SARMs and Fat Loss: My Real Take on Ostarine, RAD150, and Fat Burners That Work
When I started cutting for my first national show, I thought fat loss was just about eating less and doing more cardio. Spoiler: it’s not. Preserving muscle mass, keeping hormones stable, and actually mobilizing fat stores all require more than just a calorie deficit. That’s where SARMs and targeted fat-burning agents come in.
What Are SARMs and Why Are They Relevant for Cutting?
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are compounds designed to selectively bind to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissue. Unlike anabolic steroids, SARMs don’t aromatize or convert to DHT, which makes them appealing for cycles focused on fat loss, muscle retention, and improved composition.
Top SARMs and Fat Burners for Cutting
- Ostarine (MK-2866): Great for beginners. Helps preserve muscle in a caloric deficit and improves definition. Mild side effects, minimal suppression.
- Stenabolic (SR9009): Technically not a SARM but a Rev-ErbA agonist. Boosts metabolism and endurance. Excellent for cardio-heavy routines.
- RAD 150 TLB: Stronger cousin of RAD140. Enhances fat loss and increases lean mass. Prolonged half-life for better blood stability.
- Ligandrol (LGD-4033): Good choice for recomp phases. Enhances strength and hardness. Often used when transitioning from bulk to cut.
- Clenbuterol: A powerful thermogenic agent that stimulates fat loss via beta-2 receptor activation. Often stacked with SARMs or anabolics for aggressive cuts.
- Trenbolone Enanthate: Ideal for experienced lifters. Dramatically enhances body recomposition and reduces visceral fat.
- Trenbolone Acetate: Fast-acting version used in short cutting cycles. Rapid muscle hardening and significant fat melting effects.
How to Structure a Cutting Cycle
It’s not just about which compounds you choose — timing, stacking, and nutrition matter too.
Example Fat Loss Cycle (Intermediate User)
- Ostarine — 20 mg/day
- Stenabolic — 30 mg/day split across 3 doses
- Clenbuterol — 40 mcg/day to start, taper up weekly
- 8-10 weeks, followed by a short PCT (if needed)
Advanced Fat Loss Stack
- RAD150 TLB — 15 mg/day
- Ligandrol — 5 mg/day
- Trenbolone Acetate — 50 mg EOD (for experienced users only)
- Clenbuterol — cycling 2 weeks on/2 weeks off
- Support: Liver detox, cardiovascular monitoring, and proper PCT
Expected Results (Based on My Coaching Experience)
Fat loss isn’t linear, but here’s a ballpark of what you can expect on a well-designed stack with proper training and nutrition:
| Start Weight | Cycle Length | Average Fat Loss | Muscle Preservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 140 kg (obese male) | 12 weeks | −18 to 25 kg | Moderate muscle retention (Ostarine) |
| 90 kg (active lifter) | 8 weeks | −6 to 9 kg | High retention (RAD150 + LGD + Clen) |
| 70 kg (lean female) | 6 weeks | −3 to 5 kg | Minimal muscle loss (Ostarine or SR9009) |
Tips for Maximizing Fat Loss
- Track your macronutrients and adjust based on weekly progress
- Don’t cut calories too drastically — preserve muscle!
- Include resistance training 4–5x/week minimum
- Prioritize sleep and recovery to regulate cortisol
- Consider fasted cardio while on Stenabolic or Clen
Final Thoughts from a Coach
I’ve coached guys who used everything from Ostarine to Trenbolone. Here’s my rule of thumb: if you’re new, don’t jump to advanced compounds. If you’ve been stuck at the same fat level for months, that’s when you may consider Clen or something more potent like Tren. But only with supervision and proper planning. Fat burners won’t fix a bad diet, and SARMs won’t help if your training sucks. Be honest with yourself, do it right, and your physique will reward you.
FAQ
- Do SARMs burn fat directly? — Not like thermogenics. They help preserve muscle during a cut, which helps keep metabolism high.
- Can women use SARMs? — Yes, but stick to lower doses and avoid suppressive ones like RAD150.
- Do I need PCT after a cutting cycle? — Often yes, especially if stacking or using RAD, LGD, or Trenbolone.