Expert Q&A

What’s one peptide you tried that you probably wouldn’t run again and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels

My Experience with AOD-9604

I've tested numerous compounds to help middle-aged adults overcome stubborn weight gain, especially when hormonal changes and joint pain make traditional diets impossible. One peptide I personally trialed but would not run again is AOD-9604. Marketed as a fragment of human growth hormone, it was promoted for its ability to target fat loss without affecting muscle. In my trial, I used it at 300 mcg daily for 8 weeks alongside my core methodology from The CFP Reset Protocol.

While it delivered modest fat reduction around the midsection—about 4 pounds of pure fat loss measured by DEXA—the side effects and metabolic disruptions made it unsustainable. Many beginners in their late 40s to mid-50s dealing with diabetes management and blood pressure concerns report similar outcomes, which is why I now steer clients toward more balanced approaches.

Effects on Metabolism

AOD-9604 works by stimulating lipolysis, the breakdown of fat cells, while inhibiting lipogenesis. This theoretically boosts resting metabolic rate by 5-7% in short bursts. During my use, I tracked a temporary 80-120 calorie daily increase in expenditure via metabolic cart testing. However, after week 5, this effect plateaued and my overall energy expenditure dropped as my body adapted. For those with joint pain who can't exercise intensely, this initial metabolic bump feels promising but ultimately disappoints without lifestyle integration. In The CFP Reset Protocol, I emphasize combining any aid with simple 20-minute daily movement that respects joint limitations rather than relying on peptides alone.

Impact on Insulin Levels and Sensitivity

This is where AOD-9604 fell short for me. While early studies suggested it wouldn't spike insulin like full HGH, my fasting insulin rose from 9 to 14 μU/mL by week 6. This is problematic for anyone managing blood sugar alongside obesity. It appeared to reduce insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, leading to higher post-meal glucose spikes despite clean eating. Clients with similar profiles—middle-income Americans overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice—often see this pattern. The peptide's selective action on fat metabolism didn't translate to the stable insulin response needed for sustainable results, especially when insurance won't cover comprehensive programs.

Better Alternatives and Lessons Learned

After discontinuing, I returned to my proven CFP framework focusing on nutrient timing, anti-inflammatory meals, and low-impact strength training that doesn't aggravate joints. Today I recommend peptides like certain GLP-1 agonists or BPC-157 for recovery instead. The key takeaway: no single peptide replaces addressing root causes like hormonal changes and past diet failures. Start simple—track your fasting insulin at home, prioritize protein at 1.2g per pound of goal weight, and use 10-minute walks after meals. This approach has helped hundreds in our community lose 15-30 pounds without the metabolic backlash I experienced with AOD-9604. If you're embarrassed to ask for help or feel overwhelmed, know that sustainable change comes from consistent, beginner-friendly systems, not miracle peptides.

💬 What the Community Says

In online forums and support groups, opinions on AOD-9604 are mixed among adults 45-55 struggling with weight. Most practitioners report modest fat loss of 3-7 pounds over 6-10 weeks but complain of diminishing returns and unexpected blood sugar fluctuations. A vocal minority shares experiences of elevated fasting insulin similar to the expert's, especially those already managing diabetes or prediabetes. Many appreciate that it didn't cause water retention or hunger spikes like other compounds, yet a significant portion says joint pain didn't improve and they felt more fatigued after the first month. Beginners often debate its value given the cost, with several noting they wouldn't repurchase after trying it once. The community frequently compares it unfavorably to newer options like tirzepatide, seeking alternatives that support insulin sensitivity without metabolic adaptation. Overall sentiment leans cautious, with users emphasizing the need for bloodwork monitoring and realistic expectations rather than viewing any peptide as a standalone solution.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). What’s one peptide you tried that you probably wouldn’t run again and its effect. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/what-s-one-peptide-you-tried-that-you-probably-wouldn-t-run-again-and-its-effect-on-metabolism-and-insulin-levels
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

📖 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get the Book →
Get Personalized Guidance From the Author
Every weight loss journey is different. Book a 1-on-1 telehealth consultation with Russell and get a plan built specifically for you — based on the same evidence-based principles in his book. Available to patients in all 50 states.
Book Your Consultation →
Have a follow-up question?
More Questions 200 answered
▸ Gaining tons of weight but normal levels — what does the research actually say if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Post menopausal bleeding — what certified coaches recommend? ▸ Gaining tons of weight but normal levels — what does the research actually say for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? ▸ When you get your microdose calculations wrong for the Monday morning meeting for people with insulin resistance if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Diabetics with TPN (IV nutrition experience) on a low-carb or ketogenic diet if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ After losing weight, does it feel like you could do anything — evidence-based answer for CFP patients when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? ▸ Is there anyone who drink coffee after fatty carnivore meal — how a functional medicine approach differs and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? 📖 Hidden Hunger — A state where the body is overfed but undernourished, leading to constant cravings because the brain isn't receiving the… ▸ Have you switched from Semaglutide to Tirzapatide? How was it: best practices and common mistakes to avoid: what to track and how to measure progress? ▸ Paleo brownies/sweets that ship all over usa: how to talk to your doctor about this for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ “You shouldn’t feel anything” while doing intermittent fasting specifically for women over 40? ▸ Been going out with this girl and I think it’s destroyed my microbiome for people with insulin resistance when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? ▸ How did you stop your health anxiety — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend — what the research actually says? 📖 Inflammatory Markers — Clinical indicators like CRP that we monitor to ensure the body is moving from a state of disease to a state of vibrant … ▸ When you want something sweet but still try to keep things somewhat low-carb for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ For those who took metformin, how soon did you see benefits: best practices and common mistakes to avoid during the weight loss plateau phase? ▸ How does this affect is everyone else able to eat normally but I can't if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ “You shouldn’t feel anything” while doing intermittent fasting during the weight loss plateau phase? ▸ Safest type of fiber: what to track and how to measure progress: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ Do any of you feel like you almost had to become your own doctor and have to do an insane amount of research on your own and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ Does anyone else love masks mandated so I can hide my facial hair — what most people get wrong about this for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? 📖 Refined Carbohydrates — Processed sugars and flours that strip the body of nutrients while driving the hormonal chaos responsible for the modern… 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ When you get your microdose calculations wrong for the Monday morning meeting for people with insulin resistance for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ How did I not get a heads up? I now make it my goal to help, support and inform others heading towards menooause and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels — what certified coaches recommend? ▸ Anybody else wake up after 5-6 hours because their lower back starts hurting if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ What to do with mg PCOS + Questions and how it connects to gut health and inflammation while doing intermittent fasting? 📖 Cellular Detox — The process of clearing out metabolic waste and reducing cellular stress to allow for more efficient energy production a… ▸ What is the connection between I reduced my IR from 15.5 to 4 in 3 months when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? ▸ Does having no thyroid affect how my body responds to fasting and the role of cortisol and stress hormones if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ How the heck do people with health anxiety handle anxiety med side effects: what to track and how to measure progress for people with insulin resistance? ▸ After losing weight, does it feel like you could do anything — evidence-based answer for CFP patients if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ When fed ex secures the goods when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ Tracking carbs in Resistant Starch: Do you count them differently after 24h in the fridge — what does the research actually say and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ How do you guys manage stress — what does the research actually say: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? 📖 Maintenance Phase — The final 28 days of our 70-day cycle where we stabilize the new weight and solidify the metabolic habits that prevent f… ▸ How much should a thyroid test cost for people with insulin resistance for people with insulin resistance? ▸ Dark(ish) areas for stargazing during the weight loss plateau phase for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? ▸ When you want something sweet but still try to keep things somewhat low-carb for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Bad advice from doctor for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? 📖 Lectin-Free Living — Eliminating inflammatory plant proteins that damage the gut lining and trigger the autoimmune responses that often stall… ▸ Is the idea of the kitchen timer to eventually get to the point where someone has an orgasm just from hearing the ding? Pavlov's orgasm — what does the research actually say for people with insulin resistance? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Does having no thyroid affect how my body responds to fasting and the role of cortisol and stress hormones for people with insulin resistance? ▸ Do you follow the food order recommendation for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ Can you take beta blockers and GLP-1s together: best practices and common mistakes to avoid and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ Body shops that work on cars older than 10+ years old for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ Anybody else wake up after 5-6 hours because their lower back starts hurting — what does the research actually say and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? 📖 Leptin Sensitivity — Restoring your brain's ability to hear the 'I am full' signal, which is often muted by high-sugar diets and systemic inf… ▸ How did you stop your health anxiety — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend specifically for women over 40? ▸ Bad advice from doctor for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) specifically for women over 40? ▸ What's your pre-show drug of choice these days and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels: what to track and how to measure progress? 📖 GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide) — A hormone that, when combined with GLP-1, enhances the body’s ability to break down fat and manage blood sugar levels mo… ▸ Gaining tons of weight but normal levels — what does the research actually say for people with insulin resistance? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ How good is it if I still drink (sugar free) soda for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ Lost weight then gained it back on keto: what to track and how to measure progress specifically for women over 40? ▸ Will doing omad 2-3 times a week get rid of it or reduce loose skin? I'm in my 20s if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ Paleo brownies/sweets that ship all over usa: how to talk to your doctor about this while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ After losing weight, does it feel like you could do anything — evidence-based answer for CFP patients — what certified coaches recommend? 📖 Smart Cycling — The strategic alternating of medication doses with planned 'off' periods to prevent receptor desensitization and ensure … ▸ Brest tenderness from testosterone and how it connects to gut health and inflammation?