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stubborn subq belly fat at low body fat despite peptides training and TRT

93 replies38 peopleJun 17, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

how to address persistent lower-abdominal fat in older adults who already use peptides, training, and modest deficits

The thread shows that genetics, age, and the final 10 percent of fat loss create hard limits even with ipamorelin/cjc stacks, Tirz, and TRT. Participants report better recomp and hunger control from peptide combinations yet still see fat regain tied to TRT that later compounds only partially reverse. DEXA scans and conservative deficits are preferred over aggressive cuts, while protein requirements remain split between those citing absorption loss and those favoring higher-carb plant sources.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

optimal daily protein amount and whether HGH or TRT should be used at all

Still open

whether further leanness past current plateaus is realistically achievable or permanently capped by individual hormones and genetics

Nothing here is advice.

93 replies · 38 people · page 1 of 2
PlainAlder11archiveopening postJun 17

I've dropped fifty pounds since the start of January and I'm only five pounds from my target weight. Everything else looks fine except the persistent belly fat along with the love handles. Any suggestions on how to shed that? I figure it probably means crunches and similar moves.

GreenMeadow54archiveJun 17

Tesamorelin actually has FDA approval for exactly this purpose. The studies involved adults with HIV but that detail probably doesn't change the outcome. Weight loss tends to happen all over and you can't really pick the spot. Once you get lean enough it should disappear, though tesa might be the one exception that could help zero in on the area.

SharpCinder28archiveJun 17

Certain tesa protocols might also encourage intermittent fasting. Either way tesa offers one route to body recomp, and HCG works for some guys too. Other ideas include moving to Canada, getting citizenship, then requesting medical assistance in dying only to change your mind later so the whole process plus the travel helps drop weight. PT-141 could assist with energy and therefore weight loss for some, same with SS-31. Elora or cagri might be simpler. Or just stick with reta and wait.

GreyAlder39archiveJun 17

What's your BMI? Are we sure you're referring to subcutaneous fat rather than visceral? Has the skin stayed loose after the weight came off?

BlueSignal52archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @SharpCinder28

The reply contains only lightbox interface text that looks like a display glitch.

ClearBeacon24archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @GreenMeadow54

Huh? My understanding is that visceral fat is what gets targeted according to the FDA.

PlainAlder11archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @GreyAlder39

BMI is 22 and no loose skin at all. You can feel the fat when you pinch the skin. That's the spot where I inject my Reta and it works well for the needle.

AmberMeadow80archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @ClearBeacon24

From what I gather HGH lowers visceral fat so tesamorelin does the same by raising natural HGH output. Other secretagogues don't get the same mention only because tesa alone had a dedicated study. I could be off but it seems HGH itself drives the visceral loss and the delivery method doesn't matter much. Most folks also mix up belly fat with visceral fat so none of this may matter anyway.

AmberMeadow80archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11

That would be subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat sits between the organs so you can't pinch it.

PlainAlder11archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @SharpCinder28

Thanks for the first suggestion, that was funny. I was thinking of just continuing with the reta since I still have plenty. I assume tesa comes lyophilized and needs reconstituting.

GreyAlder39archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11

At a BMI of 22 you should already be seeing decent results unless the muscle isn't developed enough yet. I recall guys at the club who would dehydrate to fix the same issue.

CopperMarble29archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @GreenMeadow54

No it isn't. The studies showed fifteen percent visceral reduction over six months at two milligrams daily but belly flab is subq not visceral. Overall weight didn't drop either so the visceral fat just moved elsewhere. People get this wrong because they skip reading the actual studies. You're at a much lower body fat now so large deficits will strip muscle instead of belly fat. A smaller deficit around five hundred calories lets the belly fat keep coming off while sparing muscle even if it feels counterintuitive.

ClearBeacon24archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @AmberMeadow80

Interesting take, sounds like you're speaking for everyone. I also think most people mix up belly fat and visceral fat so none of this really matters anyway.

AmberMeadow80archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @ClearBeacon24

Calm down. How did my comment come across like that?

SlowHarbour21archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @ClearBeacon24

You're right on the visceral part. Tesa can still help with belly fat though love handles respond less. Running sprints after workouts burns waist fat pretty well.

ClearBeacon24archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @SlowHarbour21

I stopped using it about six months ago and switched to hgh with much better results.

ClearBeacon24archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @SlowHarbour21

I ran two iu for roughly four months and now do one point five iu in the morning while fasted.

AmberMeadow80archiveJun 17

Oh no. I'll just borrow one of your usual replies then.

WarmCompass27archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @CopperMarble29

You nailed the tesamorelin study details. It also showed belly fat itself didn't change much but waist measurement did drop which can improve the look. The same five hundred calorie rule applies when increasing intake to raise maintenance without adding much fat assuming weight training is part of it.

PlainAlder11archiveJun 17

I really should start some light workouts. I have dumbbells here but stopped after shoulder replacement surgery in April 2025. I enjoy the back and forth discussion here, it reminds me of the big automotive forum where I'm an admin.

SharpCinder28archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @GreenMeadow54

Intermittent fasting combined with tesa can work but HGH might be stronger though riskier so I'm not a fan. Slow and steady wins. Tesa can also limit muscle loss to some degree.

WryCompass65archiveJun 17
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11

If you're not already lifting this is the piece that's missing based on my own experience. Recomp changes the fat to muscle balance and shifts how the body handles extra calories while the repair process boosts metabolism. Get a solid weight training plan like 5x5 going before adding HGH or hormones and save those for when training is already on point.

PlainAlder11archiveJun 17

I'll stay on my nine milligrams of reta and add the weights now.

CopperSignal27archiveJun 18

The final bits of fat can be especially stubborn. After losing eighty kilos and reaching a BMI of twenty three I still carry noticeable subcutaneous abdominal fat compared to other areas. Further fat loss or muscle gain on top of fat loss is the only fix but at BMI twenty two that may not be practical and it becomes a quality of life question versus pushing extremes. Knowing when to stop is tricky too since people with anorexia still see themselves as fat at BMIs around sixteen. Losing fifty pounds is still a solid win even without visible abs.

ClearWillow59archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @GreenMeadow54

Tesa was made to target visceral fat around the organs not love handles. Does it also affect subq fat?

CopperMeadow83archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11

At BMI twenty two you're already in good shape. You could try twenty one and reassess or even twenty point five. Resistance training helps overall health. I prefer bodyweight moves like pull ups push ups squats lunges hip thrusts plus some weights for deadlifts shoulders rows and ab work like the roller planks and leg raises. For pure leanness stairmaster and rowing machine cardio works but I usually add only ten minutes after lifting because energy runs low.

ClearWillow59archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11

The extra flesh on the belly and hips is probably loose skin as well. Weight lifting should help tighten it at least that's what I'm hoping while doing the same routine.

IronLantern24archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11 (opening post)

I'm in the same spot. Three pounds from goal weight yet I don't look anything like I did the last time I weighed this much.

GreenMeadow54archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @ClearWillow59

Most guys carrying extra gut weight are dealing with visceral fat. Subq fat usually drops evenly so when all the weight shows in the stomach area that's typically visceral. Without photos or more details we can't know for sure that was just my guess.

PatientBeacon15archiveJun 18

Same issue here. Going after visceral fat won't do much for love handles since they aren't caused by fat under the ribs. The real fix for subcutaneous belly and love handle fat is getting very lean while adding muscle so you don't look skinny. Being that lean brings other health perks but it takes serious work. I'm also curious about things like Lemon Bottle or deoxycholic acid even though chemically destroying fat cells feels odd at first. Cryolipolysis or Cool Sculpting that freezes fat cells at forty degrees while sparing water based tissue is another option that interests me.

PlainAlder11archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @CopperMeadow83

A couple notes I'm older than most here and retired for a few years so I don't move like I used to but I'm not just sitting watching TV. I mow my three lots do the trimming and all the yard work myself. I won't paint though I hate it. I'm installing new luxury vinyl in the spare bedrooms and need to ease back into light weights sit ups and walking. The BMI from my Renpho scale is actually twenty two point six with body fat at twenty four percent both have edged down a bit each Friday. Thanks for all the input so far it's been useful.

RustSignal22archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11 (opening post)

The stubborn lower belly and love handle fat usually starts disappearing faster once you hit around twelve percent body fat and gets much thinner near ten percent though genetics change the numbers for some people. There aren't special tricks just keep the deficit going and it will eventually go even if slowly. Suggestions for tesa make sense because GHRH can promote lipolysis but it's mainly known for visceral fat which tends to leave earlier anyway while the stubborn stuff is subcutaneous.

KeenFenwick72archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11 (opening post)

From another angle look at your diet more closely. Hit at least your body weight in protein grams and add a few weightlifting sessions weekly to build muscle which raises daily calorie burn and may pair well with reta for fat loss. Sit ups won't spot reduce belly fat no matter what videos claim. Belly fat is the most stubborn and leaves last. It could also be hormonal with excess abdominal or chest fat sometimes tied to imbalances in men so bloodwork checking testosterone and estrogen might be worth it.

SharpCompass12archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @ClearBeacon24

How has the switch gone for you? I'm about to do the same.

RustTimber85archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11 (opening post)

Was the whole thing done with that one? How did the dosing schedule progress from the very start right up to this point?

CopperMeadow65archiveJun 18

I think it's smart to measure your internal belly fat levels prior to beginning any such regimen, yet folks here appear to agree that belly surface fat means these treatments won't help since they don't target that layer. Still, it's possible to carry both kinds at once, so reducing the deeper stuff could still make the midsection smaller despite the outer layer staying put.

PatientBeacon15archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @CopperMeadow65

It's correct that internal fat can make the stomach protrude. However quite a few people here maintain a normal body mass at present. The digital weighing devices assuming their accuracy along with lab tests indicate minimal amounts of that internal fat. Yet we can grab multiple centimeters worth of abdominal tissue. This shows that a decent quantity of the outer layer fat remains around our midsection.

SharpCinder28archiveJun 18

People don't see growth hormone melting away under the skin fat quickly or anything. Lots of folks regard it as gradual and not that impressive based on forum chats. There's an argument in favor of tesamorelin along with comparable growth hormone releasers since lifting insulin like growth factor one might avoid losing muscle. Raising male hormone does something similar like relying on chorionic gonadotropin by itself for guys. Still one can bump that factor up in a natural way for a short while through better rest drinking dairy doing short runs weight training and similar steps. Taking boron orally seems able to increase unbound testosterone.

WryCompass65archiveJun 18

People have already noted how stomach fat differs from the kind around organs. At twenty two percent body fat there's still plenty to shed. Without focusing on lifting weights instead of running it becomes tough. Building up muscle boosts your daily calorie use constantly unlike cardio which only burns extra for a bit after. For guys getting down around fifteen percent body fat feels solid and twelve would be even nicer. You reach that by putting on more muscle which automatically lowers the fat percentage.

PlainAlder11archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @RustSignal22

I'm avoiding Tesa entirely. My dinners feature plenty of protein from beef cuts, pork, poultry or seafood, served with steamed vegetables or a salad. Carbs come in as well, all via Reta. The schedule began 1/9/26 and ran four weeks at 2mg, five at 4mg, one at 5mg, six at 6mg, two at 7mg, then five at 8mg. Those 5mg and 7mg stretches stayed short since nothing occurred. I'll move to 9mg soon. My spouse is doing the exact same thing.

KeenFenwick72archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11

I monitor my nutrient intake via a phone program since lots of choices exist for that. Keeping up wholesome meals while on this protocol makes me stay patient as results should arrive before long. That matches my own perspective though your body composition reading looks ideal right now and nice work shedding the extra pounds.

CopperAlder25archiveJun 18

I keep my daily calorie intake reduced by up to five hundred to avoid raising stress hormones that shield the final resistant fat stores. Patience matters too since those deep fat layers under the skin vanish slowly and there's more of it than it seems. My routine starts with three international units of growth hormone each morning, waiting two hours before lifting weights, then doing forty to sixty minutes of easy cycling in the fasted condition at one hundred twenty to one hundred thirty revolutions per minute. Weekly I use four milligrams of that other compound plus my testosterone replacement to safeguard lean tissue together with the growth hormone. This approach is eliminating my remaining under-skin fat, currently sitting at twelve percent and still dropping.

BlueKettle52archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @PlainAlder11 (opening post)

People talk about belly fat and side handles that just won't disappear, but those don't exist. Honestly, it means your body isn't as slim as you imagine. The real solution involves reducing weight until the scale drops way below whatever target you set. This reflects how losing fat truly operates. These days my stomach shows no remaining fat at all, with veins popping up there too. Getting to that point required shedding far more than I initially expected.

RustSignal22archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @BlueKettle52

Lots of folks also guess too low on how much fat they're carrying and figure that percentage only means shedding three or four kilos when it's commonly more like ten or twelve.

BlueKettle52archiveJun 18
↳ replying to @RustSignal22

Yeah I see that too. Beginning with higher fat levels and then dropping thirty pounds doesn't alter the overall shape much unlike when already at a low level and losing that weight which creates a big contrast in appearance. It seems like some kind of equation since the reading stops shifting much yet how everything looks changes a ton. The amount coming off slows more and more as time passes with the number on the scale leveling out little by little. At the same time the appearance shifts fast so even small drops like a fraction of a pound stand out right away. This shows up most when shedding the last few pounds. It's pretty wild.

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