AOD9604 (Growth Hormone Analogue)

AOD9604 is a peptide derived from human growth hormone (HGH) fragment 176-191, itself a derivative of human growth hormone. AOD9604 is a weight loss peptide in the truest sense of the term as it is a targeted fat burner (lipolytic) with limited additional effects. This peptide was specifically developed to maintain the lipolytic (fat burning) fragment of growth hormone without retaining any of the parent molecule’s ability to promote lean body mass accumulation. Research out of Australia shows that AOD9604 increases weight loss 3-fold compared to placebo. It affects beta-3-adrenergic receptors on white fat to boost fat breakdown and may indirectly activate apoptosis (programmed cell death) in white fat cells as well. AOD1604 is one of the most effective peptides for weight loss yet developed, with studies showing as much as a 50% reduction in weight gain over just three-weeks of administration.

This peptide is extremely safe, it is FDA approved, and there are no known health risks associated with AOD 9604 injections, especially when compared to traditional hormone-based weight loss treatments. As with any injection, some common side effects include pain, reddening, and swelling near the injection site.

Semaglutide (GLP-1 Agonist)

Semaglutide is similar in many ways to Liraglutide and is FDA approved for weight management and the treatment of metabolic syndrome. It acts as an agonist of the GLP-1 receptor. Research shows that semaglutide and similar peptides for weight loss work in two different ways. First, Semaglutide can delay gastric emptying and slow intestinal motility to increase feelings of fullness and decrease the rate of rise of blood sugar. Second, Semaglutide can act as a neurotransmitter to reduce the drive to eat in the central nervous system via reductions in the sensation of hunger as well as enhanced feelings of satiety. Semaglutide has been shown to produce a 5% weight loss over 6 months. At one year, average weight loss with semaglutide is 15% of total body weight.

You may know semaglutide as Ozempic, an injectable medication used in people with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic can help manage blood sugar, and it can also lower the risk of heart attack and stroke if you also have heart disease. You can also find it as an oral pill, called Rybelsus. And Wegovy, a higher-strength version, is approved to help people lose weight.

Semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone that causes your pancreas to release insulin, blocks your liver from releasing sugar, and slows down how fast food leaves your stomach. While these actions can be beneficial for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss, they can also cause some side effects.

Some semaglutide side effects can be bothersome and make the medication difficult to tolerate. But the good news is that they usually subside over time. Although rare, there are also some serious side effects to know about. Keep reading to learn more about 10 semaglutide side effects to know about and how to manage them. 

1. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea is the most common semaglutide side effect. Up to 20% of people taking it for Type 2 diabetes reported nausea in clinical trials. Nausea is even mire common if you’re taking the higher-dose version for weight loss. Vomiting tends to be less common than nausea.

You’re more likely to experience these side effects with higher doses of semaglutide. That’s why your healthcare provider will raise your dose slowly over a few weeks to minimize these effects. For most people, these side effects should improve over time as your body gets used to the medication.

Eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, and remaining upright after you eat can also help manage potential nausea and vomiting from semaglutide. But if these side effects are accompanied by severe stomach pain that may or may not spread to your back, get medical attention right away. This could be a signs of pancreatitus, a rare but serious side effect. More on that later.

2. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another common semaglutide side effect. Around 9% of people taking it for Type 2 diabetes and 30% of people taking it for weight loss reported diarrhea during clinical trials. 

Similar to nausea and vomiting, you’re more likely to experience diarrhea with higher doses of semaglutide. As mentioned above, your healthcare provider will slowly raise your dose over time to minimize this side effect. Constipation can also happen, but it tends to be less common than diarrhea.

3. Stomach pain

Mild stomach pain is another common stomach-related side effect of semaglutide. Similar to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, this should subside over time. Using the tips listed above can also help minimize this side effect. 

Severe stomach pain can be a sign of other side effects, like pancreatitis or gallbladder problems (like gallstones). Contact your healthcare provider right away if this develops.

4. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common side effects of Wegovy, affecting 11% of people taking it in clinical trials. Fatigue was also reported in less than 5% of people taking Ozempic, and it wasn’t reported at all with Rybelsus.

Semaglutide works for weight loss by making you feel less hungry. And eating fewer calories may cause you to feel more tired. Feelings of fatigue should subside as your body adjusts to potential changes in your diet. 

5. Low blood sugar

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) isn’t very common if you’re taking semaglutide on its own. That’s because it works by telling your body to release insulin in response to a meal specifically. 

But taking semaglutide with other blood sugar-lowering medications, like insulin and sulfonylureas, raises the risk of hypoglycemia. So, your healthcare provider may need to change the dose of these medications when starting semaglutide. 

If you have Type 2 diabetes, it’s important to regularly check your blood sugar levels to help avoid hypoglycemia. You may be advised to have an emergency glucagon or glucagon-like product to raise your blood sugar quickly if severe hypoglycemia happens.

6. Pancreatitis

Although rare, pancreatitis has been reported with semaglutide. If it happens, it can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and/or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). 

Let your healthcare provider know before starting semaglutide if you have a history of acute pancreatitis. They may recommend a different medication for you.

7. Gallbladder disease

Gallbladder disease, including gallstones, is possible with semaglutide, but it isn’t common. It was reported in less than 2% of people taking it in clinical trials. 

Symptoms of gallbladder problems include upper stomach pain, fever, and jaundice. You may also notice clay-colored stools. Let your healthcare provider know right away if these develop. 

Talk to your healthcare provider about ways you can avoid gallbladder problems while taking semaglutide. This may include dietary changes and routine physical activity.

8. Kidney damage

Studies have suggested that semaglutide may have some kidney benefits if you have Type 2 diabetes. But in rare cases, kidney damage has also been reported. This is more likely if you have severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea leading to dehydration. 

Kidney damage is also more common if you already have kidney problems. Taking medications that cause you to get rid of excess water, like diuretics (water pills), also puts you at risk. 

Your healthcare provider may monitor your kidneys if you’re experiencing a lot of stomach-related side effects. Let them know right away if you’re not urinating very much or at all, or notice swelling in your arms or legs.

9. Allergic reactions

Severe allergic reactions to semaglutide are rare, but possible. Call 911 or get immediate medical attention if you have swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or shortness of breath after your dose. 

Mild allergic reactions can include itching, rash, or redness at the injection site. Stopping semaglutide isn’t always necessary with mild reactions. But make sure to still tell your healthcare provider about your reaction. 

Don’t use oral or injectable semaglutide if you’re allergic to any of their ingredients. And there’s a chance you could have an allergic reaction to semaglutide if you’ve had a reaction to a medication in the same class.

10. Thyroid tumors

Semaglutide has a boxed warning (the strictest warning) from the FDA about a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This is because animal studies found that rodents developed thyroid tumors when exposed to GLP-1 agonists. However, human studies have yet to confirm this risk.

Still, you shouldn’t take semaglutide if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice signs or symptoms of thyroid cancer. These include a lump in your neck, and neck or jaw pain.

All this being said, and speaking strictly for myself (I know there will always be some who will argue to the contrary)… I personally feel it is a no-brainer which one to use if your looking for an EFFECTIVE, PROVEN and SAFE fat burning peptide… In my mind it’s AOD-9604 all the way!

Furthermore, there is a lot of evidence to back up these claims that AOD-9604 is the MUCH safer way to go. And truth be known, most of the resources I have personally checked seem to feel AOD-9604 is actually more effective than Semaglutide overall as well.

Safer… More Effective… You do the math.

I just felt it was important information to bring to you, being that these 2 peptides have gained so much attention in recent months… and these are definitely things you want to consider if you’re looking for such a product to help you with your fat loss goals.

… best of luck to you!