GLP-1 + GH Secretagogue (muscle-sparing)
AKA Recomp stack
Last reviewed 2026-10-30
Our read Opinion
A wellness-clinic add-on to GLP-1 programs.
Claims made by sellers, clinics and users. Not verified.
Lose fat on a GLP-1 while holding on to muscle.
GLP-1 drugs cause some lean-mass loss along with fat; clinics add GH secretagogues on the theory that higher GH/IGF-1 protects muscle.
Evidence level: Anecdotal
GLP-1 drugs have strong RCT data on their own. No published human trials of this combination. Pharma is testing other muscle-preservation drugs in trials instead.
No human trials have tested this combination. Combining compounds can also combine unknown side effects and interactions.
The GLP-1s are FDA approved; CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are not and remain on Category 2 (verify).
Statuses change; check the linked primary sources.
The muscle-loss problem is real; this solution is untested. Resistance training and protein are the evidence-based answer.
| Field | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | FDA Approved | FDA Approved | Research Only | Research Only |
| Regulatory status | FDA-approved (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) | FDA-approved (Mounjaro, Zepbound) | Not FDA-approved; no verified marketing authorization | Not FDA-approved; no verified marketing authorization |
| Compounding status | Approved product (not applicable) | Approved product (not applicable) | Not cleared (advisory panel rejected) | Not cleared (advisory panel rejected) |
| FDA-approved indications | Product-specific: type 2 diabetes; chronic weight management in eligible adults and adolescents; cardiovascular risk reduction in eligible adults; kidney/CV risk reduction in adults with type 2 diabetes and CKD; noncirrhotic MASH with F2-F3 fibrosis in adults (accelerated approval). | Mounjaro: glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (adults in cited label). Zepbound: long-term weight management in eligible adults; moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. | None | None |
| Categories | Metabolic / GLP-1 | Metabolic / GLP-1 | Growth hormone axis | Growth hormone axis |
| Claimed uses |
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| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, reduces glucagon and food intake, and delays gastric emptying. | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that improves glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduces food intake. | Long-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue; the DAC form binds albumin to prolong exposure and raise GH and IGF-1. Products called non-DAC CJC-1295 are not equivalent to the studied long-acting form. | Ghrelin-receptor agonist that stimulates growth-hormone release and can affect gastrointestinal motility. Hormone release alone does not establish anti-aging benefit. |
| Evidence level | Human RCTs (approved use) | Human RCTs (approved use) | Small/early human studies | Small/early human studies |
| Evidence / Hype (opinion) | Evidence Hype | Evidence Hype | Evidence Hype | Evidence Hype |
| Momentum (opinion) | Steady | Rising | Watch | Watch |
| Routes | Injection, Oral | Injection | — | — |
| WADA | Not prohibited | Not prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Where it stands (opinion) | An established prescription therapy with multiple outcome-based indications. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved or interchangeable with approved products. | An approved metabolic medicine with substantial randomized-trial evidence. Compounded products remain unapproved and subject to statutory restrictions. | The December 2024 FDA advisory committee opposed listing CJC-1295-related substances for compounding. WADA 2026 S2.2.4 prohibits CJC-1295. | Historical phase 2 research does not establish wellness efficacy. Its 503A nomination was withdrawn; acetate remains Category 2 under 503B, and WADA 2026 S2.2.4 prohibits it. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-30 | 2026-10-30 | 2026-10-30 | 2026-10-30 |
| News (30d) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Reuters
A label expansion is under review based on cardiovascular outcomes data.
NEJM
A secondary analysis reports outcomes in adults with obesity and sleep apnea.
Information only. Not medical advice. Describing a stack is not a recommendation to combine, obtain or use any compound. Ratings and "Our Take" are editorial opinion. Full disclaimer.