What is AOD-9604 and how does it compare to GLP-1s for weight loss?

AOD-9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug-9604) is a synthetic peptide fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176-191) that mimics the fat-burning effects of HGH without the growth-promoting or blood sugar effects. It works by stimulating lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibiting lipogenesis (fat creation) through HGH receptor pathways in adipose tissue. Unlike GLP-1s that work through appetite suppression and delayed gastric emptying, AOD-9604 targets fat cells directly. Research in animals shows fat loss without affecting muscle or bone, but human data is limited and mixed. It's not FDA-approved for weight loss. Compared to GLP-1s, AOD-9604 has less robust clinical evidence, doesn't suppress appetite significantly, and produces more modest weight loss in available studies. GLP-1s have superior clinical trial data, FDA approval, established safety profiles, and greater average weight loss. AOD-9604 is primarily used in anti-aging and biohacking communities rather than mainstream medicine.