HGH Fragment 176-191 vs AOD 9604: What’s the Difference?

In the world of fat-loss peptides, compounds like tirzepatide and other GLP-1 agonists have taken center stage thanks to their remarkable efficacy.
But they’re not the only game in town. Another option is HGH-derived peptides like HGH Fragment 176-191 and AOD 9604, which work by mimicking the fat-burning properties of human growth hormone (HGH) without its broader systemic effects.
In this article, we’ll compare these two closely related peptides. Here’s how HGH fragment 176-191 and AOD 9604 work, how they differ, and which one may be more appropriate for your research.
Quick Summary:
- 🔬 Both HGH Fragment 176-191 and AOD 9604 are fat-loss peptides derived from human growth hormone (HGH) that promote fat breakdown without raising IGF-1 or causing growth-related side effects.
- ⏳ AOD 9604 is a modified version of the HGH fragment with a longer half-life and more human research behind it—though clinical results were mixed and drug development was eventually abandoned.
- ✅ For research use, AOD 9604 may be the better choice due to its stability and safety data, but both peptides are similar in how they work and are generally well tolerated.
Table of Contents
What Is HGH Fragment 176-191?
HGH Fragment 176-191 is a synthetic peptide derived from a specific portion of the human growth hormone (HGH) molecule—namely, amino acids 176 to 191. This section of the HGH chain is believed to be responsible for the hormone’s lipolytic (fat-burning) activity, but without triggering the broader anabolic and metabolic effects associated with the full-length hormone.
HGH Fragment 176-191 works by enhancing lipolysis (fat breakdown) and inhibiting lipogenesis (fat formation), especially in stubborn adipose tissues like abdominal fat. This makes it a promising candidate for fat loss protocols that aim to avoid the side effects of growth hormone therapy, such as water retention, insulin resistance, or unwanted growth of organs and tissues.
In research and experimental settings, HGH Fragment 176-191 is typically administered via subcutaneous injection, often once or twice daily.
The primary benefits of HGH Fragment 176-191 include:
- Accelerated fat burning, especially when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise
- Improved body composition, potentially with less risk of muscle loss compared to traditional dieting alone
- No increase in IGF-1 levels, reducing the likelihood of side effects associated with full HGH
What Is AOD 9604?
AOD 9604 (Anti-Obesity Drug 9604) is a modified version of HGH Fragment 176-191, originally developed as a potential treatment for obesity by an Australian pharmaceutical company.
The one major difference is that it has a longer half-life, resulting in longer-lasting effects than its cousin. As a result, its fat-burning effects should last longer and require less frequent subcutaneous dosing.
And because it was in development as a pharmaceutical drug, AOD-9604 has also seen more human research than the regular HGH fragment 176-191 (albeit with mixed results).
Having said that, the development of AOD 9604 was ultimately abandoned because the fat loss reported by human studies was not deemed significant enough.
HGH Fragment 176-191 vs. AOD 9604
While HGH Fragment 176-191 and AOD 9604 are closely related peptides—both derived from the same region of the human growth hormone molecule—they have some key differences.
The main one is that AOD 9604 was modified to have a longer half-life, which should extend the duration of its effects.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | HGH Fragment 176-191 | AOD 9604 |
Origin | Fragment of HGH (amino acids 176–191) | Modified version of HGH 176–191 |
Half-Life | Short | Longer |
Mechanism of Action | Stimulates lipolysis, inhibits lipogenesis | Same as Fragment 176–191 |
Safety and Side Effects
Both HGH Fragment 176-191 and AOD 9604 are known for their favorable safety profiles, especially when compared to full-length HGH.
These peptides are specifically engineered to avoid the growth-related and hormonal side effects typically associated with growth hormone therapy, making them appealing options for fat loss without systemic disruption.
Known Side Effects
HGH Fragment 176-191
Most users report minimal side effects when used at common research dosages (250–500 mcg per day). Possible, though rare, effects include:
- Mild injection site irritation or redness
- Temporary fatigue or lightheadedness in some users
- Water retention (in rare cases)
AOD 9604
AOD 9604 has undergone human clinical trials and was shown to be well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. Even at higher doses, it did not alter IGF-1 levels, blood sugar, or insulin sensitivity. Documented side effects were minor and included:
- Mild headache or nausea
- Temporary injection site discomfort
- Rare cases of dizziness
Which One Works Better?
If you’re comparing HGH Fragment 176-191 and AOD 9604 to decide which one is better for your research, both are viable options.
Generally speaking, AOD 9604 should be a bit more effective thanks to its longer-lasting effects. It’s also backed by more research evidence, including some human studies, whereas HGH fragment 176-191 has mostly been studied in animal and petri dish contexts.
But aside from that, both peptides work in the same way.
Final Thoughts
HGH Fragment 176-191 and AOD 9604 are two growth hormone-derived peptides designed to promote fat loss without the unwanted side effects of full growth hormone therapy.
They’re almost identical in structure, with the only real difference being that AOD 9604 has longer-lasting effects and is backed by more clinical research evidence. So, if you had to pick one for your research, AOD 9604 would be the better choice. But it’s not a huge difference.
Also, it’s important to reiterate that neither peptide was proven to cause significant weight loss in human studies. In that sense, GLP-1 peptides are a more proven, effective option for combating obesity.
HGH Fragment 176-191 5mg – 10 Vial Box (50mg Total)
Buy HGH Fragment 176-191 5 mg (one 10-vial box). All orders are shipped wholesale in unbranded packaging. Worldwide 7 – 14 day shipping to the USA, UK, AUS & NZ.
Quantity | Bulk Discount | Price |
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2 | 10% | $265.5 |
3-5 | 15% | $250.8 |
6-10 | 20% | $236.0 |