Semaglutide, which activates only the GLP-1 receptor, produces impressive weight loss based on these mechanisms alone
Critically, AOD-9604 did not produce the metabolic side effects associated with full-length growth hormone, including no insulin resistance or glucose intolerance, no elevation of IGF-1 levels, no fluid retention or joint pain, and no cardiovascular parameter changes
Vitamin B12 is not naturally present in reliable amounts in plant foods (some seaweeds and fermented foods contain B12 analogues that are not bioactive in humans), which means vegans and some vegetarians need to obtain their intake through fortified foods or supplements
However, manufacturers marketing AOD-9604 as a supplement cannot make disease or therapeutic claims (e.g., "for weight loss" or "for treating obesity") without violating FDA regulations
2013 and re-evaluated in FDA's 2024 PCAC briefing