In the world of advanced fat-loss strategies, two compounds have been generating increasing interest: 5-Amino-1MQ and AOD-9604. While both are designed to support a leaner physique, they work through very different mechanisms — one via metabolic enzyme inhibition and the other through a growth hormone–derived fat-burning fragment.

What Is 5-Amino-1MQ?

5-Amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-Amino-1MQ) is a small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT)—a metabolic regulator tied to fat storage, NAD⁺ depletion, and reduced energy expenditure. By blocking NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ helps preserve nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), a coenzyme essential for mitochondrial energy production, metabolic flexibility, and fat oxidation.

Key physiological effects include:
→ Elevated basal metabolic rate (BMR)
→ Enhanced mitochondrial efficiency and endurance
→ Fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass

What Is AOD-9604?

AOD-9604 is a synthetic peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal (176–191) sequence of human growth hormone (HGH). Unlike full-length HGH, AOD-9604 is non-anabolic — it does not increase IGF-1 levels or stimulate muscle growth — but it retains and amplifies the fat-burning (lipolytic) properties of HGH.

Key physiological effects include:
→ Stimulates lipolysis — the breakdown of stored triglycerides into free fatty acids.
→ Inhibits lipogenesis — the conversion of dietary carbohydrates into stored body fat.
→ Targets stubborn fat deposits (abdominal and visceral fat in particular).

Mechanism of Action Comparison

→ 5-Amino-1MQ

5-Amino-1MQ works by inhibiting nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that regulates NAD⁺ metabolism and influences fat storage. By blocking NNMT, the body is able to:
→ Preserve and elevate NAD⁺ levels, which enhances mitochondrial energy production.
→ Activate SIRT1, a protein that promotes fat oxidation, glucose regulation, and muscle preservation.
→ Increase basal metabolic rate (BMR), leading to higher calorie burn at rest.

→ AOD-9604

AOD-9604 is a 176–191 fragment of human growth hormone that specifically targets fat metabolism without influencing anabolic processes. It works by:
→ Stimulating lipolysis — breaking down stored triglycerides into free fatty acids for energy.
→ Inhibiting lipogenesis — preventing the storage of dietary fats.
→ Acting directly on adipose tissue without affecting insulin sensitivity or IGF-1 production.

Benefits Comparison

→ 5-Amino-1MQ

Best For: Maximizing metabolic rate, improving endurance, and promoting fat oxidation while preserving lean muscle mass.

1. Increased Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

2. Muscle Preservation During Caloric Deficit

3. Enhanced Metabolic Flexibility

4. Endurance & Training Output

→ AOD-9604

Best For: Targeted fat reduction, long-term fat management, and stubborn fat mobilization without anabolic or stimulant side effects.

1. Direct Action on Adipose Tissue

2. Reduction of Stubborn Fat Stores

3. Minimal Impact on Hormonal Balance

4. Extended Use Potential

5. Non-Stimulant Fat Loss

Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between 5-Amino-1MQ and AOD-9604 depends on your goals, training phase, and tolerance for research compounds. While both target fat loss, their mechanisms and application strategies differ significantly.

→ Choose 5-Amino-1MQ If:

• You want to increase overall metabolic rate and calorie burn at rest.
• Preserving lean muscle mass during a calorie deficit is a priority.
• You’re focused on endurance performance or metabolic flexibility.

→ Choose AOD-9604 If:

• Your main goal is targeting stubborn fat deposits like abdominal or visceral fat.
• You prefer a longer-term, non-stimulant fat-loss approach.
• You want fat loss without altering systemic hormone levels.

→ Stack Both If:

• You want to attack fat loss from multiple angles — systemic metabolism and localized fat breakdown.
• You’re in a short, aggressive cutting phase and want maximum synergy.
• You can commit to proper cycling: 5-Amino-1MQ in defined blocks within a longer AOD-9604 program.

5-Amino-1MQ vs AOD-9604: Key Takeaways