The fitness world has seen immense popularity over the last few years due to which certain compounds have started creating buzz among fitness enthusiasts. MK-677 is one of those compounds that have made its mark on the bodybuilding community.
While MK-677 is popular worldwide, few people are still unsure whether it is a SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator) or not. If you are one of those who are confused about this compound then here read this:
“MK-677 is not a SARM but a human growth hormone secretagogue”
Let’s talk more about this HGH secretagogue in detail!
Why is MK-677 Mistaken for SARM?
As MK-677 has been widely used in the bodybuilding and fitness world along with SARMs like Ostarine (MK-2866) and Ligandrol (LGD-4033), people started to assume that it is also a SARM.
Though MK-677 and SARMs have similar properties their working mechanism is entirely different. Below is the table that describes the key differences between MK-677 and SARMs.
Key Differences Between MK-677 and SARMs
| MK-677 | SARMs |
| Growth Hormone Secretagogue | Androgen Receptor Modulators |
| Stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 | Binds to androgen receptors to promote anabolic activity |
| No suppression does not affect testosterone levels | Can suppress natural testosterone production |
| By increasing GH levels and IGF-1, MK-677 indirectly helps with muscle growth | SARMs activate androgen receptors in bone and muscle tissues and directly boost muscle growth |
| Increases lean muscle mass, which may boost fat loss | Increases lean muscle mass, which boosts fat loss |
| Enhances deep sleep (REM cycle) for better recovery | SARMs may improve recovery but not sleep quality |
| Muscle growth, recovery, fat loss, anti-aging | Muscle growth, fat loss, strength gains |
How Is MK-677 Similar to SARMs?
MK-677 is similar to SARMs because it offers the same benefits as SARMs. However, it functions differently from SARMs and has a different working mechanism in the body.
What is MK- 677?
MK-677 is a human growth hormone secretagogue that signals the body to produce more growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
Unlike SARMs, MK-677 does not engage with androgen receptors nor does it interfere with testosterone levels.
How Does MK- 677 Work in the Body?
MK-677 also known as Ibutamoren works by mimicking the action of ghrelin. Ghrelin is a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, metabolism, and growth hormone release.
When ghrelin receptors are activated (GHS-R or growth hormone secretagogue receptors) they signal the pituitary gland to release more growth hormone (GH). This ultimately increases levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
Higher (GH) levels may help increase muscle growth, boost fat metabolism, aid in recovery, and help with sleep quality and anti-aging.
What is SARM?
SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator) is a compound that works the same as an anabolic steroid but with more selective action. SARMs are popular among bodybuilders and many fitness enthusiasts because they help with muscle mass and fat loss.
How Does SARM Work in the Body?
SARMs work by targeting androgen receptors in bone and muscle tissues. They bind to these receptors and stimulate protein synthesis and muscle growth. Unlike anabolic steroids, SARMs do not interact with other organs.
The selective binding helps increase lean muscle mass, enhance fat loss, and improve recovery while minimizing unwanted side effects.
Is MK-677 Legal?
MK-677 is legal to buy and sell as a research chemical. It is advisable not to use it as a dietary supplement as it may have risky consequences.
Verdict
MK-677 is a human growth hormone secretagogue that is mistaken for SARM because it offers the same benefits as SARM. Like SARMs, MK-677 helps with muscle growth and recovery. However, MK-677 works entirely differently from SARM.
MK-677 works by mimicking the action of ghrelin (A hunger hormone). When ghrelin receptors are activated they stimulate pituitary glands to release more growth hormones (GH), which in turn help boost muscle mass, aid in recovery, and help with anti-aging.
SARMs on the other hand work by targeting the androgen receptors in the bone and muscle tissues. By targeting these receptors, SARMs promote protein synthesis, which aids with muscle growth.
