In plain English
AOD-9604 is a small piece of human growth hormone, the part believed to drive fat breakdown, with one amino acid added for stability. It was designed to help burn fat without growth hormone’s effects on blood sugar, muscle growth or IGF-1.
What it's used for
- Fat loss, especially stubborn fat
- Body recomposition alongside diet and training
- Cartilage and joint support (being explored)
Benefits
In animal studies, AOD-9604 increased fat breakdown and reduced fat storage without raising blood sugar or IGF-1. In human studies it was very well tolerated, although weight loss in the largest trial was modest. Users report gradual fat loss, especially around the midsection, when combined with diet and exercise.
How it works
In simple terms: AOD-9604 is meant to keep growth hormone’s fat-burning effect and leave out the rest.
It mimics amino acids 176–191 at the tail end of growth hormone, a region linked to the breakdown of stored fat (lipolysis) and reduced fat formation (lipogenesis). It does not act like full growth hormone at its receptor, so it does not raise IGF-1 or affect blood sugar.
Development history
- 1990s: Developed by Professor Frank Ng at Monash University in Australia.
- 2000s: Taken into human trials for obesity by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals; it proved safe but larger trials showed only modest weight loss, and development as a weight-loss drug stopped.
- Today: Widely used as a fat-loss peptide and being explored for cartilage repair.
Typical protocols
These ranges are what users commonly report.
| Use | Dose | Frequency | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat loss | 250–500 mcg | Once daily, usually in the morning on an empty stomach | 8–12 weeks |
Users typically avoid food for 30–60 minutes after injecting and pair AOD-9604 with diet and exercise.
Cycling
Commonly run for 8–12 weeks, then a break of about 4 weeks.
Administration options
Subcutaneous injection, usually in the belly.
Reconstitution and dosing calculator
AOD-9604 usually comes in 5 mg vials and is commonly mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water. It does not dissolve easily in water; follow the seller’s mixing instructions.
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This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.
Side effects and safety
- Users report that AOD-9604 is generally well tolerated. Occasional effects include injection-site redness, headache and mild tiredness.
- Human studies found a side-effect profile similar to placebo.
- Long-term effects have not been well studied.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common stacks
- CJC-1295 and ipamorelin: combined by users for body composition.
- GLP-1 peptides: combined by some users for weight loss.
- MOTS-c: combined for metabolic support.
Storage
Powder: refrigerate, dry and away from light.
After mixing: refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protect from light, and use within about 3–4 weeks.
Compare with
- HGH fragment 176-191: the unmodified fragment; AOD-9604 adds one amino acid for stability.
- Semaglutide and tirzepatide: work through appetite and produce much larger weight loss.
- Tesamorelin: raises natural growth hormone and has strong data for belly fat.
Frequently asked questions
Is AOD-9604 the same as HGH fragment 176-191?
Nearly. AOD-9604 has an extra amino acid (tyrosine) added to make it more stable.
Does it raise IGF-1 or blood sugar?
No. Studies found it does not affect IGF-1 or blood sugar the way full growth hormone does.
Why take it fasted?
Users take it on an empty stomach because insulin from a meal works against fat breakdown.
How long until results?
Users report gradual changes over 6–12 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.
References
- Heffernan M, et al. The effects of human GH and its lipolytic fragment (AOD9604) on lipid metabolism following chronic treatment in obese mice and beta(3)-AR knock-out mice. Endocrinology. 2001;142(12):5182-5189.
- Stier H, et al. Safety and tolerability of the hexadecapeptide AOD9604 in humans. J Endocrinol Metab. 2013;3(1-2):7-15.