AOD-9604

AOD-9604 is a modified, lab-made snippet of human growth hormone (HGH)—specifically the last 16 amino acids of the 191-amino-acid HGH chain (fragment 176–191), with an added tyrosine residue to keep it stable.

What it actually does:

Researchers designed it to isolate the fat-burning portion of growth hormone without any of the growth-stimulating side effects:

• Burns stored fat (lipolysis): It signals fat cells to release stored triglycerides so they can be burned for fuel.

• Blocks new fat (anti-lipogenesis): It inhibits the enzymes that convert dietary carbohydrates and fats into new body fat.

• Leaves blood sugar alone: Unlike full-spectrum HGH, it doesn’t cause insulin resistance, spike blood glucose, or trigger tissue growth through IGF-1.

• Joint and cartilage research: Scientists also study it in lab models to see if it helps repair damaged joint tissue and cartilage.