Dec 23, 2025
You've tried cutting calories. You've done the cardio. You've even experimented with fat burners that made your heart race and your hands shake.
The fat came off. Slowly. Painfully. And the moment you relaxed even slightly, it came back.
Now you're looking at peptides. Specifically AOD 9604 - a modified fragment of human growth hormone that supposedly burns fat without the side effects of actual HGH.
Sounds too good to be true, right?
Here's what you need to know: AOD 9604 is real, it works, but it's not magic. It targets fat metabolism through specific mechanisms that don't affect blood sugar, don't cause insulin resistance, and don't mess with your growth hormone levels. That's the appeal.
But "works" depends entirely on using it correctly. This guide covers everything - what AOD 9604 actually does, how to dose it properly, what results to expect, and how it compares to other fat loss peptides you're probably considering.
Let's start with the science.
What is AOD 9604 peptide?
AOD 9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminus of human growth hormone (HGH). Specifically, it's amino acids 176-191 of the HGH molecule - the part responsible for fat burning without the growth-promoting or insulin-affecting properties of full-length growth hormone.
Scientists at Monash University in Australia developed AOD 9604 in the 1990s specifically as an anti-obesity treatment. The goal was to isolate HGH's fat-burning effects while eliminating everything else - no impact on blood sugar, no interference with insulin sensitivity, no concerns about acromegaly or other HGH-related issues.
Think of it like this: HGH is a Swiss Army knife - lots of tools, lots of effects, some wanted, some not. AOD 9604 is one specific blade from that knife, doing one job extremely well without the complications.
The peptide works by mimicking how HGH regulates fat metabolism. It stimulates lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and inhibits lipogenesis (the formation of new fat). Your body burns stored fat for energy more efficiently while storing less new fat from your diet.
AOD 9604 was actually developed far enough to go through human clinical trials for obesity treatment. It showed promising fat loss results with minimal side effects. However, it never received FDA approval because the results, while positive, weren't dramatic enough to meet regulatory thresholds for an obesity drug.
That doesn't mean it doesn't work. It means it didn't work well enough as a standalone pharmaceutical drug. For individuals using it as part of a comprehensive approach - proper diet, training, and lifestyle - the results are significant.
How AOD 9604 works for fat loss
Understanding the mechanism helps you use AOD 9604 effectively.
The peptide binds to beta-3 adrenergic receptors on fat cells. This binding triggers a cascade of events inside the adipocyte (fat cell) that ultimately results in lipolysis - the breakdown of stored triglycerides into free fatty acids that can be burned for energy.
Simultaneously, AOD 9604 inhibits an enzyme called acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase. This enzyme is crucial for fat synthesis. By inhibiting it, AOD 9604 reduces your body's ability to create new fat from excess calories.
The net effect: you're burning more fat and storing less. Your body shifts toward using fat as fuel.
What makes AOD 9604 unique compared to full-length HGH:
No effect on blood glucose: HGH can increase blood sugar and reduce insulin sensitivity over time. AOD 9604 doesn't touch these pathways. This makes it safer for longer-term use and eliminates concerns about developing insulin resistance.
No IGF-1 elevation: HGH increases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which promotes growth of all tissues - including potentially problematic growth. AOD 9604 doesn't affect IGF-1 levels, so there's no concern about unwanted tissue growth or increased cancer risk.
Selective fat targeting: Some evidence suggests AOD 9604 preferentially targets visceral fat (the dangerous fat around your organs) over subcutaneous fat (under your skin). This means health benefits may exceed what you see in the mirror.
No receptor downregulation: Unlike some fat burners that lose effectiveness as your body adapts, AOD 9604 doesn't cause significant receptor desensitization. It maintains effectiveness over extended use.
The fat loss isn't instantaneous. You won't drop five pounds in a week. What happens is your body gradually becomes more efficient at mobilizing and burning stored fat. Over weeks and months, this compounds into significant fat loss - especially when combined with proper nutrition and training.
Think of AOD 9604 as turning up your metabolic thermostat by a few degrees. It's not a furnace blast. It's a steady increase in fat oxidation that accumulates over time.
Proper AOD 9604 dosing protocols
Getting the dose right matters. Too little and you're wasting money. Too much doesn't necessarily work better and increases side effect risk.
Standard dosing
Daily dose: 300-600mcg per day
Injection frequency: Once daily, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach
Administration route: Subcutaneous injection
Most users start at 300mcg to assess tolerance, then increase to 500-600mcg if the lower dose is well-tolerated but results are modest. There's limited evidence that doses above 600mcg provide additional benefit.
Timing considerations
AOD 9604 works best when injected in a fasted state. Growth hormone and its derivatives have maximum fat-burning effects when insulin is low and glucagon is elevated - which happens during fasting.
Optimal injection timing: First thing in the morning, at least 12 hours after your last meal, and 30-45 minutes before eating breakfast.
Some users do their injection immediately upon waking, then do fasted cardio before breakfast. This maximizes fat mobilization and oxidation. While this approach likely enhances results, it's not mandatory - the peptide works fine if you inject and then go about your morning without exercise.
What to avoid: Don't inject AOD 9604 after eating, especially after carbohydrate-rich meals. Elevated insulin blocks fat mobilization, rendering the peptide less effective. If morning dosing doesn't fit your schedule, inject at least 3-4 hours after your last meal and 45 minutes before your next.
Cycle length
Typical cycle: 12-16 weeks
Minimum for results: 8 weeks
Maximum recommended: 6 months continuous use
AOD 9604 doesn't require cycling like some peptides. It doesn't suppress natural hormone production or cause dependency. That said, most users cycle it simply because fat loss goals are achieved within 3-4 months, or they want to assess baseline after treatment.
You can use AOD 9604 continuously for extended periods if needed. Clinical trials ran for 12 weeks without safety concerns. Anecdotal reports of users running 6+ months show continued effectiveness without significant issues.
Reconstitution
AOD 9604 typically comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution with bacteriostatic water.
Standard reconstitution ratio: 2ml bacteriostatic water per 2mg (2000mcg) vial
This gives you 1000mcg/ml concentration, making dosing math simple:
300mcg = 0.3ml (30 units on insulin syringe)
500mcg = 0.5ml (50 units on insulin syringe)
600mcg = 0.6ml (60 units on insulin syringe)
Use our peptide reconstitution calculator to calculate exact amounts for different vial sizes and desired concentrations.
Once reconstituted, store in the refrigerator. AOD 9604 remains stable for 4-6 weeks when stored properly.
Injection technique
Subcutaneous injection is straightforward:
Clean injection site with alcohol swab
Pinch skin to create a fold
Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle
Inject slowly
Remove needle and apply gentle pressure
Common injection sites: abdomen (2 inches from navel), thighs, love handles. Rotate sites to prevent irritation.
For detailed injection guidance, see our peptide dosing guide.
Expected results and timeline
Managing expectations prevents disappointment.
AOD 9604 works, but it's not dramatic in the short term.
Week 1-2: Minimal visible changes
You're unlikely to see much in the first two weeks. Your body is adapting to the peptide, fat mobilization is increasing, but visible changes take time.
Some users report improved energy and slightly enhanced recovery from workouts. This is real but subtle. Don't expect to feel dramatically different.
What's happening internally: AOD 9604 is binding to receptors, initiating lipolysis, and shifting your metabolism toward fat oxidation. The effects are accumulating even if you can't see them yet.
Week 3-4: First signs of progress
This is when most users start noticing something. Weight on the scale might drop 2-4 pounds (depending on starting point and deficit). More importantly, body composition is shifting.
Clothes fit slightly looser around the waist. Definition improves modestly, especially if you're lean enough to see changes. Energy levels often improve as your body gets better at using fat for fuel.
Mirror progress is still subtle. Take photos every 2 weeks so you can actually see the change. Day-to-day, it's barely noticeable. Over weeks, it's obvious.
Week 6-8: Clear fat loss
By week 6-8, results are undeniable. Most users report 4-8 pounds of fat loss (not just weight loss - actual fat loss while maintaining or even gaining muscle).
Waist measurements drop noticeably. Abs become more visible if you're already relatively lean. Love handles shrink. Face looks leaner. The changes are significant enough that other people start commenting.
Energy is consistently better. Training performance often improves because you're recovering faster and your body is efficiently fueling workouts.
Week 12+: Maximum benefits
Three months is the sweet spot for AOD 9604. By this point, users typically see:
8-15 pounds fat loss (highly variable based on starting point, diet, and training)
Significant improvement in body composition
Reduced waist circumference (often 2-4 inches)
Better muscle definition
Improved energy and recovery
Enhanced metabolic efficiency (easier to maintain leanness)
The fat loss is real and maintainable. Unlike crash diets that destroy your metabolism, AOD 9604 helps you burn fat while maintaining metabolic rate. When you come off, you're not fighting metabolic adaptation as severely.
What affects results
Diet: AOD 9604 enhances fat loss. It doesn't create it from nothing. You still need a caloric deficit. The peptide makes that deficit more effective at mobilizing fat, but eating at maintenance or surplus won't produce results.
Training: Resistance training preserves muscle while losing fat. Cardio enhances fat oxidation. You don't need to kill yourself with exercise, but sitting on the couch while using AOD 9604 will produce modest results at best.
Starting body composition: Leaner individuals see slower but cleaner results. People with more fat to lose see faster initial progress. Both eventually reach similar endpoints.
Consistency: Missing doses, inconsistent injection timing, or halfhearted diet adherence dramatically reduces effectiveness. AOD 9604 rewards consistency.
Sleep and stress: Poor sleep and chronic stress inhibit fat loss through hormonal disruption. AOD 9604 helps but can't completely overcome terrible lifestyle factors.
For more guidance on planning your fat loss cycle, check our peptide cycle planning guide.
Side effects and safety profile
AOD 9604 is generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials showed minimal adverse effects, and anecdotal reports from thousands of users confirm this.
That said, side effects can occur:
Common side effects (mild and transient)
Injection site reactions: Redness, mild swelling, or tenderness at injection sites. Usually resolves within hours. Rotating injection sites minimizes this.
Mild headaches: Some users report headaches during the first week of use. These typically disappear as the body adjusts. Staying well-hydrated helps.
Slight lethargy initially: Counterintuitive given that AOD 9604 eventually improves energy, but some users feel slightly tired during the first few days. This passes quickly.
Mild water retention: A small percentage of users report temporary water retention. This typically resolves within 1-2 weeks and doesn't affect actual fat loss.
Rare side effects
Increased appetite: Paradoxical for a fat loss peptide, but some users report increased hunger. Managing this with high-protein, high-fiber foods prevents it from sabotaging results.
Dizziness: Rare, but reported occasionally, especially if injecting without eating for extended periods afterward. Usually resolves by adjusting timing or having a small meal sooner.
Flushing: Temporary redness or warmth in the face or chest. Uncommon and typically brief.
What's NOT a side effect
Blood sugar issues: AOD 9604 doesn't affect glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity. It's safe for diabetics (though they should consult their doctor before use).
Hormone disruption: It doesn't affect testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, or other hormones. No concerns about hormonal imbalance.
Appetite suppression: Unlike some fat loss peptides (GLP-1 agonists, for example), AOD 9604 doesn't suppress appetite. Fat loss comes from enhanced fat oxidation, not reduced food intake. You still need to control your diet.
Safety considerations
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Not recommended. There's no safety data for use during pregnancy or lactation. Better to wait.
Pre-existing conditions: Generally safe even with most health conditions since it doesn't affect blood sugar, blood pressure, or hormone levels. That said, consult your doctor if you have serious health issues.
Drug interactions: No known significant interactions. AOD 9604 doesn't interfere with most medications. If you're on serious prescription drugs, verify with your healthcare provider.
Long-term use: Clinical trials only ran 12 weeks, so long-term safety data (6+ months continuous use) comes from anecdotal reports. These generally show continued safety, but definitive long-term studies don't exist.
For more detailed safety information across various peptides, see our peptide safety and risks guide.
AOD 9604 vs other fat loss peptides
You're probably considering other options.
Here's how AOD 9604 compares:
AOD 9604 vs HGH Fragment 176-191
They're virtually identical. HGH Fragment 176-191 is another name for the same peptide sequence. Some suppliers label it one way, others label it differently. The mechanisms, dosing, and effects are the same.
If you see both options, choose based on price, supplier reputation, and product testing. The peptide itself is identical.
See our HGH fragment calculator for dosing guidance.
AOD 9604 vs Semaglutide/Tirzepatide
Completely different mechanisms and effects.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They work primarily by suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. You eat less because you're not hungry. Fat loss comes from the caloric deficit created by reduced food intake.
AOD 9604 enhances fat mobilization and oxidation without affecting appetite. You need to create the deficit through diet; AOD 9604 makes that deficit more effective at burning fat.
Which is better? Depends on your situation:
If you struggle with hunger and portion control, GLP-1 agonists are more effective. They make eating less effortless.
If you can control your diet but want to maximize fat loss efficiency, AOD 9604 is excellent.
If you want maximum fat loss, combining both can be highly effective (with medical supervision).
For detailed comparison, see our semaglutide vs tirzepatide guide and use our semaglutide dosage calculator for proper dosing.
AOD 9604 vs CJC-1295/Ipamorelin
Growth hormone releasing peptides work by increasing your body's natural GH production. This provides fat loss benefits plus additional effects like improved sleep, recovery, and muscle growth.
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin offer broader benefits than just fat loss. They're excellent for body recomposition - losing fat while gaining muscle simultaneously. However, they can affect blood sugar, increase hunger in some users, and carry slightly more side effect risk.
AOD 9604 is more targeted. It does one thing - burn fat - without affecting other systems. Simpler, fewer variables, fewer potential issues.
Which is better? If you want overall body recomposition and anti-aging benefits, growth hormone peptides are superior. If you specifically want fat loss with minimal other effects, AOD 9604 is cleaner.
Many users combine AOD 9604 with CJC-1295/Ipamorelin for maximum fat loss plus muscle preservation/growth. This is an advanced protocol requiring more monitoring.
AOD 9604 vs Traditional fat burners
Traditional fat burners (caffeine, ephedrine, synephrine, yohimbine) work through stimulant effects and increased thermogenesis. They boost your metabolic rate temporarily and can suppress appetite.
Traditional fat burners:
Pros: Cheap, readily available, immediate effects
Cons: Stimulant side effects (jitters, anxiety, sleep disruption), tolerance develops quickly, effect stops when you stop taking them
AOD 9604:
Pros: No stimulant effects, no tolerance, maintains effectiveness, targets fat directly, minimal side effects
Cons: More expensive, requires injection, slower onset of effects
Most people find AOD 9604 more effective and sustainable than traditional fat burners, especially for significant fat loss goals. For minor fat loss (last 5 pounds for a photoshoot), traditional fat burners might be adequate.
Combining AOD 9604 with other peptides
AOD 9604 stacks well with several other peptides for enhanced results:
AOD 9604 + CJC-1295/Ipamorelin
This combination is popular for body recomposition. AOD 9604 enhances fat burning while growth hormone peptides preserve/build muscle and improve recovery.
Protocol:
AOD 9604: 500mcg morning fasted
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin: 200-300mcg before bed
This hits fat loss from multiple angles without significant interactions or increased side effects.
AOD 9604 + BPC-157
If you're cutting while training hard and dealing with injuries or inflammation, adding BPC-157 makes sense.
Protocol:
AOD 9604: 500mcg morning fasted
BPC-157: 250-500mcg twice daily (morning and evening)
BPC-157 accelerates healing and reduces inflammation, letting you train harder during your cut. For detailed BPC-157 guidance, see our BPC-157 complete guide and use our BPC-157 calculator.
AOD 9604 + Semaglutide (advanced)
For aggressive fat loss, combining appetite suppression with enhanced fat oxidation can be extremely effective.
Protocol:
AOD 9604: 500mcg morning fasted
Semaglutide: Standard titration protocol (start low, increase gradually)
This combination requires closer monitoring since you're affecting multiple metabolic pathways. Make sure you're hitting adequate protein and nutrients - the appetite suppression from semaglutide can make it easy to under-eat protein.
What NOT to combine
AOD 9604 + Insulin: Counterproductive. Insulin blocks fat mobilization. If you're using insulin for muscle growth, time it away from your AOD 9604 injection (at least 6-8 hours).
AOD 9604 + High-carb refeeds immediately after injection: Elevated blood sugar negates AOD 9604's effects. If you're doing refeeds, schedule them evening/night, not morning when you inject AOD 9604.
For comprehensive guidance on peptide combinations, see our peptide stacks guide.
Diet and training optimization with AOD 9604
AOD 9604 enhances fat loss, but it's not magic.
You need to support it with appropriate diet and training.
Diet strategy
Caloric deficit is mandatory. AOD 9604 makes your deficit more effective at mobilizing fat, but it doesn't create a deficit for you. Track your food intake.
Moderate deficit works best: 300-500 calorie deficit below maintenance. Aggressive deficits (1000+ calories) aren't necessary with AOD 9604 and can be counterproductive by increasing muscle loss and metabolic slowdown.
Prioritize protein: 0.8-1.0g per pound of body weight. This preserves muscle mass during your cut. AOD 9604 helps burn fat, but inadequate protein will still result in muscle loss.
Time carbs strategically: Since AOD 9604 works best in low-insulin states, consider keeping carbs moderate and timing them post-workout or evening. This keeps insulin lower during morning hours when AOD 9604 is most active.
Don't fear fats: Dietary fat doesn't prevent AOD 9604 from burning body fat. Adequate fat intake supports hormone production and satiety. Aim for 0.3-0.5g per pound of body weight.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration impairs fat oxidation. Drink water consistently throughout the day.
Training approach
Resistance training is crucial: Lift weights 3-5x per week.
This preserves muscle mass and maintains metabolic rate during your cut. AOD 9604 helps spare muscle, but training provides a strong signal to keep it.
Cardio enhances results: Fasted cardio after your morning AOD 9604 injection maximizes fat oxidation. Even 20-30 minutes of low-intensity cardio (walking, cycling, swimming) makes a noticeable difference.
You don't need to do hours of cardio. 2-3 cardio sessions per week plus daily walking (8,000-10,000 steps) is plenty.
Don't overtrain: Training volume should be slightly reduced during a cut. You're in a caloric deficit, recovery is impaired. Focus on maintaining strength and intensity rather than increasing volume.
Prioritize recovery: AOD 9604 can improve recovery somewhat, but adequate sleep (7-9 hours), stress management, and strategic deload weeks are still important.
Lifestyle factors
Sleep matters: Poor sleep elevates cortisol, increases hunger, and impairs fat loss. Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
Stress management: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which promotes fat storage (especially visceral fat). Find stress management strategies that work for you.
Consistency over perfection: Perfect diet and training for 4 weeks beats mediocre adherence for 12 weeks. AOD 9604 rewards consistency.
Sourcing quality AOD 9604
Peptide quality varies dramatically.
Buying cheap, untested peptides means you're injecting unknown compounds that may not work or could be contaminated.
What to look for in a supplier
Third-party testing: Reputable suppliers provide certificates of analysis (CoA) from independent labs verifying purity and identity. If they can't or won't provide CoAs, don't buy.
Transparency: Good suppliers clearly state peptide purity (should be 95%+ for AOD 9604), provide batch numbers, and offer detailed product information.
Proper storage and shipping: Peptides degrade in heat. Suppliers should ship with ice packs and provide storage instructions.
Responsive customer service: You should be able to ask questions and get knowledgeable answers about their products.
Established reputation: Check reviews, Reddit discussions, and community forums. Established suppliers with years of positive feedback are safer bets than new operations.
Red flags to avoid
Suspiciously cheap prices: AOD 9604 isn't expensive, but if someone's selling it for 50% less than everyone else, question why. Either it's underdosed, impure, or fake.
No testing documentation: "Trust us, it's pure" isn't good enough. Demand CoAs.
Poor website/communication: If their website looks sketchy, emails go unanswered, or information is vague, look elsewhere.
Overpromising results: Suppliers claiming "lose 30 pounds in 30 days" are either lying or selling something dangerous.
For guidance on evaluating peptide vendors, see our best peptide vendors guide.
Common mistakes that sabotage AOD 9604 results
You can do everything right with dosing and still fail if you make these errors:
Injecting at wrong times
Injecting AOD 9604 after meals or when insulin is elevated dramatically reduces effectiveness. The peptide can't mobilize fat when insulin is telling your body to store energy.
Fix: Inject first thing in the morning after overnight fast, wait 30-45 minutes before eating.
Not controlling diet
AOD 9604 enhances fat burning. It doesn't override thermodynamics. If you're eating at maintenance or surplus, you won't lose fat regardless of peptide use.
Fix: Track calories, ensure consistent deficit, prioritize protein.
Expecting immediate results
Quitting after 2 weeks because the scale hasn't moved is premature. AOD 9604's effects accumulate over weeks.
Fix: Commit to minimum 8 weeks, preferably 12 weeks. Take photos and measurements, not just scale weight.
Poor peptide storage
Leaving reconstituted AOD 9604 at room temperature or in sunlight degrades it. You're injecting inactive compound.
Fix: Store in refrigerator, protect from light, use within 4-6 weeks of reconstitution.
Using fake/underdosed peptides
This is the most common reason for "AOD 9604 doesn't work" complaints. People buy cheap peptides that contain little or no actual AOD 9604.
Fix: Source from reputable suppliers with third-party testing. Yes, it costs more. It also actually works.
Not training or moving enough
Sitting all day while using AOD 9604 produces minimal results. The peptide mobilizes fat, but you need to burn it through activity.
Fix: Resistance train 3-5x per week, add cardio 2-3x per week, aim for 8,000-10,000 steps daily.
Impatience and inconsistency
Skipping doses, bouncing between strategies, or giving up early guarantees failure.
Fix: Pick a protocol, stick with it consistently for the full duration, then assess results.
The role of SeekPeptides in your AOD 9604 journey
Using AOD 9604 effectively requires precision. Dosing errors waste money and reduce results. Storage mistakes degrade your peptides. Poor planning leads to inconsistent use.
SeekPeptides eliminates these problems.
Our peptide calculator ensures you're dosing accurately every single time. No more guessing, no more math errors.
Our peptide reconstitution calculator tells you exactly how much bacteriostatic water to add for your desired concentration. Reconstitute correctly every time.
Our cycle planning guide helps you map out your full protocol - when to start, how long to run, when to assess progress, when to adjust.
Our comprehensive peptide guides give you evidence-based information on mechanisms, dosing, combinations, and troubleshooting. No more sifting through forum posts trying to figure out conflicting advice.
Our AI-powered assistance answers your specific questions about timing, combinations, side effects, and optimization strategies tailored to your situation.
You don't have to figure this out through trial and error. Use the tools and knowledge that thousands of successful peptide users rely on.
Start with our peptide cost calculator to plan your budget, then use our specialized calculators for precise protocols.
Final thoughts
AOD 9604 is one of the most straightforward fat loss peptides available. It does one thing well - enhances fat mobilization and oxidation without affecting blood sugar, hormones, or appetite.
The results aren't dramatic week to week. But over 12 weeks of consistent use with proper diet and training, the fat loss is significant and sustainable.
It's not a magic solution. You still need to control your diet, train consistently, and manage lifestyle factors. But AOD 9604 makes those efforts more effective at actually burning fat rather than just losing weight (which often includes muscle).
For most people pursuing fat loss, AOD 9604 offers an excellent balance of effectiveness, safety, and simplicity. It's easier to use than growth hormone peptides, more targeted than comprehensive hormone optimization, and more effective than traditional fat burners.
Start with proper dosing. Source quality peptides. Control your diet. Train consistently. Give it time to work.
Do that, and AOD 9604 delivers on its promises.
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In case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night. Take care of yourself.
