If GLP-1s are your weight loss wingwoman, NAD and Sermorelin are the best-kept secrets for long-term glow, sustained energy, and the kind of metabolism that refuses to slow down even when you’re in your goal-weight maintenance phase. You’ve probably heard whispers about peptide therapy in biohacking circles or seen influencers casually dropping these terms like everyone knows what they mean. Maybe your telehealth provider mentioned them as an add-on to your GLP-1 protocol, or you’re researching ways to combat the fatigue and muscle loss that can come with rapid weight loss. Either way, you’re here because you want to understand what these peptides actually do and whether they’re worth adding to your wellness stack.
Here’s the thing: NAD and Sermorelin peptides are trending in peptide therapy for their fat loss, energy restoration, and longevity benefits—and for good reason. Think sharper mental focus, faster recovery from workouts, better sleep quality, and metabolic support that keeps your body functioning optimally even when you’re eating in a calorie deficit. NAD and Sermorelin peptides aren’t magic injections (nothing ethical is), but they’re powerful tools that address the cellular and hormonal pieces of health optimization that GLP-1s don’t directly target. This is the beginner-friendly version of peptide therapy—no PhD required, no overwhelming medical jargon, just real information about what these compounds do, how they work with GLP-1s, and how to get started safely if they’re right for you.
What Are NAD and Sermorelin Peptides? (The Quick Science) 🧬
Let’s break down what you’re actually putting in your body, because informed decisions are empowered decisions. NAD and Sermorelin peptides aren’t some random compounds someone invented last year—they’re molecules your body already uses or produces naturally. We’re just supplementing them strategically.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): Your Cellular Energy Currency
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every single cell in your body. It’s essential for converting the food you eat into usable cellular energy (ATP), supporting DNA repair, regulating your circadian rhythm, and activating sirtuins—proteins that play a crucial role in aging and longevity. Basically, NAD+ is like the electricity that powers your cellular machinery. Without adequate levels, everything runs slower and less efficiently.
The problem: NAD+ levels naturally decline with age—by about 50% between ages 40 and 60. Stress, poor sleep, calorie restriction (hello, GLP-1s), alcohol consumption, and inflammation all deplete NAD+ faster. When your NAD+ is low, you experience fatigue, brain fog, slower recovery, poor sleep, and accelerated aging at the cellular level.
The solution: NAD+ supplementation (via injection, IV, nasal spray, or oral precursors like NMN) restores those levels, essentially giving your cells the fuel they need to function optimally. Think of it as recharging your cellular batteries. When your NAD+ is optimized, you have better energy production, enhanced mental clarity, improved metabolism, more efficient DNA repair, and better overall resilience.
Sermorelin: Your Natural Growth Hormone Kickstarter
Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog—meaning it’s a synthetic version of a peptide your body naturally produces. Instead of injecting growth hormone directly (which can suppress your natural production), Sermorelin stimulates your pituitary gland to produce more of your own growth hormone in a natural, pulsatile pattern.
Why growth hormone matters: Growth hormone (GH) plays a crucial role in metabolism, body composition, muscle preservation and growth, bone density, skin elasticity, sleep quality, and recovery. Like NAD+, your natural GH production declines significantly with age—dropping about 14% per decade after age 30.
What Sermorelin does: By stimulating your body’s own GH production, Sermorelin supports lean muscle preservation during weight loss (critical when you’re on GLP-1s), promotes fat metabolism (especially stubborn visceral fat), improves sleep quality and deep sleep phases, enhances recovery from exercise, supports skin elasticity and collagen production, and boosts energy levels and overall vitality.
The key difference from actual GH: Sermorelin works with your body’s natural feedback loops instead of overriding them. This makes it safer for long-term use and less likely to cause the side effects associated with direct growth hormone administration.
Simplified version: Basically, NAD+ and Sermorelin are like tiny personal trainers for your cells—one handles the energy systems and cellular repair, the other handles metabolism, recovery, and keeping your body composition on point. They’re the supporting cast that makes your GLP-1 weight loss journey sustainable and keeps you feeling good long after you’ve reached your goals.
Want to understand how GLP-1s fit into this bigger picture? Check out What Is GLP-1? for the complete breakdown of how these medications work in your body.
Why GLP-1 Users Love NAD and Sermorelin
You might be thinking, “Okay cool, but I’m already on GLP-1s and they’re working—why would I add more injections?” Valid question. Here’s why NAD and Sermorelin peptides pair so well with GLP-1 therapy and address specific challenges that come with rapid weight loss. Many users find that NAD and Sermorelin peptides complement their GLP-1 journey by targeting the fatigue and muscle loss that medications alone don’t address.
NAD+ Combats GLP-1 Fatigue
One of the most common complaints from GLP-1 users is fatigue—that dragging, low-energy feeling that makes everything harder. Part of this is from eating significantly fewer calories, but it’s also because your mitochondria (your cellular energy factories) need adequate NAD+ to function efficiently. When you’re in a calorie deficit and your body is under metabolic stress, NAD+ gets depleted faster.
What NAD+ supplementation does for GLP-1 users:
- Restores energy at the cellular level: You’re not just masking fatigue with stimulants—you’re actually improving your cells’ ability to produce energy efficiently.
- Supports mental clarity and focus: The brain fog that comes with calorie restriction often improves significantly with NAD+ optimization.
- Enhances workout performance and recovery: Even when you’re eating less, you can maintain your exercise routine without feeling completely wiped.
- Reduces inflammation: Weight loss can be inflammatory for your body. NAD+ supports cellular repair and reduces oxidative stress.
- Improves sleep quality: Better NAD+ levels support your circadian rhythm, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep—which directly impacts weight loss results.
Real talk: The difference between struggling through GLP-1 fatigue and actually having energy to live your life often comes down to cellular fuel. NAD+ provides that fuel.
Sermorelin Preserves Muscle and Supports Recovery
When you’re losing weight rapidly on GLP-1s, you’re at risk of losing muscle mass along with fat—especially if you’re not eating enough protein or strength training consistently. Muscle loss tanks your metabolism, makes you look “soft” instead of toned, and makes weight maintenance harder long-term. This is where Sermorelin becomes incredibly valuable.
What Sermorelin does for GLP-1 users:
- Preserves lean muscle mass during calorie restriction: By supporting your body’s natural growth hormone production, Sermorelin helps protect your hard-earned muscle even when you’re in a deficit.
- Promotes fat metabolism: Growth hormone specifically targets visceral fat (the dangerous belly fat around organs) and helps mobilize stored fat for energy.
- Improves sleep architecture: Sermorelin enhances deep sleep phases, which is when your body does most of its repair and recovery work. Better sleep = better weight loss results and more energy.
- Supports skin elasticity: Rapid weight loss can lead to loose or saggy skin. The collagen-supporting effects of growth hormone help maintain skin quality during transformation.
- Enhances recovery: Whether you’re working out or just dealing with the stress of metabolic changes, Sermorelin helps your body bounce back faster.
The synergy: NAD and Sermorelin peptides can complement GLP-1 therapy for better energy and recovery by addressing the cellular energy and hormonal optimization that GLP-1s don’t directly target. You’re covering all your bases—appetite and weight loss with GLP-1s, cellular energy with NAD+, and metabolic/hormonal support with Sermorelin. This comprehensive approach is why NAD and Sermorelin peptides have become so popular among those serious about optimizing their weight loss journey.
Where to Get NAD and Sermorelin
If you’re already working with a telehealth provider for your GLP-1 prescription, many of them (like GobyMeds) also offer NAD and Sermorelin peptides as part of comprehensive peptide therapy protocols. This is ideal because your provider can help you determine appropriate dosing, monitor your response, and adjust your protocol based on your individual needs and goals.
GobyMeds specifically offers: Compounded NAD+ (typically administered via subcutaneous injection or nasal spray), Sermorelin (subcutaneous injection, usually taken before bed), and comprehensive protocols that stack these with GLP-1s for optimal results. They provide all the supplies you need, dosing guidance, and medical support throughout your journey.
The advantage of telehealth peptide therapy: You get medical oversight without needing to visit a clinic, competitive pricing compared to traditional anti-aging clinics, convenient delivery to your door, and the ability to ask questions and adjust your protocol as needed.
How to Start NAD and Sermorelin Peptides Safely
Okay, you’re interested—but how do you actually get started with NAD and Sermorelin peptides without screwing something up or wasting money? Here’s the beginner’s roadmap for starting NAD and Sermorelin peptides safely and effectively.
Step 1: Get Proper Medical Guidance
This isn’t a “do your own research and order from a random website” situation. NAD and Sermorelin peptides are powerful compounds that should be used under medical supervision. Work with a qualified telehealth provider (like GobyMeds, OrderlyMeds, or similar reputable companies) who can evaluate your health history, current medications, goals, and determine if NAD and Sermorelin peptides are appropriate for you.
What your provider will assess:
- Current health status and any contraindications
- Your GLP-1 protocol and how NAD and Sermorelin peptides will complement it
- Appropriate starting doses based on your weight, age, and goals
- Monitoring plan to track your response and adjust as needed
Red flags to avoid: Websites selling peptides without requiring a consultation, claims that sound too good to be true, providers who don’t ask about your medical history, or peptides sold as “research chemicals” instead of through legitimate compounding pharmacies.
Step 2: Understand Dosing Protocols
Peptide dosing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it often involves cycling rather than continuous use. Your provider will give you specific guidance, but here’s what typical protocols look like:
NAD+ dosing:
- Subcutaneous injection: Typically 50-100mg administered 2-3 times per week, gradually increasing based on response
- Nasal spray: Daily use, usually 50-200mg per day divided into two doses
- Oral precursors (NMN/NR): 250-1000mg daily, though absorption is less efficient than injection
Sermorelin dosing:
- Subcutaneous injection: Usually 200-500mcg taken before bed, 5-6 days per week
- Cycling: Many providers recommend cycling Sermorelin (e.g., 3 months on, 1 month off) to prevent desensitization
Important notes: Start with lower doses to assess tolerance. Sermorelin works best when taken on an empty stomach before bed. NAD+ injections can cause temporary flushing or tingling—this is normal and subsides quickly. Never share peptides or dosing protocols with friends—what works for you might not be appropriate for them.
Step 3: Know What to Expect in the First Month
Setting realistic expectations prevents disappointment and helps you stay consistent long enough to see real results. NAD and Sermorelin peptides aren’t like GLP-1s where you notice appetite suppression immediately—they work more subtly over time.
Weeks 1-2 (NAD+):
- Possible mild flushing or tingling during/after injections
- Some people notice improved energy within days; others take 2-3 weeks
- Sleep quality may improve relatively quickly
- Mental clarity often starts improving around week 2
Weeks 1-2 (Sermorelin):
- Improved sleep quality is usually the first noticeable effect
- May experience vivid dreams (totally normal—sign it’s working)
- Some mild water retention initially as your body adjusts
- Energy improvements typically start week 2-3
Weeks 3-4 (Combined):
- More consistent energy throughout the day
- Better workout recovery and less soreness
- Noticeably improved mental clarity and focus
- Sleep continues improving
- Body composition changes start becoming visible (especially if combining with GLP-1s and strength training)
The reality check: NAD and Sermorelin peptides are not overnight miracles. The people who get the best results are those who stay consistent for at least 3-6 months while also maintaining good nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise habits. NAD and Sermorelin peptides optimize your body’s systems—but they still require you to do the foundational work.
Step 4: Monitor and Adjust
Good providers will check in with you regularly to assess your response and adjust dosing if needed. Keep track of how you’re feeling—energy levels, sleep quality, recovery, mood, body composition changes—so you can have informed conversations about what’s working and what might need tweaking.
Signs your protocol needs adjustment:
- No noticeable improvements after 4-6 weeks (might need dose increase)
- Side effects that don’t resolve within the first week
- Excessive water retention or other concerning symptoms
- Sleep disruption instead of improvement
Want to learn more about starting injectable therapies safely? My Beginner’s Guide: How to Start Semaglutide Safely covers injection techniques, safety protocols, and troubleshooting that applies to all peptide therapies.
Supplements That Pair Well With Peptides
Peptides work better when your body has the foundational nutrients it needs to support cellular energy production, hormone synthesis, and recovery. These aren’t required, but they significantly enhance your results and help you feel better throughout the process.
Magnesium Glycinate: The Foundation
Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in NAD+ production and energy metabolism. When you’re optimizing NAD+ levels, ensuring adequate magnesium is crucial for getting the full benefits. Plus, magnesium supports sleep quality, which is when Sermorelin does its best work.
Dosage: 200-400mg magnesium glycinate before bed.
Amazon pick: Doctor’s Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate – The same one recommended in our supplements guide because it’s consistently excellent.
CoQ10: Mitochondrial Support
Coenzyme Q10 is another key player in cellular energy production. It works synergistically with NAD+ to support your mitochondria (the powerhouses of your cells). If you’re taking NAD+ to boost energy and you’re not supporting your CoQ10 levels, you’re leaving results on the table.
Dosage: 100-200mg daily with food (it’s fat-soluble).
Amazon pick: Qunol Ultra CoQ10 – Highly absorbable, third-party tested, softgel form for better absorption.
B-Complex Vitamins: NAD+ Production Support
B vitamins, particularly B3 (niacin/niacinamide), are precursors to NAD+ production. Supporting your body’s ability to naturally synthesize NAD+ enhances the effects of supplementation and helps maintain levels between doses.
Dosage: One B-complex capsule daily with breakfast.
Amazon pick: Thorne B-Complex #12 – Methylated forms for optimal absorption, comprehensive B vitamin support.
Vitamin D3 + K2: Hormonal and Bone Support
Vitamin D is crucial for hormone production and regulation, which directly impacts how well Sermorelin works. Since Sermorelin supports growth hormone production, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels optimizes this pathway. K2 ensures the D3 is properly utilized and supports bone health.
Dosage: 2,000-5,000 IU vitamin D3 daily with K2.
Amazon pick: Sports Research Vitamin D3 + K2 – Combined formula, includes coconut oil for better absorption.
Protein Powder: Supporting What Sermorelin Builds
Sermorelin helps preserve and build lean muscle, but it can’t create muscle from nothing—you need adequate protein. When you’re on GLP-1s and eating less food, protein supplementation becomes even more critical.
Dosage: 20-40g protein from powder daily, in addition to food sources.
Amazon picks: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides or Isopure Zero Carb Protein Powder (both recommended in our supplements and meal plan guides).
Hydration and Electrolytes: Always Essential
Both NAD+ and Sermorelin work better when you’re properly hydrated. Cellular processes require adequate water, and electrolyte balance supports energy production, muscle function, and recovery.
Daily protocol: 80-100oz water plus at least one electrolyte drink (LMNT or Liquid I.V.).
Want the complete supplement protocol? Head to Supplements for GLP-1: 7 Science-Backed Picks That Actually Boost Your Results for the full breakdown of what supports your entire wellness stack.
The Synergy: GLP-1s + NAD + Sermorelin
Here’s what a comprehensive protocol might look like for someone optimizing weight loss, energy, and longevity:
Morning:
- GLP-1 injection (if injection day)
- B-complex vitamin with breakfast
- CoQ10 with breakfast
- Vitamin D3+K2 with breakfast
- Electrolyte drink
Throughout the day:
- Protein-focused meals (small portions, high quality)
- Adequate hydration
- Protein shake mid-afternoon if needed
Evening:
- NAD+ injection (if injection day—typically 2-3x per week)
- Magnesium glycinate before bed
- Sermorelin injection before bed (on empty stomach)
Weekly rhythm:
- GLP-1: Once weekly (Semaglutide) or as prescribed
- NAD+: 2-3 times per week
- Sermorelin: 5-6 times per week, cycling as recommended
- Strength training: 2-3 times per week to maximize Sermorelin benefits
The results from this kind of comprehensive approach:
- Steady, sustainable weight loss without excessive fatigue
- Muscle preservation or even building while losing fat
- Consistent energy levels throughout the day
- Better sleep quality and recovery
- Improved body composition (not just weight loss, but actual physique changes)
- Mental clarity and focus
- Skin quality improvement
- Overall sense of vitality and wellbeing
Your Longevity Stack Starts Here
If GLP-1s got you glowing and feeling good about your weight loss progress, NAD and Sermorelin are how you stay there—and keep building on those results. The goal isn’t just weight loss. It’s longevity, sustained energy, confidence in how your body looks and feels, metabolic health that lasts, and the kind of vitality that makes you excited to wake up and live your life. These peptides aren’t about chasing youth in some desperate, anti-aging way. They’re about optimizing how your body functions so you can show up as your best self for the people and things that matter most.
Are NAD and Sermorelin peptides necessary for everyone on GLP-1s? No. Can you lose weight successfully with just GLP-1s and good lifestyle habits? Absolutely. But if you’re someone who wants to go deeper into optimization—who wants to address fatigue, preserve muscle, improve recovery, and set yourself up for long-term metabolic health—these peptides are worth exploring with a qualified provider.
Ready to explore peptide therapy? Check out GobyMeds’ peptide offerings to see if NAD+ and Sermorelin are right for your goals. They make the process simple, affordable, and medically supervised—exactly what you want when adding new compounds to your wellness protocol.
Building your complete GLP-1 support system? Don’t miss Supplements for GLP-1: 7 Science-Backed Picks That Actually Boost Your Results for the foundational nutrients that support everything we’ve discussed here.
New to GLP-1s and feeling overwhelmed? Start with What Is GLP-1? to understand the basics, then come back to peptides once you’re comfortable with your base protocol.
Now I want to hear from you: Are you already using NAD+ or Sermorelin? Thinking about adding them to your protocol? What questions do you still have about peptide therapy? Drop a comment below—this community is all about sharing real experiences and helping each other navigate this optimization journey. Your question might be exactly what someone else needs answered too.
Here’s to not just losing weight, but building the healthiest, most vibrant version of yourself. You’re not just transforming your body—you’re investing in decades of feeling incredible. That’s the real flex. 🐰✨
DISCLAIMER: Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you shop through them (no extra cost to you—think of it as buying us a matcha 🍵 for the research).
While some of us are doctors, we’re not your doctors. The info on this site is meant to educate and empower, not diagnose or treat. Always chat with your own healthcare provider before starting new meds, peptides, supplements, or that intense cold plunge-fasting-stack we’re raving about. You do you—but do it safely. 💪
