Beyond the Hype: Potential Health Risks of MK-677

(Taylor Hooton Foundation) MK-677 (also known as Ibutamoren) is getting a lot of attention online. More and more often, we are getting asked about this substance during our ALL ME® Assemblies. Claims of muscle development, recovery, performance, and more have usage on the rise, but here is what you need to know about MK-677 and your health.
 
MK-677 is a growth hormone secretagogue, meaning it increases your body’s production of human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin-growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It first showed up as an investigative drug when looking at child growth hormone disorders and frailty in older adults.  This drug is still in investigate status, meaning it has not been approved for human consumption.
 
Despite not being approved for human consumption, this compound is still being found online and popping up in dietary supplements. Its use comes with serious risks, especially when taken without medical supervision. The most common side effects include insulin resistance, increased appetite, weight gain, and swelling due to water retention. Long-term use may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and contribute to the growth of cancerous tumors due to elevated IGF-1 levels. Users have also reported side effects such as joint pain, numbness, and fatigue. Because MK-677 is not approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use and has not been thoroughly studied in healthy individuals, its long term safety profile remains uncertain. One of the main reasons it has not moved beyond investigatory status is due to observed increase risk of cardiovascular damage during one of the research studies.

Above all else, it is important to know that any use of MK-677 is currently illegal and banned in all legitimate forms of competition. While the claims may sound promising online, they are not worth the potential risk to your health. Nutrition, sleep, and hard work remain your best tools to achieving your goals the right way!