MK-677
Introduction
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) is one of the most popular compounds in "looksmaxing" because it reliably increases **growth hormone (GH)** and **IGF-1** without injections. It’s technically a GH secretagogue. it stimulates your pituitary to release more GH by mimicking the hunger hormone *ghrelin*. Unlike peptides (which require pinning multiple times per day), MK-677 is fully **oral** and has a long half-life, making it extremely convenient.
It is used primarily for:
– Bulking: building muscle and strength rapidly.
– Recomposition: increasing lean mass while reducing fat.
– Aesthetics: improving skin quality, hair.
Mechanism of Action
– MK-677 binds to the ghrelin receptor, causing the hypothalamus to release pulses of GH.
– This leads to increased liver production of IGF-1, the real driver of growth.
– IGF-1 enhances protein synthesis, muscle hypertrophy, and collagen formation.
– Long-term use may influence **bone density and remodeling**, giving it a direct role in looksmaxing.
– This leads to increased liver production of IGF-1, the real driver of growth.
– IGF-1 enhances protein synthesis, muscle hypertrophy, and collagen formation.
– Long-term use may influence **bone density and remodeling**, giving it a direct role in looksmaxing.
Benefits
– Noticeable increase in lean muscle mass in as little as 4 weeks.
– Water retention gives a "fuller" look especially in arms and chest.
– Increased recovery = more training frequency = more growth.
– Water retention gives a "fuller" look especially in arms and chest.
– Increased recovery = more training frequency = more growth.
– Collagen production rises significantly under GH/IGF-1 stimulation.
– Studies show improved skin elasticity and thickness.
– Some users report faster hair growth and healthier nails.
– Studies show improved skin elasticity and thickness.
– Some users report faster hair growth and healthier nails.
NOTHING jfl if you think any bones are going to change
Dosage & Protocol
– Typical dose: 10–25mg daily (oral).
– Half-life: ~24 hours, take once daily at night (reduces hunger sides).
– Duration: 3–6 months for best results.
– Half-life: ~24 hours, take once daily at night (reduces hunger sides).
– Duration: 3–6 months for best results.
– Combine with testosterone for maximum muscle gains.
– Pair with RAD-140 or YK-11 for a full "looksmaxing" recomp stack.
– Pair with RAD-140 or YK-11 for a full "looksmaxing" recomp stack.
Side Effects
– Intense hunger (ghrelin effect).
– Water retention, slight bloating.
– Lethargy in some users.
– Water retention, slight bloating.
– Lethargy in some users.
– Insulin resistance with extended use.
– Potentially elevates prolactin in some individuals.
– IGF-1 overexpression linked to cancer risk (still debated).
– Potentially elevates prolactin in some individuals.
– IGF-1 overexpression linked to cancer risk (still debated).
Studies & References
– Murphy MG et al. "Single oral dose of MK-677 increases GH and IGF-1 levels in healthy subjects." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998.
– Chapman IM et al. "Oral ghrelin mimetic MK-677 stimulates GH secretion and increases fat-free mass in older adults." Ann Intern Med. 2009.
– Nass R et al. "The ghrelin mimetic MK-677 increases GH, IGF-I, and fat-free mass in healthy adults." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008.
– Smith RG et al. "Discovery of MK-677, a novel GH secretagogue." Endocr Rev. 2005.
Verdict:
MK-677 is one of the most practical compounds for *muscle, and skin. * (takes months, not weeks ofc.), but the combination of *oral convenience + systemic GH/IGF-1 elevation** makes it a staple compound.
MK-677 is one of the most practical compounds for *muscle, and skin. * (takes months, not weeks ofc.), but the combination of *oral convenience + systemic GH/IGF-1 elevation** makes it a staple compound.
