Expert Answered Body Recomposition & Peptide Research

Back Body Recomposition & Peptide Research
BPC-157, TB-500, ipamorelin, MOTS-C, GHK-Cu and other peptides.
D

dirco987

Newbie
Joined
Oct 23, 2026
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Points
1.00
Hey everyone!

I'm based in Belgium, 190 cm (6'3"), 95 kg (209 lbs). I train 3 times a week plus boxing.

I’m new here, so I’m not sure whether I’m allowed to start a new thread yet. If this post violates any group rules, the moderators are welcome to remove it.

My goals by June 2027: Get leaner with visible abs, build muscle and strength, improve recovery, sleep, energy, and overall health while preserving fertility.

Compounds I'm researching:
  • RETA: Fat loss and appetite control.
  • Cagrilintide: Additional appetite control if needed.
  • BPC-157 + TB-500: Injury and tendon recovery.
  • GHK-Cu + KPV: Skin health and inflammation.
  • HGH: Body composition and recovery.
  • DSIP: Sleep improvement.
  • NAD+ + Glutathione: Cellular health and antioxidant support.
I'm aware of the potential side effects, unknown long-term risks, and that several of these compounds are experimental and not approved for human use.

My plan is to evaluate RETA first, then consider other compounds individually rather than stacking everything at once.

I'd appreciate honest experiences, recommendations, safety advice, and information on independent lab testing.

Thanks everyone!
 
dirco987 said:
Hey everyone!

I'm based in Belgium, 190 cm (6'3"), 95 kg (209 lbs). I train 3 times a week plus boxing.

I’m new here, so I’m not sure whether I’m allowed to start a new thread yet. If this post violates any group rules, the moderators are welcome to remove it.

My goals by June 2027: Get leaner with visible abs, build muscle and strength, improve recovery, sleep, energy, and overall health while preserving fertility.

Compounds I'm researching:
  • RETA: Fat loss and appetite control.
  • Cagrilintide: Additional appetite control if needed.
  • BPC-157 + TB-500: Injury and tendon recovery.
  • GHK-Cu + KPV: Skin health and inflammation.
  • HGH: Body composition and recovery.
  • DSIP: Sleep improvement.
  • NAD+ + Glutathione: Cellular health and antioxidant support.
I'm aware of the potential side effects, unknown long-term risks, and that several of these compounds are experimental and not approved for human use.

My plan is to evaluate RETA first, then consider other compounds individually rather than stacking everything at once.

I'd appreciate honest experiences, recommendations, safety advice, and information on independent lab testing.

Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Welcome Dirco

I like your approach. You have a clear goal, a realistic deadline, and you’re thinking about long-term health and fertility. That’s a good starting point.

But looking at your list, I think you’re making things more complicated than necessary.

At 190 cm and 95 kg, I’d focus on nutrition, training and recovery before introducing experimental compounds. You have eight months to make a serious transformation, and that’s plenty of time if we structure things properly.

Regarding RETA, it may help with appetite and weight management, but Combining it with cagrilintide would add uncertainty, not necessarily better results.

As for BPC-157, TB-500, HGH, DSIP and the others, I wouldn’t introduce them without a specific reason (go step by step!)

Here’s what I would like to know first:
  1. What’s your age and estimated body fat percentage?
  2. How many calories are you currently eating?
  3. What’s your training routine, and how long have you been lifting?
  4. Do you have any existing injuries or health issues?
  5. Do you have recent bloodwork, including glucose, HbA1c, lipids and hormones?
My suggestion is to establish your starting point, build a proper nutrition and training plan, and track your progress for a few weeks before considering anything else.

Don’t underestimate what eight months of consistency can achieve, which are HUGE!

Share those details and we can help you put together something realistic, effective and sustainable.

Shark
 
Hey Shark,

Thanks for the welcome.

Here’s some more information about my situation:

1. Age and body fat
  • Age: 27
  • Height: 190 cm
  • Weight: 95 kg
  • Estimated body fat: 25%
  • Waist: 93 cm
  • Chest: 104 cm
2. Current nutrition

This is probably my biggest weakness.

I haven't been consistently tracking calories, but I'm planning to start around 2,700–2,900 kcal with approximately 170–190 g of protein daily, then adjust based on progress.

I work from 7:30 AM to 4 PM, sometimes until 6–7 PM. I often skip breakfast and struggle to eat lunch because I'm working on-site.

As a result, I end up eating huge meals in the evening.

I also struggle with portion control, snacking and excessive hunger. That's one of the reasons RETA caught my attention.

I'm currently setting up a meal-prepping routine to improve consistency.

3. Training experience and routine

I've been lifting for several years, although injuries have interrupted my progress multiple times.

My current routine consists of three gym sessions per week:
  • Day A: Incline dumbbell press, lat pulldown, dumbbell row, lateral raises, triceps pushdowns, cable crunches and leg extensions.
  • Day B: Squats, leg extensions, seated leg curls, hip thrusts, calf raises and back extensions.
  • Day C: Deadlift, shoulder press, pec deck, rear delt flyes, biceps curls and core exercises.
I generally perform 3–5 working sets per exercise.

I also boxe 2–3 times per week and attend physiotherapy 1–2 times per week.

My long-term strength goal is a 300 kg deadlift (current 240 kg)

4. Injuries and health issues

I have a history of lumbar disc herniation and chronic lower back pain.

I've injured myself several times in the past, particularly during rugby and deadlift, which led to periods of inactivity and weight regain.

I'm currently rebuilding my deadlift with my physiotherapist. My current maximum is approximately 160 kg for 3 reps, and I'm progressing cautiously.

I also struggle with sleep. I usually fall asleep around midnight or 1 AM but have to wake up at 6 AM for work.

5. Recent bloodwork

I had blood tests in May 2026. Some relevant results:
  • Fasting glucose: 91 mg/dL
  • Creatinine: 1.20 mg/dL
  • eGFR (CKD-EPI): 86 mL/min
  • ALT: 27 U/L
  • GGT: 18 U/L
  • TSH: 2.5 mIU/L
  • Ferritin: 66 µg/L
  • Vitamin B12: 1,110 ng/L (above the reference range)
I don't currently have recent HbA1c, lipid panel or testosterone/LH/FSH results.

Regarding peptides:

My interest comes mainly from three problems: appetite control, chronic injury recovery and poor sleep.

I'm not expecting peptides to replace proper nutrition or training. I'm interested in understanding whether any compound has a genuinely favorable benefit-to-risk ratio as an additional tool.

For now, I'm prioritizing nutrition, sleep, physiotherapy and consistent training rather than rushing into a stack.

My main goal for June 2027 is to achieve a significantly leaner, physique while maintaining strength.

I'd be interested in hearing your opinion on my current starting point, particularly how you would approach fat loss while managing a demanding training schedule, chronic back issues and a very strong appetite.

Thanks again for taking the time to help!
 
Last edited:
I've been researching peptides, their protocols, benefits, and potential risks quite extensively.

My plan is to focus on my diet, training, and recovery for the next 2–3 months before considering an 8-week BPC-157 + TB-500 protocol for injury recovery, potentially adding RETA around week 4 for appetite control and fat loss.

I'm aware these compounds are experimental and that combining them involves additional uncertainties.

I might explore other peptides later, but they're not a priority.

My goal isn't to become a addict to peptide or chase miracle solutions. I simply want to explore whether they can be useful supplements to proper nutrition, training, and recovery.
 
dirco987 said:
I've been researching peptides, their protocols, benefits, and potential risks quite extensively.

My plan is to focus on my diet, training, and recovery for the next 2–3 months before considering an 8-week BPC-157 + TB-500 protocol for injury recovery, potentially adding RETA around week 4 for appetite control and fat loss.

I'm aware these compounds are experimental and that combining them involves additional uncertainties.

I might explore other peptides later, but they're not a priority.

My goal isn't to become a addict to peptide or chase miracle solutions. I simply want to explore whether they can be useful supplements to proper nutrition, training, and recovery.
Click to expand...
Wow!! Thanks for the long explain Dirco!

Now we have something we can actually work with!

First, your biggest obstacle isn’t your appetite or your training. It’s your recovery. You’re lifting three times a week, boxing another 2–3 days, dealing with a back injury and sleeping barely five hours. That’s where I should start!!!

Your planned 2,700–2,900 calories are a reasonable starting point to test, not a fixed target. Keep protein around 180 g, prepare meals for work and track your average weight and waist weekly. Adjust based on actual progress, not daily fluctuations.

And brother, a 240 kg deadlift is impressive, but right now I’d rather see you lifting pain-free than chasing 300 kg. Keep working with your physiotherapist.

Regarding peptides, I respect that you’re researching before jumping in. But BPC-157 and TB-500 still lack convincing human evidence for healing disc injuries. RETA has more promising weight-loss research, although it remains investigational. I wouldn’t combine experimental compounds to solve problems we haven’t properly addressed yet.

Here’s your challenge for the next four weeks: consistent meals, seven hours of sleep whenever possible, controlled training and weekly progress measurements.

Then come back with your weight trend, waist measurement, sleep average and an update on your back.

You’ve got eight months, brother. Let’s make the basics work before adding anything else.

@Sam Bjorn how do you see it?

Shark
 
Thanks Shark,

For now, my workouts are actually pretty light. I'm focusing on gradually getting back into training without exhausting myself, so I can also stay consistent with my diet and recovery. My work schedule doesn't make things easy, but nothing comes without effort!

I'll focus on improving my sleep, meal prep and tracking my progress over the next few weeks.

@Sam Bjorn I'd definitely appreciate your advice on deadlifts! Right now, I'm working with very light weights, focusing on proper core bracing, back stability and controlled lifting and lowering. I'm waiting for my physiotherapist's approval before increasing my weights or training volume.
 
dirco987 said:
Thanks Shark,

For now, my workouts are actually pretty light. I'm focusing on gradually getting back into training without exhausting myself, so I can also stay consistent with my diet and recovery. My work schedule doesn't make things easy, but nothing comes without effort!

I'll focus on improving my sleep, meal prep and tracking my progress over the next few weeks.

@Sam Bjorn I'd definitely appreciate your advice on deadlifts! Right now, I'm working with very light weights, focusing on proper core bracing, back stability and controlled lifting and lowering. I'm waiting for my physiotherapist's approval before increasing my weights or training volume.
Click to expand...
That Is exactly what I wanted to know! You’re being patient, listening to your body and building things back properly.

Forget about lifting heavy for now. Getting stronger without setbacks is the real victory here.

Keep working on your sleep, meals and consistency. Those small improvements will add up faster than you think.

And you’re in good hands with @Sam Bjorn on the deadlift side. I’m looking forward to seeing your progress over the next few weeks!

Keep us up to date!

Shark
 
dirco987 said:
Thanks Shark,

For now, my workouts are actually pretty light. I'm focusing on gradually getting back into training without exhausting myself, so I can also stay consistent with my diet and recovery. My work schedule doesn't make things easy, but nothing comes without effort!

I'll focus on improving my sleep, meal prep and tracking my progress over the next few weeks.

@Sam Bjorn I'd definitely appreciate your advice on deadlifts! Right now, I'm working with very light weights, focusing on proper core bracing, back stability and controlled lifting and lowering. I'm waiting for my physiotherapist's approval before increasing my weights or training volume.
Click to expand...

Hi,

I need a bit more information, and then I'll try to either come up with some possible solutions or at least point out the risks.

Back problems

First, I need to understand when your back problems started, what caused them, and what you've done about them since. Does your back still bother you now? If so, when exactly? During which exercises, when lying on your back, sitting, or bending forward? Also, which vertebrae is your herniated disc between?

Posture and pelvic control

Tell me generally everything your physiotherapist has told you. For example, do you have pronounced hyperlordosis? How is your pelvic control? For example, if you stand on one leg and move your hip back, does your knee collapse inward, and what happens to your foot?

Anthropometry and deadlift technique

I'd like to see videos of you performing deadlifts (with your working weight). They don't have to be recent. Ideally, I'd like videos from the front and side.

First, I need to understand your body proportions — arm length, thigh length relative to your lower leg and torso. I might also be able to spot some weak points during the movement.

We can start with this and then go step by step.
 
Hi Sam,

Back problems:

My back issues started during the COVID lockdowns. Before that, I played rugby and was very active, but during lockdown I spent most of my days sitting with very little exercise. When I returned to training, I experienced several episodes of lower back pain, particularly after heavy squats and deadlifts.

My CT scan from August showed degenerative disc disease from L3 to S1, without any visible herniation, spinal stenosis or nerve root compression.

Currently, my back has been feeling good for about a month. I have no pain when sitting, lying down or bending forward. The pain mainly occurs during episodes when my lower back suddenly locks up.

Posture and pelvic control:

I'm seeing a physiotherapist 1–2 times per week. We're focusing on core stability, bracing, controlled movements and gradually rebuilding strength.

I haven't been specifically assessed for hyperlordosis, pelvic control or knee alignment during single-leg movements yet, but I'll ask my physio about it.

Body proportions:
  • Height: 190 cm
  • Arm length: approximately 83 cm
  • Thigh length: approximately 43 cm
  • Tibia length: approximately 41 cm
  • Torso length: approximately 53 cm
I'm currently deadlifting with light weights and focusing on proper technique rather than performance.

I'll record my next deadlift session from both the front and side.

Thanks again for taking the time to help.
 
Welcome bro! Looking at everything you’ve shared, I think your biggest priorities should be nutrition consistency, recovery and managing training fatigue. I’d start with your planned 2,900 calories and 190g protein, track your weekly weight average and adjust accordingly. Preparing meals for work also help with those evening cravings. With three lifting sessions, boxing and physiotherapy, you’re already doing a lot. I’d avoid excessive volume on squats and deadlifts until your back consistently tolerates the workload. Trap-bar deadlifts or elevated pulls might also be worth discussing with your physio.

Regarding peptides, here’s what I’d personally look into:
Reta: Probably the most interesting option for your appetite-control goals, considering the promising weight-loss results.
BPC-157 + TB-500: Interesting compounds for injury recovery, especially considering the positive anecdotal experiences.
DSIP: Worth researching if you’re particularly interested in sleep-related peptides, very high benefits if you have problems with getting into deep sleep.
Cagrilintide: Another interesting appetite-regulation compound, I would combine it with Reta once you have the first results and you’re deep into the cut.
Personally, I’d leave HGH and the other compounds aside for now rather than trying to address every issue with a different peptide. You’ve got until June 2027, so there’s plenty of time to improve your physique while rebuilding strength. Your 300kg deadlift goal can remain a long-term motivation, but right now I’d prioritise sleep and recovery.
Keep us updated on your progress!
 
dirco987 said:
Hi Sam,

Back problems:

My back issues started during the COVID lockdowns. Before that, I played rugby and was very active, but during lockdown I spent most of my days sitting with very little exercise. When I returned to training, I experienced several episodes of lower back pain, particularly after heavy squats and deadlifts.

My CT scan from August showed degenerative disc disease from L3 to S1, without any visible herniation, spinal stenosis or nerve root compression.

Currently, my back has been feeling good for about a month. I have no pain when sitting, lying down or bending forward. The pain mainly occurs during episodes when my lower back suddenly locks up.

Posture and pelvic control:

I'm seeing a physiotherapist 1–2 times per week. We're focusing on core stability, bracing, controlled movements and gradually rebuilding strength.

I haven't been specifically assessed for hyperlordosis, pelvic control or knee alignment during single-leg movements yet, but I'll ask my physio about it.

Body proportions:
  • Height: 190 cm
  • Arm length: approximately 83 cm
  • Thigh length: approximately 43 cm
  • Tibia length: approximately 41 cm
  • Torso length: approximately 53 cm
I'm currently deadlifting with light weights and focusing on proper technique rather than performance.

I'll record my next deadlift session from both the front and side.

Thanks again for taking the time to help.
Click to expand...

It's a shame you didn't have an MRI, because a CT scan doesn't always show the full picture. Degenerative disc disease has three stages. Which stage were you diagnosed with? The thing is, this diagnosis may actually mean very little. Most athletes have it.

In what positions did you experience pain before? Did your back lock up when you bent forward?

It would be useful for me to see your technique, preferably over several sets, to understand how consistent your movement pattern is. And of course, don't film your warm-up sets. Film the heaviest weight you're currently working with, whether that's 100 kg, 130 kg, it doesn't matter.

Just so you understand what I'm trying to figure out at this stage:
  1. Your body proportions.
  2. What technique you're using and how well it suits you.
  3. Your weak points (either technical or related to muscle strength).
  4. And of course, what might potentially be triggering your back pain and how to avoid it as you increase the load.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top