Top 5 SARMs for Recomp Based on the FitScience Methodology (2025 Edition)

A science-driven guide for building muscle while burning fat

🔬 What Is Recomp and Why Use SARMs?

Body recomposition (recomp) refers to the process of building muscle and burning fat simultaneously, which is typically very difficult—especially for advanced athletes. While nutrition, training, and recovery are essential, Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) can enhance this process due to their unique tissue-selective anabolic effects.

Unlike steroids, SARMs selectively bind to androgen receptors in muscle and bone while minimizing impact on prostate, liver, or skin, resulting in less water retention, fewer side effects, and cleaner gains.

This guide ranks the top SARMs for recomp based on:

  • Anabolic:Androgenic ratio

  • Lean mass gains

  • Fat oxidation/lipolysis support

  • Strength retention during deficit

  • Side effect profile

We’ve taken inspiration from the FitScience.co approach: evidence-backed, user-centric, and aimed at bodybuilders seeking precise transformations.

📊 Top 5 SARMs for Recomp in 2025

Rank Compound Anabolic:Androgenic Dosage Range Cycle Length Key Recomp Features Side Effects
1️⃣ RAD-140 (Testolone) ~90:1 10–20 mg/day 6–8 weeks Builds dense muscle with high strength gains; preserves muscle in deficit Mild suppression
2️⃣ S4 (Andarine) ~33:1 25–50 mg/day 6–8 weeks Dramatic fat loss + vascularity + strength retention Vision sides at high dose
3️⃣ LGD-3303 (New Gen) ~150:1 10–15 mg/day 6–8 weeks High muscle protein synthesis + potential fat loss synergy Mild suppression, newer research
4️⃣ MK-2866 (Ostarine) ~12:1 20–30 mg/day 8–12 weeks Mild lean gains + effective during cut + injury-friendly Low suppression
5️⃣ ACP-105 (Emerging) ~66:1 10 mg/day 6–8 weeks Promising recomposition and strength profile; low side effects Limited human research

🔎 1. RAD-140 (Testolone): King of Clean Bulking in a Deficit

  • Why It’s #1 for Recomp: RAD-140 delivers near-steroid-level anabolic activity with minimal androgenic effects. It’s perfect for clean, dry gains in a caloric deficit.

  • Best Used For: Intermediate or advanced users wanting lean muscle retention or gain while cutting.

  • Notable Results: Users often report 4–7 lbs of lean mass gain + fat loss over 6 weeks.

  • Caution: Mild testosterone suppression; post-cycle therapy (PCT) recommended.

🔎 2. S4 (Andarine): The “Cut and Dry” SARM

  • Why It’s #2: S4 is arguably the most effective SARM for shedding body fat while maintaining strength and even gaining vascular muscle.

  • Standout Benefit: It reduces visceral fat and enhances vascularity within ~2 weeks.

  • Drawback: The famous “yellow vision” side effect at 50 mg+—safe at 25 mg/day.

  • Ideal Stack Pairing: MK-677 for muscle fullness and recovery.

🔎 3. LGD-3303: The Advanced Recomp Specialist

  • Why It’s a Game-Changer: A newer generation SARM with higher bioavailability and stronger mTOR stimulation than older variants like LGD-4033.

  • Benefits: High lean mass accrual with potential lipolytic synergy—emerging studies show increased GLUT4 expression (better nutrient partitioning).

  • Warning: Still in limited public trials—most info is user-reported or animal studies.

🔎 4. MK-2866 (Ostarine): Best for First-Time Recompers

  • Why It’s Safe and Effective: Mild, well-researched, and versatile. MK-2866 provides solid muscle preservation during cutting and has anti-catabolic properties ideal for recomposition.

  • Benefits: Joint healing, minimal suppression, body-tightening effect.

  • Ideal User: Natural lifters, women, or beginners transitioning from natty to enhanced.

🔎 5. ACP-105: 2025’s Under-the-Radar Powerhouse

  • Why It’s Worth Watching: ACP-105 exhibits strong anabolic effects and cognitive enhancement in animal models, with very low androgenic burden.

  • User Feedback: Improved mental focus, endurance, and recomp results comparable to lower doses of RAD or LGD.

  • Limitation: No large-scale human trials yet; anecdotal results are promising.

🧬 Bonus: Stack Recommendations for Recomp

Stack Goal SARM 1 SARM 2 Support
Lean Gains + Fat Loss RAD-140 (10 mg) MK-2866 (20 mg) N2Guard + mini-PCT
Shred + Strength S4 (25 mg) ACP-105 (10 mg) TUDCA + liver support
Beginner Stack MK-2866 (25 mg) Cardarine (10 mg, non-SARM) None (optional PCT)
Advanced Stack LGD-3303 (15 mg) RAD-140 (10 mg) HCGenerate + Enclomiphene for PCT

💡 Tips for Maximizing Recomp

  1. Dial in Macros

    • Aim for slight caloric deficit (10–15% below TDEE)

    • 1.2–1.6g protein per pound of lean body mass

  2. Train Heavy, Rest Smart

    • Prioritize compound lifts + progressive overload

    • Don’t overdo cardio—focus on NEAT + steps

  3. Time Your Doses

    • Most SARMs are taken once daily, in the morning or pre-workout

    • Consistency in timing matters for half-life stability

  4. Bloodwork and PCT

    • Pre-cycle and post-cycle blood panels (Test, LH, FSH, Lipids, Liver)

    • Mild PCT: Nolvadex (20 mg/day x 3 weeks) or Enclomiphene for RAD/LGD

⚠️ Important Considerations

  • All SARMs are research chemicals. They are not FDA-approved.

  • Long-term safety is unknown. Use at your own risk, with informed consent and health monitoring.

  • Not for drug-tested athletes—many SARMs are WADA-prohibited.

  • Source carefully. Use 3rd-party tested vendors only.

✅ Final Thoughts

Body recomp is difficult—but when combined with a scientific SARM protocol, it becomes achievable for intermediate to advanced bodybuilders.

This ranking, inspired by FitScience’s analytic and biochemical methodology, reflects 2025’s best-performing compounds for clean, dry gains and fat loss synergy. Whether you’re prepping for a cut, photo shoot, or just aiming to improve body composition, the SARMs listed here are potent tools—if used responsibly.