GHRP-2 vs Semaglutide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone Peptides
GHRP-2GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Semaglutide- Summary
- GHRP-2 is a potent synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates growth hormone release by activating ghrelin receptors in the pituitary and hypothalamus. It produces one of the strongest GH pulses among GHRPs, though unlike Ipamorelin it does cause modest increases in cortisol and prolactin.
- Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for type 2 diabetes that has proven remarkably effective for weight loss. Clinical trials show average 15–20% body weight reduction. It is marketed as Ozempic (diabetes) and Wegovy (weight management).
- Half-Life
- 15–60 minutes
- ~7 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg
- Frequency
- 2–3 times daily
- Once weekly, subcutaneous
- Key Benefits
- Strong GH pulse stimulation
- Increased IGF-1 levels
- Enhanced muscle growth and recovery
- Improved fat metabolism
- Better sleep quality
- Increased bone density
- Enhanced appetite (less pronounced than GHRP-6)
- Anti-aging effects via GH axis optimization
- Average 15–20% body weight reduction in clinical trials (STEP trials)
- Significant reduction in appetite and food cravings
- Improvement in blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity
- Reduces cardiovascular risk (SELECT trial: 20% reduction in MACE)
- May reduce risk of kidney disease
- Improves metabolic markers (cholesterol, blood pressure)
- FDA-approved — extensively studied with robust safety data
- Weekly dosing convenience
- Side Effects
- Increased appetite
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol (modest)
- Elevated prolactin (modest)
- +2 more
- Nausea (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- +4 more
- Stacks With
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