MK-677 (Ibutamoren) Review for Fat Loss: Dosage Guide & Side Effects
A few months ago, after a minor health scare, my doctor told me that I needed to lose some fat and try to build some muscle to help improve my overall body composition.
Thanks to many hours working in front of a computer, I was a bit overweight and not very strong, which was affecting my ability to do basic things like carrying the groceries to my car or playing with my kids.
Having some health issues in my family, I was concerned that I was going to end up with osteoporosis from weak bones, or diabetes from being overweight when I got older.
While I was nervous about using SARMs (such as human growth hormone) to help me reach my goal, the science behind MK-677 and how it helps the body to release stored fat and build muscle is compelling.
Also known as Ibutamoren, MK-677 is becoming popular with my bodybuilding friends, who say it boosts their metabolism and helps shed excess body fat.
Note: I get my MK-677 from Proven Peptides here.
Things to Consider Before Buying MK-677
As a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), MK-677 can do a lot of amazing things.
Taken orally, it can help the body release stored fat, build lean muscle mass, strengthen bones, and can help you live a longer and healthier life.
You might be a good fit for MK-677 if you’re trying to lose weight and get stronger. MK-677 is particularly useful in the older population.
It’s been shown to increase bone strength in adults over the age of 65, to slow functional decline between the ages of 65 and 84, and can also increase bone mineral density in post-menopausal women which decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
Bodybuilders may also get great results from MK-677. When combined with strength training, athletes can see even more pronounced muscle-building effects.
If you have diabetes or already have insulin resistance, this isn’t a good choice for you. To assist with weight loss, you might consider a thermogenic supplement that won’t affect insulin sensitivity.
When I first heard of SARMs, they honestly sounded like steroids. But the more I read, the more I realized they fall more under the umbrella of biohacking than straight bodybuilding.
MK-677: Pros and Cons
MK-677 can help you pack on muscle mass, improve bone health, and strengthen overall body composition.
It comes in a pill, liquid, or powder form and can be taken safely both short and long-term to achieve results.
This supplement is ideal for someone who needs to lose weight for health reasons but wants to maintain and build strength while they’re doing it.
To get the best results, you’ll need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Pros:
- Available legally when ordered online in the US
- Clinically-proven to have positive effects in men and women, especially over the age of 65
- Taken orally as a daily supplement, no need for injections or visits to the doctor
- Natural supplement that effects growth hormone, not an anabolic steroid
Cons:
- When not combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, participants may see weight gain as a result of taking MK-677
- MK-677 may lower insulin sensitivity and is not appropriate for someone who is already diabetic.
- Some users experienced an increase in appetite while taking the hormone
- As it affects the production of human growth hormone, users may produce a positive result in a drug test for steroids
Main Benefits
Orally supplementing with MK-677 produces several positive effects in the body including:
1. Increase in Serum Concentration of IGF-1 and Growth Hormone
In one study, participants who took MK-677 saw their levels of IGF-1 increased by between 39 and 89%. IGF-1 directly relates to your body’s ability to lose fat and build lean muscle mass.
Its healing properties can also help to build and heal bones, tendons, ligaments, and injuries. Superficially, when your body produces increased levels of IGF-1, you may also see your skin tighten up in areas where it’s loose.
2. Reversal of Nitrogen Wasting
MK-677 can stop the nitrogen wasting effect of a caloric deficit on the body. This means that as you limit your calories and exercise more to lose weight, your body won’t resort to breaking down your muscles for energy.
In study participants, MK-677 helped them to maintain muscle mass and instead use their fat stores as energy.
3. Less Fat Stored
Supplementing with MK-677 can influence where your body stores the calories you eat. In most people, when we eat more calories than we burn in a day some of those calories will be stored as fat.
MK-677 changes that, and instead your body deposits those calories into the muscles, resulting in muscle growth.
4. Increased Bone Mineral Density
Older adults who were given MK-677 as part of a clinical study saw increases in bone density and strength.
This means that the supplement can decrease the risk of developing degenerative bone diseases like osteoporosis and help to maintain bone health in older adults.
MK-677 Dosage
I weigh about 165 pounds and take between 12-15 mg per day (15mg on training days). When I first started, I was taking MK-677 every weekday, then stopping on weekends (with a M/W/F training routine).
Then I switched to training 4-5 days per week, and started taking it every day. I did not notice any side effects from taking it daily. However, now I take it 6 days per week (with Sunday off), 15 mg on training days and 10-12 mg on rest days.
As a smaller guy, the 15mg dose works fine for me. Some friends of mine take around 25-30 mg of MK-677 on a 5/2 schedule but have much higher water retention. In the end, I prefer a more athletic look. If you’re just trying to bulk, then 30 mg or so will certainly help.
Reviews – What Other People Are Saying
Many users who have seen great results from taking an MK-677 supplement. Here are a few of their testimonials.
“I noticed the effects of the MK677 right away. I felt intense hunger, good strength gains, and also really vivid dreams. There is no doubt that this is the real stuff. It is expensive, but not compared to injectable HGH.”
“This is a great product for getting good quality sleep and waking up well rested. Just take one pill before you go to sleep. I tried taking it during the day but wound up really hungry, eating everything in sight. However, if you take it before you go to bed you can get all the benefits.”
“No negative side effects thus far. Still have a ways to go but looks like you (EA) helped get me break through that wall I was stuck behind a few months ago!
For reference, I was only able to put on 1lb muscle in the 12 weeks prior without Osta (just diet & training). Still have to put in the hard work & keep the diet on point but I had no illusions going into this. Best wishes and much appreciation for what you do.”
Alternatives to MK-677
MK-677 is just one of several products on the market that can boost growth hormone and stimulate muscle production. Here are three others you should check out for similar benefits and results:
1. GHRP-6
A growth hormone releasing hexapeptide, GHRP-6 works by stimulating the pituitary gland and increasing the production of growth hormone.
Like with MK-677, this results in an increase in IGF-1 and has muscle-building benefits. The hormone has also been shown to produce positive results in people with an underactive thyroid who may be more likely to be obese.
Unlike MK-677, GHRP-6 increases the release of Ghrelin, a peptide thought to be responsible for hunger signals in the body. GHRP-6 is a popular choice amongst bodybuilders who are in a bulking phase but may not be as effective with someone looking to lose weight overall.
While MK-677 is an oral supplement, GHRP is used as an injectable.
2. Ipamorelin
Another growth hormone releasing formula, Ipamorelin is an injectable compound that works by stimulating the pituitary gland to release the hormone.
Found to be effective promoting bone growth in rats and in a study on rats and swine showed promising benefits for human applications similar to MK-677.
The most notable difference between the two products is that Ipamorelin is administered through an injection rather than orally like MK-677. No comprehensive clinical testing on the benefits for humans
3. Creatine
If you are most interested in the muscle-building benefits of MK-677, using Creatine as a supplement is a good alternative.
In studies, Creatine was proven to increase muscle strength and fat-free mass in participants. Unlike MK-677, Creatine does not affect the growth hormones of the body. It is also very easy to purchase online, and from your local drug store.
Instead, it produces an increased amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that the body uses to recover more quickly and repair muscles resulting in better performance and muscle growth.
Closing thoughts
Maintaining a healthy, strong body is important to living a full life.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or are over 65 and want to preserve your muscle and bone health, MK-677 is a good solution. MK-677 is proven to assist with losing fat and building muscle mass. It also helps maintain bone strength and density in older men and women.
Have you tried MK-677 or other SARMs? Please let me know how they worked out for you in the comments below!
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