HGH Fragment 176-191 vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Fat Loss & Metabolic
HGH Fragment 176-191Anti-Aging & LongevityFat Loss & Metabolic
AICAR- Summary
- HGH Fragment 176-191 (also known as AOD-9604) is a stabilized, modified fragment of the human growth hormone molecule corresponding to amino acids 176–191 with an addition of a tyrosine residue at the N-terminus. It retains HGH's fat-burning properties without the anabolic, diabetogenic, or IGF-1-stimulating effects.
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Half-Life
- ~30 minutes
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 250–500 mcg
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- 1–3 times daily
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Selective fat burning without anabolic side effects
- Reduces visceral and subcutaneous fat
- No insulin resistance or blood glucose disruption
- Does not stimulate IGF-1
- May support cartilage and bone repair (at higher doses)
- No effect on growth or organ size
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Temporary lethargy
- Headache (rare)
- Nausea (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
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