MK-677 Breakdown
MK-677, also known as ibutamoren, is a non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue. It currently is not FDA approved or available for prescription in any country, so it is technically still a research chemical. In a bodybuilding application, MK-677 is often used to stimulate appetite for those who struggle to consume an adequate amount of calories.
How It Works
MK-677 works by mimicking a hormone known as ghrelin - often referred to as the "hunger hormone". By agonizing the ghrelin receptors (specifically the GHSR-1a [1]), MK-677 also potentiates the release of endogenous (originating in the body) growth hormone in a pulsatile manner.
Benefits
First and foremost, MK-677 has been shown to significantly increase perceived levels of hunger. This is especially helpful for those who struggle to meet their caloric goals, or those who experience the appetite-suppressive effects of prescription stimulants such as amphetamine salts (adderall). These effects have been documented clinically as well [2].
MK-677 is also sought after by many due to its effects on growth hormone and muscle growth, but it is unfortunately much less exciting in reality than it is on paper. There is a common misconception that the presence of elevated growth hormone leads to increases in muscle growth, but this is not the case in healthy individuals. The only instances of elevations in growth hormone leading to muscle growth is in individuals who are deficient in growth hormone to begin with (elderly or genetically predisposed), or in individuals who are using anabolic steroids alongside.
Though it lacks potential as a direct growth agent, MK-677 has profound effects on REM sleep, significantly improving sleep parameters in clinical trials [3]. Users often report feeling more well rested while using MK-677 than they would otherwise.
Risks
There is really only one major risk to taking MK-677 - blood glucose issues. It is well documented in the literature that MK-677 increases blood glucose and decreases insulin sensitivity [4]. If you're slamming carbohydrates (especially "unhealthy" ones), consistently taking a high dose of MK-677, and leaving your blood glucose unchecked, you will likely develop insulin resistance issues. This may, over time, lead to pre-diabetic symptoms.
The easy solution to this is keeping an eye on your blood glucose with a glucometer, keeping the doses moderate, and making wise diet decisions. If you still develop glucose issues from MK-677 (the only way to find out is by tracking BG using a glucometer), then the simple addition of metformin at 500mg daily OR berberine will likely solve your issues. You can also implement metformin or berberine immediately alongside your MK-677 use.
My Experience
I personally use MK-677 once or twice per week to increase my appetite when needed. These are usually on leg days when I tend to get nauseous.
Where To Purchase
MK-677 is available for purchase at researchem.store, and you can use my code "Julian" at checkout to save some money.
Full disclaimer - I am an affiliate of researchem, though I have no direct contact with them - but I still advise you do your own research and make your own decisions. MK-677 is still a research chemical at the end of the day.
Looking to learn about MK-677 or PEDs in general? Book a consult call with me here
Sources
[1] Jeffrey M Zigman, Juli E Jones, Charlotte E Lee, Clifford B Saper, Joel K Elmquist (2006) "Expression of ghrelin receptor mRNA in the rat and the mouse brain"
[2] Ralf Nass, M.D et al. (2009) "Effects of an Oral Ghrelin Mimetic on Body Composition and Clinical Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial"
[3] Georges Copinschi et al. (2008) "Prolonged Oral Treatment with MK-677, a Novel Growth Hormone Secretagogue, Improves Sleep Quality in Men"
[4] I. M. Chapman et al. (1996) "Stimulation of the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I axis by daily oral administration of a GH secretogogue (MK-677) in healthy elderly subjects"