rsj
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Ibutamoren also known as MK-677, MK-0677, LUM-201, L-163,191 or Oratrope is a orally-available micromolecule agonist of the ghrelin receptor and is also a growth hormone secretagogue, which mimics growth hormone in the brain and signals IGF-1.
Known benefits of the compound:
- It makes you gain more mass and muscle
- It makes you taller
- It gives you better sleep
The initial bullet point is primarily supported by the article "Two-Month Treatment of Obese Subjects with the Oral Growth Hormone (GH) Secretagogue MK-677 Increases GH Secretion, Fat-Free Mass, and Energy Expenditure". The researchers gave the twenty-four obese males, aged 18–50 years old and eventually concluded "We conclude that 2-month treatment with MK-677 in healthy obese males caused a sustained increase in serum levels of GH, IGF-I, and IGF-binding protein-3. The effects on cortisol secretion were transient. Changes in body composition and energy expenditure were of an anabolic nature, with a sustained increase in fat-free mass and a transient increase in basal metabolic rate." The researchers were able to quickly see a massive impact on the group. The second proof for this claim is titled "Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adults: a randomized trial" the article concluded "Over 12 months, the ghrelin mimetic MK-677 enhanced pulsatile growth hormone secretion, significantly increased fat-free mass, and was generally well tolerated. Long-term functional and, ultimately, pharmacoeconomic, studies in elderly persons are indicated." The group contained 65 healthy adults (men, women receiving hormone replacement therapy, and women not receiving hormone replacement therapy) ranging from 60 to 81 years of age. The mass and muscle increase is also heavily supported by anecdotal claims across this forum, bodybuilding and "biohacking" communities.
Reasoning for the height claim:
The second bullet point is primarily supported by the article "Effects of oral administration of ibutamoren mesylate, a nonpeptide growth hormone secretagogue, on the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor I axis in growth hormone-deficient children". The researchers gave the eighteen prepubertal children, aged around 10 years old and eventually concluded "We conclude that short-term administration of ibutamoren mesylate can increase GH, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 levels in some children with GH deficiency. Thus this compound is applicable for testing its effect on growth velocity". The researchers were able to quickly see a massive impact on the group. The second proof for this claim is titled "Lumos Pharma Announces Encouraging Interim Results from Two Phase 2 Trials Evaluating Oral LUM-201 for Moderate Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency".
In the Phase 2 OraGrowtH210 trial, children with moderate growth hormone deficiency taking oral LUM-201 achieved a remarkable annualized height velocity of 8.2 to 8.6 cm/year over a 6-month period. This high 6-month growth rate successfully matched the height increases typically seen with standard daily growth hormone injections, proving the oral drug's strong effectiveness for height growth.
The height increase claim is also heavily supported by the simple premise of heightened IGF-1 leading to increased height with open growth plates and is supported by anecdotal claims across this forum, bodybuilding and "biohacking" communities.
Reasoning for the sleep claim:In the Phase 2 OraGrowtH210 trial, children with moderate growth hormone deficiency taking oral LUM-201 achieved a remarkable annualized height velocity of 8.2 to 8.6 cm/year over a 6-month period. This high 6-month growth rate successfully matched the height increases typically seen with standard daily growth hormone injections, proving the oral drug's strong effectiveness for height growth.
The height increase claim is also heavily supported by the simple premise of heightened IGF-1 leading to increased height with open growth plates and is supported by anecdotal claims across this forum, bodybuilding and "biohacking" communities.
The third bullet point is primarily supported by the article "Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man". The researchers gave young adults and older adults high-dose MK-677 and eventually concluded "The present findings suggest that MK-677 may simultaneously improve sleep quality and correct the relative hyposomatotropism of senescence". The researchers were able to quickly see a massive impact on the groups, with young subjects experiencing an approximately 50% increase in stage IV sleep and more than a 20% increase in REM sleep, while older adults saw a nearly 50% increase in REM sleep and decreased REM latency. The better sleep claim is also heavily supported by anecdotal claims across this forum, bodybuilding and "biohacking" communities.
FAQ: Can this compound close my growth plates early?
MK-677 doesn't interact with testosterone or estrogen (which signals growth plate closure). Theoretically if the IGF-1 signalling was too high it could close it too early but the MK-677 is just not strong enough at the signalling to do that and has never been reported or seen via MK-677.
What are the side effects?
The only real side effect is heightened insulin resistance. MK-677 consistently reduces insulin resistance and increases fasting blood glucose levels. This can be mitigated with supplements like berberine (although it can potentially decrease some of the IGF-1 signalling), Chromium picolinate or ALA (alpha-lipoic acid). You can also mitigate it by simply not taking the supplement for extended periods or breaks. Monitoring your blood pressure is recommenced (although not necessary IN MY OPINION for most people taking it, especially in small doses short term, this isn't medical advice please don't sue me). MK-677 is pretty unlikely to damage your general health especially if you take breaks and mitigate the side effects via supplements. Minor side effects and potential/theoretical ones are: Water retention and swelling (minor), moderate muscle and joint pain, numbness, and tingling (minor), increased cancer tumor growth (theoretical, has never been seen before and is caused by the general growth hormone being released throughout the whole body and would only effect you if you already have a cancer tumor in your body), and if your susceptible to congestive heart failure there's a likelihood your rate of heart failure would increase when taking this because of a study with elderly individuals showing this happening.
Can this increase my height?
If your growth plates are open it probably can. Kids and teens with short stature were given this with only moderate to mild GH deficiency and grew 8.2cm-8.5cm (~3.3 inches) in only 6 months. Even if you have normal GH levels the overall increase of GH would still be beneficial for height, especially if taken long term. Like I said earlier, this claim is also supported by the sheer amount of anecdotal evidence.
Does MK-677 actually build muscle and strength?
It increases fat-free mass (lean body mass) by boosting GH and IGF-1 levels. In a 12-month study, users gained about 1.1 kg of fat-free mass while the placebo group lost mass. It is also highly anti-catabolic, meaning it reverses nitrogen wasting and helps prevent muscle breakdown. However, while it makes you hold more intracellular water and lean mass, studies haven't proven that it significantly increases raw physical strength or functional gym performance. It will make you look bigger and fuller, but it doesn't build contractile muscle tissue the way anabolic steroids or SARMs do.
Will it help with my sleep?
Yes, sleep improvement is one of the most consistently proven benefits in clinical trials. A study showed that prolonged oral treatment with MK-677 increased Stage IV (deep) sleep by about 50% and REM sleep by more than 20% in young adults. Older adults also saw a nearly 50% increase in REM sleep. Because growth hormone is naturally secreted during deep sleep, the compound significantly enhances overall sleep architecture, leading to much better physical and neurological recovery.
What's the best dosing?
The most common amount in studies is one 25 mg capsule a day. Although due to heightened insulin resistance I personally think taking one before you go to the gym, and if your not going to the gym that day, just skip the dose.
What happens when I stop taking it?
Your IGF-1 levels will return to baseline, and you'll probably lose a couple pounds of water-weight. Nothing crazy, really.
Is it cope?
Nope definitely not, and it can lead to growth, muscle gain and better sleep across your whole body.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, MK-677 is one of the most interesting, underrated, overhated and well-researched compounds out there for biohacking your GH/IGF-1 axis. Whether your goal is to squeeze out extra height and trying to avoid being a manlet, pack on some extra lean mass and water fullness, or just get the best deep sleep of your life, both the clinical trials and years of anecdotal evidence show that it works. It's not a SARM or the most powerful thing for growth but interesting to say the least. Stay safe, and I hope you enjoyed reading.
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