IGF-1 LR3 vs Semaglutide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anabolic & IGF
IGF-1 LR3GLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Semaglutide- Summary
- IGF-1 LR3 is a synthetic analog of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 with an extended half-life. It is one of the most potent anabolic peptides available, directly stimulating muscle cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy, and is the downstream mediator of many of GH's anabolic effects.
- 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
- 20–30 hours
- ~7 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IM
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 40–80 mcg
- 0.25 mg → 0.5 mg → 1 mg → 1.7 mg → 2.4 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily or split twice daily
- Once weekly, subcutaneous
- Key Benefits
- Direct muscle hypertrophy via IGF-1R stimulation
- Muscle hyperplasia (new fiber formation) — unique among peptides
- Rapid gains in lean muscle mass
- Accelerated recovery from training and injury
- Increased nutrient uptake by muscle cells
- Fat oxidation enhancement
- Bone density improvement
- Cartilage and connective tissue repair
- 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
- Hypoglycemia (significant risk — insulin-like activity)
- Acromegaly-like effects with excessive long-term use
- Jaw and hand swelling
- Organ hypertrophy with extreme doses
- +2 more
- Nausea (most common, especially during titration)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- +4 more
- Stacks With
- —
- —