Peptide Dosing Protocols

Stack / Research Guide

Advanced Recomp Peptide Stack: Retatrutide + CJC-1295 (No DAC) + Ipamorelin Dosing Guide (2026)

The Advanced Recomp Stack combines retatrutide with CJC-1295 (No DAC) and ipamorelin. This guide covers dosing, reconstitution math, weekly schedule, safety, and cycle length for the most-asked retatrutide stacking protocol.

By Garret GrantFounder & Lead ResearcherLast reviewed June 2026
Peptide Dosing Protocol Guides visual with dose schedule, reconstitution, half-life, and references

Advanced Recomp Stack Quick Start

The Advanced Recomp Stack combines three research peptides in one protocol: retatrutide, CJC-1295 (No DAC), and ipamorelin. The goal is straightforward. Lose fat fast with retatrutide. Hold onto muscle with the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin pairing, which boosts your body's own growth hormone (GH) output.

Retatrutide is dosed once a week in milligrams. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are dosed once or twice a day in micrograms. That mg-vs-mcg gap is the number one source of dose errors on this stack, so label every vial clearly.

Reconstitute

Separate vials for each compound. Pre-blended CJC/Ipa vials reduce three reconstitutions to two.

Schedule

1 weekly subQ shot for retatrutide. 1-2 daily subQ shots for CJC/Ipa, pre-bed and fasted.

Easy measuring

Use a U-100 insulin syringe. 100 mcg of CJC or ipa from a 2,000 mcg/mL solution = 5 units.

Supplies

U-100 insulin syringes, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, sharps container.

Research status

Not FDA-approved. WADA prohibits CJC-1295 and ipamorelin in tested sport.

Disclaimer

This page is an educational research reference. It is not medical advice. No published human trial has tested retatrutide + CJC-1295 + ipamorelin together. Retatrutide is an investigational Phase 3 compound. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are not FDA-approved for human use.

Need broader context on combining peptides? See PepPal's stacking safety guide. For supplier and quality-control context, see the PepPal supplier directory.

What Is the Advanced Recomp Stack?

The Advanced Recomp Stack is a 3-compound body recomposition protocol. It pairs the strongest weight-loss peptide in current clinical development with the most established growth-hormone (GH) peptide combination.

What Each Compound Does

Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a triple agonist. It activates three receptors at once: GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. GLP-1 cuts appetite and slows digestion. GIP improves how your body handles fat and insulin. Glucagon tells your liver to burn stored fat. That triple action is why retatrutide produces stronger weight-loss results than single-receptor drugs like semaglutide.

CJC-1295 (No DAC) is a short-acting GHRH analog. It tells your pituitary gland to release a pulse of growth hormone. The No DAC version produces short, natural-style GH pulses. The with-DAC version keeps GH levels elevated for days, which does not match how your body normally pulses GH.

Ipamorelin is a selective GH secretagogue. It also tells the pituitary to release GH, but through a separate receptor (the ghrelin receptor). Stacking CJC-1295 + ipamorelin amplifies the GH pulse beyond what either peptide does alone.

Why People Stack Them

When you lose weight fast, you lose some muscle alongside the fat. That is true with any aggressive caloric deficit, including the one retatrutide creates. The CJC-1295 + ipamorelin layer is added to push GH and IGF-1 (a downstream growth signal) higher, which supports lean-tissue retention, recovery, sleep quality, and connective-tissue repair during the deficit.

Retatrutide and CJC/Ipa work through different biological systems. Retatrutide hits metabolic receptors (GLP-1R, GIPR, GCGR). CJC-1295 and ipamorelin hit growth-hormone receptors (GHRH-R and GHS-R1a). There is no overlap and no competition between them. That separation is the main reason this combination is pharmacologically rational.

Evidence boundary

No clinical trial has tested retatrutide + CJC-1295 + ipamorelin together. The combination is community-derived from individual-compound research. The strongest direct evidence here is for retatrutide alone (Phase 2 and Phase 3 trial data).

Advanced Recomp Stack Dosing Protocol & Schedule

Evidence-Level Notice

Retatrutide dosing is based on Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trial escalation schedules. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin dosing is based on published human PK/PD data and long-running community protocols. No trial has tested all three together.

Advanced Recomp Stack Dosing Guide

Choose the CJC/Ipa format you are using to see the matching schedule. Retatrutide dosing is the same in both versions.

Cycle Guidelines

Common Advanced Recomp Stack cycle approaches

Approach

Standard cycle

Duration

12-16 weeks

Off Period

4 weeks off CJC/Ipa; retatrutide can continue

Best For

Moderate recomp; first-time users

Approach

Extended cycle

Duration

16-24 weeks

Off Period

4-6 weeks off CJC/Ipa

Best For

Aggressive recomp; experienced users

Approach

Continuous reta + cycled GH

Duration

Retatrutide ongoing; CJC/Ipa 12 on / 4 off

Off Period

4-week CJC/Ipa breaks

Best For

Long-term body composition management

Receptor desensitization (when receptors become less responsive over time) is the main reason CJC/Ipa is cycled. Retatrutide does not desensitize the same way.

Protocol Notes

  • One weekly retatrutide shot + 1-2 daily CJC/Ipa shots. All subQ.
  • Stay fasted around CJC/Ipa injections. At least 2 hours fasted before, 30 minutes after. Insulin blunts GH release.
  • Use a 5-on / 2-off rhythm for CJC/Ipa. Two days off per week reduces receptor desensitization and gives a recovery window.
  • Slow the retatrutide step-up if your stomach is not adapting. Start at 2 mg even if you have prior GLP-1 experience. Step up no faster than every 4 weeks.
  • Use CJC-1295 No DAC, not the with-DAC version. No DAC matches the body's natural GH pulse pattern. With-DAC keeps GH elevated for days, which is not the intended fit for this protocol.
  • Label every vial. Retatrutide is in mg. CJC/Ipa is in mcg. That is a 1,000x gap and the most common dose error on this stack.

Advanced Recomp Stack Supplies Needed

Plan based on the maintenance schedule above: one weekly retatrutide shot + daily CJC/Ipa shots with a 5-on / 2-off rhythm.

Recommended Supply

Use discount code PEPPAL at eligible peptide supplier checkouts.

Verified Supplier
Peptide Partners CJC-1295 no DAC and ipamorelin combo vial

CJC-1295 (No DAC) + Ipamorelin Supply

View Supply
3rd Party COAs
Peptide Partners retatrutide research vial

Retatrutide Supply

View Supply

Injection Supplies

Swabs

Sterile alcohol pads.

Buy
Syringes

Insulin syringes.

Buy
Peptide Fridge

Lockable fridge.

Buy
Peptide Case

Travel case.

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TSA Travel Case

Cooled travel case.

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Disclosure: supply links may earn PDP a commission at no cost to you.

Retatrutide Vials

Vial count depends on size and weekly dose. Math below assumes 10 mg vials.

12 weeks (avg 6 mg/week)

8 vials

72 mg total needed; 10 mg per vial.

16 weeks (avg 9 mg/week)

15 vials

144 mg total needed; 10 mg per vial.

20 weeks (avg 9-12 mg/week)

20 vials

Approx 200 mg total needed; 10 mg per vial.

24 weeks (avg 12 mg/week)

29 vials

288 mg total needed; 10 mg per vial.

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Combo Vials

Math below assumes 10 mg combo vials (5 mg + 5 mg) reconstituted with 2 mL BAC water. One vial delivers about 25 doses of 200 mcg of each peptide.

12 weeks (1x daily, 5-on/2-off)

4 vials

60 doses needed (5x12); 25 doses per vial.

12 weeks (2x daily, 5-on/2-off)

5 vials

120 doses needed; 25 doses per vial.

16 weeks (1x daily, 5-on/2-off)

4 vials

80 doses needed; refresh every 3-4 weeks.

16 weeks (2x daily, 5-on/2-off)

7 vials

160 doses needed; ipamorelin stability limits.

Insulin Syringes (U-100)

Use 0.3 mL syringes for small CJC/Ipa draws. Use 1 mL syringes when retatrutide doses exceed 1.0 mL.

12 weeks (1 daily CJC/Ipa + 1 weekly reta)

72 syringes

60 daily + 12 weekly; recommend 1 x 100-count box.

16 weeks (1 daily + 1 weekly)

96 syringes

80 daily + 16 weekly; recommend 1 x 100-count box.

16 weeks (2 daily + 1 weekly)

176 syringes

160 daily + 16 weekly; recommend 2 x 100-count boxes.

24 weeks (2 daily + 1 weekly)

264 syringes

240 daily + 24 weekly; recommend 3 x 100-count boxes.

Bacteriostatic Water

Most retatrutide 10 mg vials use 1 mL BAC water. Combo CJC/Ipa vials use 2 mL.

12 weeks

1-2 x 10 mL bottles

Approx 8 mL retatrutide + 8 mL CJC/Ipa across the cycle.

16 weeks

2-3 x 10 mL bottles

Approx 15 mL retatrutide + 8-14 mL CJC/Ipa across the cycle.

24 weeks

3-4 x 10 mL bottles

Approx 29 mL retatrutide + 10-14 mL CJC/Ipa across the cycle.

Round up for priming losses, dropped syringes, damaged swabs, and any protocol adjustments. Ipamorelin reconstituted stability (about 3-4 weeks) is the shortest window in this stack - plan vial refresh cycles around it.

Advanced Recomp Stack Blood Tests & Monitoring

This stack combines retatrutide with CJC-1295 no DAC and ipamorelin, so monitoring should cover both incretin/metabolic and GH-axis pathways. The practical focus is glucose control, IGF-1, liver/kidney context, lipids, and cardiovascular symptoms.

Blood test markers to discuss with a clinician

Marker

IGF-1

Why it matters

Tracks downstream GH-axis exposure from the CJC-1295 and ipamorelin components.

Timing

Follow-up

Marker

A1c

Why it matters

Shows longer-term glucose control across both incretin and GH-axis pathways.

Timing

Baseline

Marker

Fasting glucose

Why it matters

Provides a current glucose snapshot during appetite, weight, and GH-axis changes.

Timing

Follow-up

Marker

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

Why it matters

Reviews kidney function, liver enzymes, electrolytes, and glucose in one broad panel.

Timing

Baseline

Marker

Lipid panel

Why it matters

Tracks cardiometabolic changes during recomposition and weight-loss phases.

Timing

Follow-up

Marker

Blood pressure and resting heart rate

Why it matters

Adds cardiovascular context because retatrutide may affect heart rate and weight loss can change blood pressure.

Timing

Follow-up

Monitoring guidance combines incretin-pathway evidence for retatrutide with GH-axis monitoring logic for CJC-1295 no DAC and ipamorelin.

At-home blood test option

Easy at home option to monitor core metrics during research cycles.

Blood Test
Rythm Health at-home blood test kit

Rythm Health

Rythm Health At-Home Blood Test

Monitoring made simple.

View Blood Test

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Simple timing framework

Baseline

Discuss baseline labs before starting, especially with diabetes, thyroid cancer history, gallbladder history, pancreatitis history, sleep apnea, edema, cancer history, or kidney disease.

Follow-up

Re-check metabolic markers and IGF-1 after 6-8 weeks, with earlier review if GI symptoms, glucose symptoms, or fluid retention occur.

Longer term

For longer protocols, review metabolic, IGF-1, kidney, liver, and cardiovascular trends every 3 months with a clinician.

How to interpret the labs

  • This stack combines pathways that can pull glucose interpretation in different directions.
  • GI symptoms, dehydration, edema, numbness, sleep apnea symptoms, and severe abdominal pain need symptom-based review.
  • Personal or family thyroid cancer history, MEN2 history, diabetes medications, and cancer history are important clinician discussion points.

Do not wait for routine labs

Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or allergic symptoms need medical review. Severe headaches, vision changes, or new neurologic symptoms should not wait for routine labs.

Advanced Recomp Stack Reconstitution Guide

Critical: mg vs mcg

Retatrutide is dosed in milligrams (mg). CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are dosed in micrograms (mcg). That is a 1,000x difference. Label every vial with compound name, concentration, and reconstitution date. A retatrutide-style mg draw on a CJC vial would deliver 1,000x the intended dose.

Choose Your Reconstitution Format

Math is different for retatrutide vs CJC/Ipa, and different again for separate CJC and Ipa vials vs the pre-blended combo.

Math Verification

  • Retatrutide (10 mg + 2 mL): 10,000 mcg ÷ 2 mL = 5,000 mcg/mL = 5 mg/mL. A 4 mg dose = 4 ÷ 5 = 0.8 mL = 80 units on a U-100 syringe.
  • Retatrutide 8 mg on the same vial: 8 ÷ 5 = 1.6 mL = 160 units. Over 1 mL means a larger syringe or split injection.
  • CJC-1295 (2 mg + 1 mL): 2,000 mcg ÷ 1 mL = 2,000 mcg/mL. A 200 mcg dose = 200 ÷ 2,000 = 0.10 mL = 10 units.
  • Pre-blended CJC + Ipa (5 + 5 mg, 2 mL): 5,000 mcg per peptide ÷ 2 mL = 2,500 mcg/mL each. A 200 mcg draw of each = 200 ÷ 2,500 = 0.08 mL = 8 units.

Reconstituted Stability

Reconstituted stability at 2-8 °C (35.6-46.4 °F)

Peptide

Retatrutide

Reconstituted Stability

28-60 days

Planning Note

Conservative use window: within 28 days. Discard if cloudy.

Peptide

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

Reconstituted Stability

3-4 weeks

Planning Note

Lyophilized powder stays stable much longer when frozen.

Peptide

Ipamorelin

Reconstituted Stability

3-4 weeks

Planning Note

Limiting factor. Time vial refresh around ipamorelin.

Peptide

Pre-blended CJC + Ipa

Reconstituted Stability

3-4 weeks

Planning Note

Limited by ipamorelin. Plan refresh every 3 weeks.

Standard 7-Step Reconstitution (Per Vial)

  1. 01

    Gather supplies

    Sterile U-100 insulin syringe (29-31 gauge), bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, and the peptide vial.

  2. 02

    Wipe both stoppers

    Swab the rubber stopper of the BAC water vial and the peptide vial with alcohol. Let air-dry.

  3. 03

    Draw BAC water

    Pull the calculated BAC water volume into the syringe using the target concentration from the tables above.

  4. 04

    Inject slowly down the inner wall

    Insert the needle into the peptide vial and inject BAC water slowly down the glass. Do not spray directly onto the lyophilized powder.

  5. 05

    Roll, do not shake

    Let the vial sit for 1-2 minutes. Gently roll between your palms until fully dissolved.

  6. 06

    Label the vial

    Write compound name, concentration, and reconstitution date directly on the vial.

  7. 07

    Refrigerate immediately

    Store at 2-8 °C right after reconstitution. Never freeze reconstituted peptides.

Calculator

Use the PepPal reconstitution calculator for exact unit math across retatrutide, CJC-1295, and ipamorelin in any vial size.

Why the Advanced Recomp Stack Adds CJC/Ipa to Retatrutide

Foundation: Retatrutide

Retatrutide alone produced the strongest weight-loss results documented in clinical trials: 24.2% mean body weight reduction at 48 weeks in Phase 2 [NEJM 2023] and 28.7% at 68 weeks in Phase 3 (TRIUMPH-4, December 2025). The triple-receptor action (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon) is the reason it outperforms semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Lean Tissue Protection via Growth Hormone

The problem with fast weight loss - whether from dieting or a peptide - is that you lose muscle alongside fat. CJC-1295 (No DAC) and ipamorelin are added to push GH and IGF-1 (a downstream growth signal) higher, which supports protein retention during a deficit.

CJC-1295 tells the pituitary to release more GH through the GHRH receptor. Ipamorelin tells the pituitary to release more GH through the ghrelin receptor. Different doors to the same room. Together they produce a bigger GH pulse than either does alone.

Recovery, Sleep, and Training Capacity

CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are typically injected before bed because your body does most of its tissue-repair work overnight. During a deep deficit, you still need to train hard enough to keep your muscle, but you are eating less - so recovery matters more than usual. The CJC/Ipa pair supports collagen production (important for tendons and joints), connective-tissue recovery, and sleep depth.

Two Different Fat-Burning Routes

Retatrutide burns fat mainly by cutting appetite, slowing digestion, and signaling the liver to break down stored fat. Growth hormone burns fat through a different route - it directly signals fat cells to release their stored energy. Stacking the two attacks fat through two independent pathways at the same time.

No Receptor Overlap

Retatrutide hits metabolic receptors (GLP-1R, GIPR, GCGR). CJC-1295 and ipamorelin hit growth-hormone receptors (GHRH-R, GHS-R1a). There is no competition between them. That separation is the pharmacological reason the combination is rational.

Direct stack evidence: none

Every claim above is supported by single-compound research. No published human trial has measured outcomes for the 3-peptide combination together. Treat the stack-level rationale as theoretical, not proven.

Advanced Recomp Stack Side Effects & Safety

Each compound has its own safety profile from clinical or pharmacological studies. No trial has tested all three together. The notes below combine single-compound data and stack-specific considerations.

Retatrutide-Specific Side Effects (TRIUMPH-4, December 2025)

  • Nausea: 38-43% (dose-dependent, mostly during step-up).
  • Diarrhea: 33-35%.
  • Constipation: 22-25%.
  • Vomiting: 20-21%.
  • Decreased appetite: 18-19%.
  • Dysesthesia (an unusual tingling, burning, or prickling sensation in the skin): 8.8% at 9 mg and 20.9% at 12 mg. This is a retatrutide-specific signal tied to glucagon-receptor activity.
  • Heart rate increase: about 5-10 bpm above baseline, peaking near week 24, then declining.
  • Discontinuation due to adverse events: 12-18%.

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Side Effects

  • Injection-site reactions (redness, mild swelling).
  • Short flushing or warmth after the shot.
  • Water retention or mild edema.
  • Headache, usually resolving in the first 2 weeks.
  • Mild hunger increase from ipamorelin's ghrelin-receptor activity.
  • Short fatigue or lightheadedness.
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet at higher GH exposure.

Stack-Specific Considerations

  • GI side effects come from retatrutide, not CJC/Ipa. Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting during escalation are retatrutide-driven. Adding daily CJC/Ipa shots adds injection burden, not stomach issues.
  • Water retention may stack early on. Both retatrutide and CJC/Ipa can cause mild fluid retention. You may see more puffiness or bloating in the first 4-6 weeks before it levels off.
  • Watch heart rate. Retatrutide raises resting heart rate by about 5-10 bpm. Monitor heart rate regularly during the first 12 weeks, especially if you have any cardiovascular history.
  • Blood sugar can pull in two directions. Retatrutide improves blood sugar control. Growth hormone can push insulin sensitivity in the other direction. People with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance should monitor blood glucose more often on this stack.
  • Three peptides = three quality-control variables. Every additional vial from a grey-market source is another contamination or purity risk. Use COA-verified suppliers for all three compounds.

Need broader stacking-safety context?

See the PepPal side-effects guide.

Advanced Recomp Stack Clinical Evidence Context

Critical note

No published trial has evaluated retatrutide + CJC-1295 (No DAC) + ipamorelin together. The evidence below is per compound, not for the stack.

Retatrutide

Phase 3 TRIUMPH-4 data (December 2025): 28.7% mean weight loss at 68 weeks with 12 mg. Phase 2 NEJM 2023: 24.2% at 48 weeks. MASLD substudy: 82% liver-fat reduction at 24 weeks. The strongest evidence layer in this stack. Reference: Retatrutide Protocol Page.

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

Published human pharmacology data show 2-10x GH elevation and 1.5-3x IGF-1 elevation with preserved natural GH pulse pattern (Teichman et al., 2006; Ionescu et al., 2006). Large body-composition outcome trials are lacking. Reference: CJC-1295 (No DAC) Protocol Page.

Ipamorelin

Selective GH secretagogue. Early studies showed GH release comparable to older GHRPs without cortisol or prolactin elevation (Raun et al., 1998; Gobburu et al., 1999). Human body-composition efficacy trials are lacking. Reference: Ipamorelin Protocol Page.

Stack-level

No clinical trial has measured outcomes for all three together. Stack rationale is built from individual-compound evidence and the mechanistic case for no receptor overlap.

In plain terms: the strongest direct evidence here is for retatrutide alone. The CJC/Ipa layer is supported mainly by human pharmacology data (how the peptides behave in the body) and long-running community practice, not by direct stack outcome trials.

Advanced Recomp Stack Storage & Handling

Storage reference for all three compounds

State

Lyophilized (Powder)

Retatrutide

Room temp or refrigerated; stable 2+ years

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

Freezer preferred; refrigerator acceptable

Ipamorelin

Freezer preferred; refrigerator acceptable

State

Reconstituted (Liquid)

Retatrutide

35.6-46.4 °F (2-8 °C); use within 28 days

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

35.6-46.4 °F (2-8 °C); 3-4 weeks

Ipamorelin

35.6-46.4 °F (2-8 °C); 3-4 weeks

State

Appearance

Retatrutide

Clear, colorless

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

Clear, colorless

Ipamorelin

Clear, colorless

State

Oral viable

Retatrutide

No

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

No

Ipamorelin

No

State

Freeze reconstituted

Retatrutide

No

CJC-1295 (No DAC)

No

Ipamorelin

No

Ipamorelin's 3-4 week reconstituted window is the shortest in the stack. Plan vial refresh cycles around ipamorelin.

Do not freeze any reconstituted peptide. Freezing can damage the peptide structure and reduce potency. Lyophilized powder can be stored frozen for long-term storage.

Advanced Recomp Stack vs CagriSema vs Retatrutide Solo vs Reta + MOTS-c

Three common comparisons come up when people search for the best stack to pair with retatrutide. Here is where each one fits.

Advanced Recomp Stack vs common alternatives

Feature

Components

Advanced Recomp Stack

Retatrutide + CJC-1295 (No DAC) + Ipamorelin

CagriSema

Cagrilintide + Semaglutide

Retatrutide Solo

Retatrutide only

Reta + MOTS-c

Retatrutide + MOTS-c

Feature

Receptor targets

Advanced Recomp Stack

GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon + GHRH + Ghrelin

CagriSema

GLP-1 + Amylin

Retatrutide Solo

GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon

Reta + MOTS-c

GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon + mitochondrial

Feature

GH-axis support

Advanced Recomp Stack

Yes

CagriSema

No

Retatrutide Solo

No

Reta + MOTS-c

No

Feature

Peak weight loss

Advanced Recomp Stack

~29% from retatrutide + theoretical lean preservation

CagriSema

~22-24% Phase 3

Retatrutide Solo

~29% Phase 3

Reta + MOTS-c

~29% from reta; mitochondrial support add

Feature

Lean mass preservation

Advanced Recomp Stack

Enhanced via GH + IGF-1

CagriSema

Some amylin signal

Retatrutide Solo

Limited - deficit risk remains

Reta + MOTS-c

Limited

Feature

Injection burden

Advanced Recomp Stack

1 weekly + daily CJC/Ipa

CagriSema

1 weekly combined

Retatrutide Solo

1 weekly

Reta + MOTS-c

1 weekly + 2-3x weekly MOTS-c

Feature

Complexity

Advanced Recomp Stack

High (3 compounds, 3 vials)

CagriSema

Low (single combo)

Retatrutide Solo

Low (single)

Reta + MOTS-c

Moderate

Feature

Cost

Advanced Recomp Stack

High

CagriSema

Moderate

Retatrutide Solo

Moderate

Reta + MOTS-c

Moderate-high

Feature

Evidence level

Advanced Recomp Stack

Phase 3 (reta) + PK (CJC/Ipa); no stack trial

CagriSema

Phase 3 combination data

Retatrutide Solo

Phase 3 monotherapy data

Reta + MOTS-c

Phase 3 (reta); preclinical for MOTS-c

Decision Guidance

  • Choose Advanced Recomp Stack when body recomposition (not just weight loss) is the priority and you are comfortable with a more complex daily-plus-weekly injection schedule.
  • Choose CagriSema when convenience is the priority. Strong weight loss in a single weekly shot.
  • Choose retatrutide solo when maximum fat loss is the only goal and lean-mass protection is handled through diet and resistance training.
  • Choose Reta + MOTS-c when mitochondrial support during the deficit matters more than full GH-axis recomp.

FAQ

Q1: What is the Advanced Recomp Stack?

The Advanced Recomp Stack combines retatrutide, CJC-1295 (No DAC), and ipamorelin in a 3-compound body recomposition protocol. Retatrutide drives fat loss. CJC-1295 + ipamorelin boost growth hormone to support lean tissue during the deficit. No published human trial has tested all three together.

Q2: Can you stack retatrutide with CJC-1295 and ipamorelin together?

Yes. Retatrutide and CJC-1295 + ipamorelin work through completely different receptor systems. Retatrutide hits metabolic receptors (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon). CJC and ipamorelin hit growth-hormone receptors (GHRH-R, GHS-R1a). There is no receptor overlap. The combination is community-derived, not from a clinical trial.

Q3: How is the Advanced Recomp Stack dosed?

Retatrutide is dosed once a week via subQ injection, titrated from 2 mg up to 9-12 mg over 16-20 weeks. CJC-1295 (No DAC) and ipamorelin are each dosed at 100-200 mcg per shot, 1-2 times daily, with the main shot before bed in a fasted state. Full titration tables are in the dosing section above.

Q4: What is the best peptide to stack with retatrutide?

The most-asked pairing is CJC-1295 (No DAC) + ipamorelin, which is the basis for this Advanced Recomp Stack. The rationale is that retatrutide is the strongest fat-loss compound currently in clinical development, and CJC/Ipa is the most established GH-support combination for lean-tissue preservation during a deficit. Other options include MOTS-c for mitochondrial support and BPC-157 + TB-500 (the Wolverine Stack) for tissue repair.

Q5: Should I use a pre-blended CJC + ipamorelin vial or separate vials?

Most users pick the pre-blended CJC/Ipa combo vial because it cuts reconstitution from three vials to two and locks in a 1:1 ratio. Separate vials are better if you need to run one peptide higher than the other. Retatrutide always stays as its own separate vial.

Q6: How do you reconstitute the Advanced Recomp Stack?

Each compound is reconstituted on its own. Common setups: retatrutide 10 mg + 2 mL BAC water = 5 mg/mL; CJC-1295 2 mg + 1 mL BAC water = 2,000 mcg/mL; ipamorelin 5 mg + 2.5 mL BAC water = 2,000 mcg/mL. For a pre-blended CJC + ipa combo vial (5 mg + 5 mg) reconstituted with 2 mL BAC water, you get 2,500 mcg/mL of each peptide.

Q7: Why use CJC-1295 without DAC instead of the with-DAC version?

CJC-1295 No DAC produces short GH pulses - your levels spike, then come back down, which matches the body's natural rhythm. The with-DAC version keeps GH elevated for days. This stack is built around natural-style pulses, so the No DAC version is the intended fit. No DAC is also easier to adjust if you need to change your dose.

Q8: How long should you run the Advanced Recomp Stack?

Standard cycles run 12-16 weeks. Extended cycles run 16-24 weeks. CJC-1295 + ipamorelin are usually cycled 12 weeks on and 4 weeks off to reduce receptor desensitization. Retatrutide can continue through the CJC/Ipa off-period when ongoing weight-management support is needed.

Q9: Is the Advanced Recomp Stack safe? What are the main risks?

No clinical trial has tested all three together. The biggest known risks are retatrutide-driven GI side effects (nausea 38-43%, diarrhea 33-35%) and dysesthesia - an unusual skin tingling or burning sensation at higher doses. Adding CJC/Ipa brings injection-site reactions and mild water retention. People with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance should monitor blood glucose more often because retatrutide and GH push insulin sensitivity in opposite directions.

Q10: Can women run retatrutide stacked with CJC-1295 and ipamorelin?

The mechanistic case for the stack is the same regardless of sex. Retatrutide Phase 3 trials included both men and women. CJC-1295 and ipamorelin pharmacology data does not show sex-specific concerns. None of the three compounds have human safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and they are not FDA-approved. Anyone considering this protocol should review the safety section above and consult a qualified clinician.

Q11: What is the best needle size for CJC-1295 + ipamorelin injections?

A 29-31 gauge, half-inch U-100 insulin syringe is standard for CJC/Ipa subQ injections. Daily CJC/Ipa draws are usually 4-15 units (under 0.15 mL), so a 0.3 mL (30-unit) syringe gives the most accurate measurement. For retatrutide, larger draws may need a 1 mL syringe.

Q12: Can retatrutide and CJC-1295 + ipamorelin be injected at different sites?

Yes. Retatrutide is dosed weekly in milligrams. CJC and ipamorelin are dosed daily in micrograms. Use a separate syringe for each (the unit math is different). Rotate injection sites - abdomen, thigh, and the back of the upper arm are common subQ sites for all three compounds.

Q13: Does retatrutide cause excessive muscle loss without CJC + ipamorelin?

Rapid weight loss with any peptide tends to cause some muscle loss alongside fat loss. That is the exact concern this stack is built around. The CJC + ipamorelin layer is added to push GH and IGF-1 higher, which supports protein retention during the deficit. Adequate protein intake and regular resistance training matter just as much.

Q14: Can you swap from retatrutide to CJC-1295 + ipamorelin?

These compounds do not interchange. Retatrutide is a metabolic fat-loss compound. CJC-1295 + ipamorelin is a GH-support combination. Swapping retatrutide for CJC/Ipa removes the fat-loss driver from the protocol. If the goal is to taper off retatrutide, the more common approach is to maintain the CJC/Ipa layer during and after the retatrutide taper to support recomposition.

Q15: What calculator should I use for Advanced Recomp Stack reconstitution math?

Use the PepPal calculator. Calculate each compound separately because retatrutide is dosed in mg while CJC and ipamorelin are dosed in mcg - a 1,000x difference.

Q16: Is this medical advice?

No. This page is an educational research reference. Retatrutide is investigational and not FDA-approved. CJC-1295 (No DAC) and ipamorelin are research peptides not approved for human therapeutic use. No clinical trial has evaluated this specific combination. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any peptide protocol.

Sources & Research

  1. 1. Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frias JP, et al. Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity - A Phase 2 Trial. New England Journal of Medicine (2023)
  2. 2. Eli Lilly and Company Lilly's triple agonist, retatrutide, delivered weight loss of up to an average of 71.2 lbs along with substantial relief from osteoarthritis pain in first successful Phase 3 trial. Press Release (2025)
  3. 3. Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2006)
  4. 4. Ionescu M, Frohman LA Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2006)
  5. 5. Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology (1998)
  6. 6. Gobburu JV, Agerso H, Jusko WJ, Ynddal L Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers. Pharmaceutical Research (1999)
  7. 7. Rosenstock J, Frias J, Jastreboff AM, et al. Retatrutide, a GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, for people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2 trial. The Lancet (2023)
  8. 8. Sanyal AJ, Kaplan LM, Frias JP, et al. Triple-Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Randomized Phase 2a Trial. Nature Medicine (2024)
  9. 9. Ishida J, Saitoh M, Ebner N, et al. Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development. JCSM Rapid Communications (2020)
  10. 10. Alba M, Fintini D, Sagazio A, et al. Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism (2006)
  11. 11. ClinicalTrials.gov A Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) Once Weekly in Participants With Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis (TRIUMPH-4). Identifier: NCT05931367. Clinical Trial Registry (2025)
  12. 12. Urva S, Coskun T, Loh MT, et al. LY3437943, a novel triple GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptor agonist in people with type 2 diabetes: a phase 1b, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, multiple-ascending dose trial. The Lancet (2022)
  13. 13. World Anti-Doping Agency The Prohibited List 2026. WADA (2026)

Related Dosing Protocols

Retatrutide ProtocolCJC-1295 (No DAC) ProtocolCJC-1295 (with DAC) ProtocolIpamorelin ProtocolCagriSema StackCagrilintide + Retatrutide StackRetatrutide + MOTS-c StackWolverine StackCJC-1295 + Ipamorelin GH Pulse Stack
Garret Grant

Written by Garret Grant

Founder & Lead Researcher · B.S. Civil Engineering, UCLA

Last updated: June 2026

Human-researched and AI-assisted with full editorial review. I verify sources, protocol interpretation, and final judgments personally. See methodology.

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