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HGH Fragment 176-191

GH Fragment / Fat Loss Peptide

Also known as: AOD-9604 · Frag 176-191 · HGH Frag

The lipolytic C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone that retains fat-burning activity without GH's anabolic, IGF-1-elevating, or hyperglycemic effects.

Typical Dose

250–500 mcg/day

Route

Subcutaneous injection (abdomen preferred for proximity to fat depots)

Cycle

8–12 weeks

Half-life

~30 minutes

Storage

Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days.

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Insights on this page are consolidated from peer-reviewed literature and aggregated research data. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.

Overview

HGH Fragment 176-191 is a 16-amino-acid peptide derived from the C-terminal region of human growth hormone (amino acids 176–191). This fragment retains the lipolytic activity of full GH — stimulating fat breakdown & inhibiting fat synthesis via beta-3 adrenergic receptor modulation — while lacking the IGF-1 elevating, anabolic, & hyperglycemic effects of the full GH molecule.

AOD-9604 is the commercial name used in clinical development for this fragment. Phase II trials showed modest but statistically significant fat loss in obese patients. The peptide does not bind GH receptors & does not suppress endogenous GH production.

It is commonly used in fat loss protocols either alone or stacked with other peptides. Given that it does not elevate IGF-1, it can be combined with GH secretagogues without redundancy.

Research Indications

Fat loss (lipolysis)

Most Effective

Stimulates lipolysis via beta-3 adrenergic pathways without GH receptor binding. Clinical trials confirmed fat reduction vs placebo in obese subjects.

Adipogenesis inhibition

Effective

Inhibits de novo lipogenesis (fat storage) through the same pathway as lipolysis stimulation.

Cartilage repair (secondary finding)

Research Only

Some animal data suggests proteoglycan synthesis stimulation. Phase III cartilage repair trials were conducted with AOD-9604 but did not advance.

Research References

AOD9604: An Anti-Obesity Drug

Current Pharmaceutical Design · 2013

Review of AOD-9604 (HGH Fragment 176-191) clinical development including Phase II trial data showing statistically significant fat loss in obese patients.

Research Protocols

Fat loss

8–12 weeks

Dose

250–500 mcg

Frequency

Once daily, AM fasted (30–60 min before food)

Route

SubQ abdomen

Fasted state improves lipolytic effect; insulin blunts activity. Can add a second dose pre-workout.

Stack with GH secretagogue

8–12 weeks

Dose

250 mcg HGH Frag + 200 mcg Ipamorelin

Frequency

Frag AM fasted; Ipamorelin pre-sleep

Route

SubQ

Non-overlapping mechanisms — frag handles lipolysis, Ipamorelin handles GH pulsing.

Peptide Interactions

IpamorelinCompatible

Non-overlapping mechanisms (lipolysis vs GH pulsing). Common stack for body composition.

BPC-157Compatible

No known interaction. Sometimes combined in cutting/recovery stacks.

Side Effects & Safety

Common

  • Injection site redness (mild)
  • Transient flushing
  • Mild fatigue

Uncommon

  • Headache
  • Nausea (rare)

When to Stop

  • Signs of allergic reaction
  • Known malignancy

How to Reconstitute

1

Wipe stopper.

2

2 mL bacteriostatic water per 2 mg vial.

3

Inject down inner wall. Swirl gently.

4

Refrigerate at 2–8°C.

Dosing math: 1000 mcg/mL with 2 mL BAC water. For 250 mcg: 0.25 mL. For 500 mcg: 0.5 mL.

Quality Indicators

Good — use as normal

  • Clear, colorless solution

Acceptable

  • Very faint tint

Discard immediately

  • Persistent cloudiness
  • Particulate
  • Discoloration

What to Expect

Week 1–2

Lipolytic effect begins immediately but early weight changes are minimal as fat mobilization needs to be cleared.

Week 3–6

Measurable fat loss begins, especially in abdominal region. Most pronounced in a caloric deficit.

Week 7–12

Continued loss. Effects plateau if diet is not maintained. Does not produce muscle gain or IGF-1-related anabolism.

Community Insights

Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.

Verify what you have

Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-QTOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.

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