresis.
17 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Epicatechin
OTC follistatin booster; Steve reports it spiked CRP to 22 mg/L - worst inflammatory response from any OTC supplement.
1 dosing mention · 1 vendor rec · 15 PubMed papers
Follistatin 344
Myostatin-inhibitor peptide; modest 2-4% benefit not deemed worthwhile by Steve.
2 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Forskolin
A coleus forskohlii extract that activates adenylate cyclase / cAMP and upregulates tyrosine hydroxylase expression.
0 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Glucagon
Injected glucagon (originally a hypoglycemia rescue) stacked with tirzepatide for localized lower-back fat loss.
15 dosing mentions · 4 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Growth Hormone
Recombinant somatotropin used for sleep quality, recovery and physique benefits.
210 dosing mentions · 32 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
HU6
DNP prodrug in Phase 3 trials by Rivus Pharmaceuticals as a controlled mitochondrial uncoupler.
0 dosing mentions · 1 vendor rec · 15 PubMed papers
Hydrochlorothiazide/Triamterene
Mild diuretic combo used in micro-doses while carbing up by competitors with thicker/watery physiques.
6 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
IGF-1
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, anabolic peptide stacked into TRT protocols.
25 dosing mentions · 2 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
IGF-1 / PEG-MGF
Downstream anabolic peptides; Tanner dismisses as 'hocus pocus' for casual lifestyle use.
19 dosing mentions · 4 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Inositol Triphosphate
Reportedly increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin without raising hematocrit.
21 dosing mentions · 1 vendor rec · 15 PubMed papers
Insulin
Anabolic hormone - avoided in aesthetic divisions due to waist-blowing risk.
31 dosing mentions · 1 vendor rec · 15 PubMed papers
L-Carnitine
Injectable amino acid derivative for fat oxidation, stacked in Steve's current protocol.
6 dosing mentions · 1 vendor rec · 8 PubMed papers
L-Carnitine (injectable)
Subcutaneous L-carnitine bypasses poor oral bioavailability, supports mitochondrial fat oxidation and provides longer-lasting cognitive benefit with no TMAO risk from gut bacteria.
31 dosing mentions · 4 vendor recs · 8 PubMed papers
Liraglutide
Early-generation single GLP-1 receptor agonist; daily dosing allowed off-day refeeds.
6 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Mazdutide
GLP-1/glucagon dual agonist; alternative to Lilly/Novo GLPs because owned by a Chinese company without US legal pressure.
7 dosing mentions · 1 vendor rec · 8 PubMed papers
Melanotan 2
Synthetic analog of α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone). Acts on melanocortin receptors throughout the body.
14 dosing mentions · 1 vendor rec · 15 PubMed papers
Metformin
Biguanide that lowers blood glucose; Steve says longevity claims have been debunked.
15 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 8 PubMed papers
MOTS-c
Mitochondrial-derived peptide used as part of a broader mitochondrial support stack.
100 dosing mentions · 9 vendor recs · 8 PubMed papers
Orlistat
Lipase inhibitor that blocks dietary fat absorption - used by Nile to quickly clear digestion.
6 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 8 PubMed papers
RAD-140
SARM cited as an example of an anabolic-class compound abused by minors leading to long-term hormonal shutdown.
5 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 8 PubMed papers
Retatrutide
Triple agonist of GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors used for appetite suppression and fat loss, but can blunt dopamine/serotonin reward signaling.
178 dosing mentions · 37 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Semaglutide
Single GLP-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite; the first widely-used GLP-1 in this class.
33 dosing mentions · 3 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
SLU-PP-332
Mitochondrial-targeting ERR agonist used by humans at microgram doses to ramp up mitochondrial function; has helped some long-COVID/long-hauler users.
63 dosing mentions · 19 vendor recs · 8 PubMed papers
Tesamorelin
GHRH analog that stimulates endogenous GH/IGF-1; FDA-approved for HIV-lipodystrophy.
97 dosing mentions · 12 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Tesofensine
Triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (NE/DA/5-HT); intense stimulant-like effects and appetite suppression.
3 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 8 PubMed papers
Tirzepatide
Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that suppresses appetite and slows gastric emptying; favorable fat loss in deficit but favorable fat storage in surplus.
58 dosing mentions · 14 vendor recs · 15 PubMed papers
Trevogrumab/Garetosmab
Myostatin/activin inhibitor antibodies hyped by Mike Israetel; clinical dosages cost $700k-$1.2M per cycle.
0 dosing mentions · 0 vendor recs · 2 PubMed papers
YK-11
Injectable steroidal SARM with potential follistatin elevation; minimal liver/lipid impact making it a 'middle ground' anabolic.
36 dosing mentions · 6 vendor recs · 7 PubMed papers
Bottom Comparison Table
| Compound | Class | Dosing mentions | Vendors | Papers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-amino-1MQ | RESEARCH_COMPOUND | 29 | 4 | 0 |
| Anastrozole | PHARMACEUTICAL | 33 | 0 | 15 |
| BAM15 | RESEARCH_COMPOUND | 9 | 6 | 15 |
| Berberine | SUPPLEMENT | 14 | 2 | 15 |
| Bioglutide | PEPTIDE | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Cagrilintide | PEPTIDE | 8 | 1 | 15 |
| Cardarine | SARM | 30 | 0 | 15 |
| Dapagliflozin | PHARMACEUTICAL | 5 | 5 | 15 |
| Dulaglutide | PEPTIDE | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Empagliflozin | PHARMACEUTICAL | 17 | 0 | 15 |
| Epicatechin | SUPPLEMENT | 1 | 1 | 15 |
| Follistatin 344 | PEPTIDE | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| Forskolin | SUPPLEMENT | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Glucagon | PEPTIDE | 15 | 4 | 15 |
| Growth Hormone | PEPTIDE | 210 | 32 | 15 |
| HU6 | PHARMACEUTICAL | 0 | 1 | 15 |
| Hydrochlorothiazide/Triamterene | PHARMACEUTICAL | 6 | 0 | 15 |
| IGF-1 | PEPTIDE | 25 | 2 | 15 |
| IGF-1 / PEG-MGF | PEPTIDE | 19 | 4 | 15 |
| Inositol Triphosphate | SUPPLEMENT | 21 | 1 | 15 |
| Insulin | PEPTIDE | 31 | 1 | 15 |
| L-Carnitine | SUPPLEMENT | 6 | 1 | 8 |
| L-Carnitine (injectable) | SUPPLEMENT | 31 | 4 | 8 |
| Liraglutide | PEPTIDE | 6 | 0 | 15 |
| Mazdutide | PEPTIDE | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Melanotan 2 | PEPTIDE | 14 | 1 | 15 |
| Metformin | PHARMACEUTICAL | 15 | 0 | 8 |
| MOTS-c | PEPTIDE | 100 | 9 | 8 |
| Orlistat | PHARMACEUTICAL | 6 | 0 | 8 |
| RAD-140 | SARM | 5 | 0 | 8 |
| Retatrutide | PEPTIDE | 178 | 37 | 15 |
| Semaglutide | PEPTIDE | 33 | 3 | 15 |
| SLU-PP-332 | RESEARCH_COMPOUND | 63 | 19 | 8 |
| Tesamorelin | PEPTIDE | 97 | 12 | 15 |
| Tesofensine | PHARMACEUTICAL | 3 | 0 | 8 |
| Tirzepatide | PEPTIDE | 58 | 14 | 15 |
| Trevogrumab/Garetosmab | PHARMACEUTICAL | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| YK-11 | SARM | 36 | 6 | 7 |
Research Basis
Recent PubMed-indexed papers referencing peptides in this category. Click through for full abstracts and study design.
- Pharmacological intervention: Challenges and promising outcomes for fat loss and preservation of lean body mass in the treatment of overweight and... (2026 · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism)
- Mazdutide versus dulaglutide in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes. (2026 · Nature)
- Mazdutide versus placebo in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes. (2026 · Nature)
- Discovery and optimization of novel indolecarboxylic acid derivative as potent glucagon-like peptide‑1 receptor agonists. (2026 · Molecular diversity)
- Analysis and Identification of In Vitro Metabolites of Exercise Mimetic SLU-PP-332 ERRα/β/γ Agonist for Doping-Control Purposes. (2026 · Drug testing and analysis)
- An orally active estrogen receptor-related receptor agonist, SLU-PP-915, enhances aerobic exercise capacity. (2026 · The Journal of pharmacology and...)
- Chemical optimization of the exercise mimetic SLU-PP-332 enables insight into estrogen-related receptor signaling. (2026 · International journal of biological...)
- In Vitro Metabolism and Analytical Characterization of SLU-PP-332 and SLU-PP-915: Novel Pan-ERR Agonists With Doping Potential. (2026 · Rapid communications in mass...)
FAQ
How are these ranked?
We rank by mechanism clarity, research relevance, source prevalence, protocol specificity, and how often each appears in expert and community discussions in our source set.
Is this medical advice?
No. This is a research directory and education page. Compounds discussed are framed as research; verify regulatory status and consult a qualified clinician before any decision.
How often is this updated?
Nightly build pulls from the source database. Last build: 2026-07-09.
Methodology
Each compound is profiled with named-expert dosing mentions linked to verbatim source timestamps, vendor recommendations, and PubMed citations. We downgrade compounds when claims exceed the available evidence.