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A person with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 — which is in the obese range — asked whether to try one pathway to lose belly fat or another. They’ve been taking “Tirz” for 14 weeks at 5 mg (the snippet doesn’t explain what Tirz is, so we can’t assume). They’re asking whether to first try treatments people talk about for “mitochondria repair” (named MOTS‑C and SS‑31) and then use drugs that boost insulin‑like growth factor 1 (IGF‑1), or to skip straight to IGF‑1 enhancement. The post is a request for opinions, not the report of a completed scientific trial. MOTS‑C and SS‑31 are short proteins or fragments called peptides that some researchers say can help mitochondria — the cell’s tiny energy factories — work better. In plain terms, the idea is these peptides might improve how cells burn fuel, handle stress, or produce energy. IGF‑1 (insulin‑like growth factor 1) is a different biological signal that helps tissues grow and repair and can change how the body stores and uses fat and muscle. Semamorelin is a prescription drug that stimulates growth‑hormone release, which can raise IGF‑1 levels. The snippet mentions IPA and Tesa, which likely refer to other agents people sometimes pair with IGF‑1 strategies, but the post doesn’t give details or clinical evidence for these combinations. What the snippet is really asking is speculative and not a summary of a controlled study. There’s no data here about humans getting better belly‑fat loss from first doing mitochondrial peptides and then IGF‑1, nor about safety or how big an effect to expect. Research on MOTS‑C, SS‑31, and IGF‑1 involves a mixture of laboratory studies, some animal work, and limited human data in specific medical contexts — not broad, proven weight‑loss regimens. That means we don’t have firm numbers on how much belly fat would shrink, how long it would take, or how these treatments interact when layered. Why does this matter? People with abdominal obesity have higher risks for diabetes and heart disease, so they and their doctors look for effective ways to reduce belly fat. If one approach genuinely improves cell energy handling and then helps IGF‑1 target fat stores or preserve muscle, it could be useful. But right now, the idea is a theoretical treatment strategy rather than an established pathway. Someone considering this is essentially weighing experimental, off‑label, or poorly studied interventions versus sticking with proven options like diet, exercise, and approved medications under a doctor’s guidance. There are important caveats and risks. Peptides and hormonal drugs can have side effects, interactions, and unknown long‑term risks. IGF‑1 pathways are linked to growth signals that, in some contexts, raise concerns about cancer risk and fluid retention; stimulating hormones without medical oversight can be unsafe. Many peptide products sold online are unregulated and may not contain what they claim. Regulatory approval, dosing, and monitoring differ between legitimate prescription treatments and experimental use. Anyone thinking about this should consult an experienced physician, get proper testing and follow‑up, and be cautious about claims made in online forums. Bottom line: This is a speculative treatment question, not proven advice — talk to a knowledgeable clinician before trying experimental peptide or IGF‑1 strategies.
Source: r/Peptides