If you care about performance, anti-aging, or recovery, you must understand IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1).This “under-the-radar” hormone may be the single best biomarker for your biological age, strength, and ability to recover.In this episode of the Weaponized Body podcast, Dr. Ryan Hewitt breaks down exactly what IGF-1 is, how it works, and how to optimize it naturally.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

• What IGF-1 actually is, how it’s triggered by growth hormone, and why it’s the real workhorse behind muscle growth and recovery

• Why IGF-1 is a far better lab marker than growth hormone for tracking performance and anti-aging

• The key lifestyle factors that kill IGF-1: poor sleep, low protein, liver dysfunction, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation

• Optimal IGF-1 ranges for men and women by age—and the danger signs when your number is too low

• Practical strategies to boost IGF-1 naturally: deep sleep, strength training, HIIT, fasting windows, protein intake, micronutrients, and insulin sensitivity

• How stress and cortisol quietly wreck your growth hormone → IGF-1 pathway, and simple ways to get back into parasympathetic “repair mode”

• When medical peptides (like CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, etc.) make sense, and why you should never use them without labs and proper guidance

• Why knowing your IGF-1 level is non-negotiable if you want to stay strong, sharp, and “weaponized” for your family, business, and life

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website: https://www.drryanhewitt.com/

The Weaponized Body Program: https://www.theweaponizedbody.com/

Weaponized wellness HRT: https://www.weaponizedwellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweaponizeddad/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theweaponizedbody