Optimal Fat-Burning, Lean Muscle & Mitochondrial Health Protocol
A comprehensive 11-compound protocol for fat loss, lean muscle building, and mitochondrial optimization using peptides and small molecules.
Important: This content is for informational and research purposes only and is not intended for human or veterinary use. Consult your physician for health-related guidance and laboratory monitoring. Any health or longevity protocol assumes diet and exercise are already optimized.
Overview
This protocol outlines a comprehensive approach to optimizing fat burning, building lean muscle, and enhancing mitochondrial health through the use of various peptides and small molecules. It emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded lifestyle, including adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise, alongside a detailed dosing regimen for each compound.
Start slowly with only one or two compounds to assess efficacy and side effects. Add until desired results are achieved based on predetermined goals. To maximize results this protocol must be accompanied by adequate sleep, optimized nutrition, resistance training 3–4×/week, and cardio training 2–3×/week.
Compounds in This Protocol
Dosing Protocol Summary
1. Retatrutide
A triple agonist that activates GIP, GLP-1, and GCG receptors, aiding in appetite reduction, metabolism enhancement, and liver fat metabolism. Phase 2 trials reported up to 24.2% mean weight loss at 48 weeks.
Conservative Approach
Start with 1 mg/week for four weeks, then increase 0.5 mg per week for 4 weeks up to effective dose. Example: weeks 1–4: 1 mg/week, weeks 5–8: 1.5 mg/week, weeks 9–12: 2 mg/week. Optimal dose: 2–8 mg/week.
Aggressive Approach
Start with 2 mg/week and increase each 4 weeks by 0.5–1 mg up to optimal dose of 4–12 mg/week.
2. CJC-1295 No DAC with Ipamorelin
DO NOT TAKE CJC-1295/IPA, Tesamorelin, GHRP-6, GHRP-2, Sermorelin, IGF-LR3, HGH, or ANY growth hormone secretagogues if you have a history of cancer.
This combination mimics the body's natural pulsatile growth hormone release. CJC-1295 acts as the “accelerator” signaling the pituitary to produce GH, while Ipamorelin acts as the “key” that inhibits somatostatin (the brake). Together they create a synergistic, non-linear GH pulse significantly larger than either alone.
Conservative
300 mcg each evening for 8–12 weeks, with a 4–8 week off period. Must be fasted 2 hours prior and 30 minutes after injection.
Focus: Fat Burning
Split dosing: 150–200 mcg prior to cardio or strength workout + 150–200 mcg at night. Must be fasted 2 hours prior and 30 minutes post injection.
Focus: Muscle Building
Split dosing: 150–200 mcg after strength workout + 150–200 mcg at night. Must be fasted 2 hours prior and 30 minutes post injection.
Alternative: May use Tesamorelin/Ipamorelin. If using Tesamorelin, do not refrigerate reconstituted solution. Once reconstituted, store at room temperature shielded from light and use within 7 days.
3. GLOW (GHK-Cu 50mg / BPC-157 10mg / TB-500 10mg Blend)
A coordinated regenerative blend: GHK-Cu functions as a gene-regulatory peptide stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis. BPC-157 acts as a cytoprotective tissue-repair agent. TB-500 serves as a cytoskeletal and inflammation-regulating peptide.
- Mild injury or maintenance: 500 mcg daily
- Acute injury or wound healing: 1–2 mg daily
- May cycle 12 weeks on / 4 weeks off, or may take daily
4. SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Targets mitochondrial health by selectively binding to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cristae structure and enhancing ATP production. SS-31 is considered the “mechanic” of the mitochondria — many researchers recommend starting this peptide first to repair structural damage before adding other mitochondrial compounds.
- If older (>40) or with metabolic syndrome: start at 500 mcg daily in the morning for 1 week
- Then increase to 1 mg daily in the morning for total duration of 4–6 weeks
5. MOTS-C
A mitochondria-derived peptide that regulates metabolism and prevents muscle wasting through multiple signaling pathways including AMPK activation, enhanced glucose uptake, and fatty acid oxidation.
- Weeks 1–2: 500 mcg daily
- Weeks 3+: 1 mg daily
- Alternative: 5 mg twice weekly, or 10 mg once weekly
Some people report slight allergic reaction at injection site. Start slowly and reconstitute with greater volume BAC water to minimize symptoms.
6. 5-Amino-1MQ
Inhibits NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) to increase NAD+ levels, promoting fat oxidation and muscle repair.
- Weeks 1–4: 50 mg daily oral or subQ
- Weeks 5–8: 100 mg daily oral or subQ
- Weeks 8–12: maintain at 100 mg daily or increase to 100 mg twice daily
- Cycle off for 4–6 weeks
7. SLU-PP-332
A novel compound that mimics exercise effects by activating ERRs (estrogen-related receptors), enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism.
- 250 mcg oral every other day for 12 weeks, cycle off 4–6 weeks
This is the least studied compound with the least amount of animal and human data. Dosing protocol is primarily anecdotal and will require further study for firm recommendations.
8. NAD+ (or NMN or Niacin)
Essential cofactor for energy metabolism, cellular function, and longevity.
NAD+ (Injectable)
50–100 mg IM over 1–3 weeks, then cycle off. Repeat 3–4 times per year. Not very orally bioavailable. B vitamins should be supplemented as cofactors.
NMN (Oral Alternative)
250–500 mg daily, ideally fasted or taken pre-workout.
Niacin (Oral Alternative)
750–1,000 mg per day based on clinical studies showing significant NAD+ boosts.
9. L-Carnitine
Facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria for energy production, enhancing exercise performance.
- Injectable: 500 mg IM daily (AM)
- Oral: Poorly bioavailable (14–18%). If taken orally, recommend 2,000 mg daily with meals (carbohydrates enhance absorption)
10. Creatine Monohydrate
Increases phosphocreatine stores to support high-intensity exercise and muscle growth. 5–10 grams dissolved in water daily.
11. Tadalafil
Beyond erectile function, it improves vascular health, blood flow, and muscle performance through PDE5 inhibition. 5 mg oral daily.
12. Protein
1 g per pound of body weight per day.
Source Your Compounds
Forge Amino supplies independently tested research peptides with 99%+ purity and a QR-linked COA on every vial.
Disclaimer: This protocol is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice. These products are not approved by the FDA. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new protocol.