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Experimental/Metabolic / GH FragmentResearch peptide

HGH Fragment 176-191

aka AOD analog · Lipolytic fragment

C-terminal GH fragment retaining lipolytic activity without GH or IGF-1 effects.

Educational explainer of a research peptide. Profiles in this section deliberately omit clinical-trial citations, dosing protocols, and purchase links. Not FDA-approved as a supplement; not a recommendation to use.

Overview

A synthetic fragment of the C-terminal 16 amino acids of human growth hormone, isolated to preserve fat-mobilizing activity while removing the somatogenic effects.

Source
  • Synthesized in research laboratories
Forms
  • Subcutaneous injection

Mechanism of action

Stimulates β3-adrenergic-like lipolysis in adipocytes without binding the GH receptor or raising IGF-1.

Pathways
  • · β3-adrenergic-like signaling
  • · Hormone-sensitive lipase activation

How it acts on the body

Researchers mapped GH's lipolytic activity to its C-terminus and synthesized this fragment to capture the fat-mobilizing signal without the growth-promoting one. In animal models it increases lipolysis and reduces adiposity without affecting blood glucose or IGF-1.

Human evidence is limited; commercial 'AOD-9604' is the most studied analog. The appeal is metabolic specificity for visceral fat without GH-axis side effects.

Hormonal & endocrine impact

How this peptide is reported to shift specific hormones and signaling molecules. Directionality reflects research literature and preclinical models, not clinical prescribing data.

Projected hormonal trajectory
Illustrative curves derived from reported direction of effect. Not measured patient data.

Curves are schematic shapes (sigmoid for increases/decreases, damped oscillation for modulation/stabilization) anchored to a 100% baseline. They communicate direction and tempo of change reported in research literature — not absolute hormone concentrations.

GH receptor activityModulates
Lacks growth-promoting activity; lipolytic only.
IGF-1Stabilizes
Does not raise IGF-1.
Insulin sensitivityModulates
Possibly improved in animal studies.

Effects on the body

Increases
Adipocyte lipolysis
Supports
Body composition without IGF-1 elevation

Organ system effects

Skin

Primary site of lipolytic action.

Liver

No GH-mediated IGF-1 induction.

Endocrine

GH-receptor independent.

Reported effects

Drawn from preclinical research, anecdote, and small-scale clinical observation. No evidence grades are assigned — most peptides on this page lack rigorous human trials.

  • No IGF-1 elevation
  • No blood glucose disruption

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Injection-site reaction
Rare
  • · Mild GI upset
Serious
  • · None well-documented

Drug interactions

No notable interactions reported.

Pairing context

Often combined with
  • Caloric deficit and resistance training
    Lipolysis only matters if mobilized fat is oxidized.
Avoid combining with
  • Severe cardiovascular disease
    Adrenergic-like lipolysis under-studied in this population.
Important. Research peptides described here are not FDA-approved supplements. Supplement Scholar does not endorse, recommend, or link to any source for purchase. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any peptide therapy.