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WEIGHT LOSS

AOD-9604

AOD-9604 (hGH Fragment 176-191)

Modified Growth Hormone Fragment for Fat Loss

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— authoritative voices whose published research informed this article

The information on this page is compiled from peer-reviewed research and is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed here may not be approved for human use in your jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any health protocol.

Overview

What is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 (Advanced Obesity Drug) is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (hGH), specifically the amino acids 176-191 of the hGH polypeptide [1]. It was developed to isolate the fat-burning properties of growth hormone without the adverse effects associated with full-length hGH, such as insulin resistance and increased IGF-1 levels.

AOD-9604 works by mimicking the way natural growth hormone regulates fat metabolism. It stimulates lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and inhibits lipogenesis (the formation of new fat) [2]. Unlike full hGH, AOD-9604 does not affect blood sugar levels or promote cell proliferation, making it a safer option for targeted fat reduction.

Research has shown that AOD-9604 has a particularly strong effect on reducing abdominal fat. It enhances the body's ability to oxidize fat for energy without stimulating appetite or causing the muscle or bone growth effects of HGH. AOD-9604 received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the FDA in 2007 for use as a food supplement.

Research Supply

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Protocol

Dosage Guide

Route: Subcutaneous injection, once daily

Dosing Schedule

PeriodDose
Standard dose300 mcg daily
Higher dose (advanced)500 mcg daily (as directed)

Reconstitution

VIAL SIZE5 mg (5000 mcg)
WATER VOLUME2 mL
CONCENTRATION2500 mcg/mL
Each 0.1 mL (10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe) = 250 mcg

Injection Volumes

DoseVolumeSyringe Units
250 mcg0.1 mL10 units
300 mcg0.12 mL12 units
500 mcg0.2 mL20 units

Administration Tips

  • Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen for best results
  • Administer first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
  • Wait at least 30 minutes before eating after injection
  • Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation
  • Store reconstituted solution refrigerated and use within 28 days
Safety

Risks & Side Effects

Commonly Reported

HeadacheInjection site redness or swellingMild nauseaStomach discomfortFlu-like symptoms (rare, typically during initial use)

Serious Risks

Allergic reactions

Swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash; discontinue immediately if these occur.

Chest tightness

Rare; discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Hypoglycemia

Very rare, as AOD-9604 does not significantly impact blood sugar.

Related Research

Related Peptides

Expert Voices

Experts Covering AOD-9604

Dr. William A. Seeds

MD -- Regenerative Medicine Pioneer

Jay Campbell

Health Optimization Author and Peptide Advocate

Matthew Farrahi

Biohacker, CEO of Sigma Compounds, and Fitness Creator

Dr. Peter Attia

MD -- Longevity Physician and Author

Dr. Robert H. Lustig

MD, MSL -- Pediatric Endocrinologist, UCSF

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any peptide therapy. Individual results may vary. Peptides Institute is not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of information provided on this site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AOD-9604?
AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone, specifically amino acids 176-191. It was engineered to isolate growth hormone's fat-burning properties without increasing blood sugar, IGF-1, or promoting cell growth. The FDA granted it GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in 2007 for use as a food supplement.
How does AOD-9604 work for fat loss?
AOD-9604 stimulates lipolysis -- the breakdown of stored fat -- and inhibits lipogenesis, the formation of new fat cells. It mimics the way the C-terminus of natural growth hormone regulates fat metabolism. Unlike full-length hGH, it has no significant effect on blood sugar or insulin-like growth factor levels, making it a more targeted fat-reduction compound.
What is the AOD-9604 dosage?
Standard research dosing is 300 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection, administered in the morning on an empty stomach. Some protocols use higher doses of 500 mcg daily. A 30-minute fast after injection is recommended to avoid blunting the lipolytic effect. Injection into the abdominal area is the most commonly documented approach.
What are AOD-9604 side effects?
AOD-9604 is generally considered well-tolerated. Reported side effects include headache, mild nausea, stomach discomfort, injection site redness, and occasional flu-like symptoms during initial use. Serious adverse events are rare but include allergic reactions. As a precaution, it is not recommended for individuals with a history of cancer.
Does AOD-9604 increase IGF-1 or affect hormones?
No. Unlike full-length human growth hormone, AOD-9604 does not significantly raise IGF-1, blood glucose, or cortisol. It was specifically designed to isolate the fat-metabolizing region of hGH while leaving the growth-promoting and insulin-resistant effects behind. This profile is why it was studied as a safer alternative to hGH for fat loss.
AOD-9604 vs HGH Fragment 176-191: are they the same?
AOD-9604 and HGH Fragment 176-191 refer to the same region of the human growth hormone sequence but are not identical. AOD-9604 is a modified version with an additional tyrosine residue at the N-terminus, which enhances its stability and bioavailability. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in research communities, though technically distinct.

References

  1. Ng FM, Sun J, Sharma L, et al.. Metabolic studies of a synthetic lipolytic domain (AOD9604) of human growth hormone. Horm Res. 2000. PMID 11146367
  2. Heffernan M, Summers RJ, Thorburn A, 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. PMID 11713213
  3. Kwon DR, Park GY, Lee SC. Effect of Intra-articular Injection of AOD9604 with or without Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Osteoarthritis Model. Ann Clin Lab Sci. 2015. PMID 26275694

Regulatory & Official Sources