From the Guidelines
AOD-9604 is not recommended for weight loss due to limited evidence of effectiveness and safety concerns. This peptide was originally developed to mimic the fat-reducing effects of human growth hormone without its growth-promoting properties. While some preliminary studies suggested it might increase fat metabolism and reduce fat accumulation, AOD-9604 failed in clinical trials and has not received FDA approval for weight loss or any other indication. The potential benefits claimed by proponents include increased fat burning, reduced fat storage, and potential cartilage repair properties, though these remain largely unproven in humans. The risks are significant and include unknown long-term effects, potential hormonal disruptions, injection site reactions (as it's typically administered via injection), and legal concerns since it's not approved for human use in most countries. Additionally, the quality and purity of commercially available AOD-9604 vary widely since it's unregulated.
According to the American College of Physicians guidelines 1, the recommended approach for weight loss includes lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, and FDA-approved medications when appropriate. The guidelines emphasize the importance of a doctor-patient discussion about the benefits and risks of weight loss medications, as well as the need for sustained lifestyle and behavioral modifications to achieve and maintain weight loss.
Key points to consider:
- AOD-9604 has not received FDA approval for weight loss or any other indication
- The potential benefits of AOD-9604 are largely unproven in humans
- The risks associated with AOD-9604 include unknown long-term effects, potential hormonal disruptions, and injection site reactions
- Evidence-based approaches to weight loss, such as caloric restriction, increased physical activity, and FDA-approved medications, are recommended instead of AOD-9604.
In conclusion, the use of AOD-9604 for weight loss is not supported by the current evidence, and individuals considering weight loss interventions should instead pursue evidence-based approaches under medical supervision.
From the Research
Benefits of AOD-9604
- AOD-9604, a synthetic analogue of the lipolytic domain of human growth hormone, has been shown to reduce body weight gain in obese Zucker rats by over 50% 2.
- It increases adipose tissue breakdown and lipolytic activity, making it a potential therapeutic agent for obesity 2.
- AOD-9604 has been found to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation in obese mice, even in the absence of beta(3)-adrenergic receptors 3.
- Unlike human growth hormone, AOD-9604 does not appear to have adverse effects on insulin sensitivity, making it a potentially safer treatment option for obesity 2.
Risks of AOD-9604
- While AOD-9604 has shown promise in reducing body weight and increasing lipolytic activity, its long-term effects and potential side effects in humans are not well understood 4.
- As with any weight loss medication, there is a risk of weight regain once treatment is stopped, highlighting the need for lifestyle modifications to support long-term weight loss 5, 6.
- The safety and efficacy of AOD-9604 in humans have not been extensively studied, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks 4.
Mechanism of Action
- AOD-9604 is thought to work by increasing lipolytic activity and adipose tissue breakdown, although its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood 2, 3.
- It may interact with the beta-adrenergic pathway, particularly with the beta(3)-adrenergic receptors, to increase lipolytic sensitivity and energy expenditure 3.