AOD-9604
Also known as: hGH fragment 176-191
By GLPeptideSciences Editorial Team · How we evaluate evidence · Reviewed by Dr. George S. Watson, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon · Updated 2026-06-02
A synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (the 176-191 region) marketed for fat loss, but with disappointing human weight-loss evidence.
What it is & how it works
What it is
AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment of human growth hormone (the 176-191 region), marketed for fat loss on the theory that it captures GH’s lipolytic effect without the rest.
How it is thought to work
The premise is selective lipolysis (fat breakdown) without GH’s effects on blood sugar or growth. It’s a clean-sounding story — which is exactly why the data matters.
The evidence gap
This is a case where marketing outran results: human trials did not demonstrate meaningful weight loss versus placebo. It’s a useful example of why “promising mechanism” must be checked against actual human endpoints. Not approved for fat loss.
What it's discussed & studied for
- Fat loss / body composition (claimed; weakly supported)
Discussion of a use is not a claim that it works or is approved.
Research status
Studied as an anti-obesity candidate; human trials did not show meaningful weight loss versus placebo. Not an approved weight-loss drug.
Evidence quality
Low for the headline claim. The fat-loss marketing outpaces the human data, which was unimpressive in trials.
Dosing discussion
No approved weight-loss label exists. Community dosing is convention, not validated guidance.
Educational summary of what is discussed in the literature and community — not a dosing recommendation or medical advice.
Safety & harm reduction
Generally reported as well tolerated in studies, but the relevant point is efficacy: the human weight-loss benefit was not demonstrated. Not approved for fat loss.
Sourcing literacy
Marketed heavily despite weak efficacy data — a good reminder to separate marketing from trial results. Research-market product is unapproved and unverified.
Selected literature
FAQ
Does AOD-9604 cause fat loss in humans?
The human trial evidence did not show meaningful weight loss versus placebo, despite the marketing. Treat fat-loss claims skeptically.
Is it approved?
No, it is not an approved weight-loss drug.