Source comparison
MK-677 vs GLP-1 Agonists: Appetite Research Comparison
MK-677 (ghrelin agonist) GHS-R activation in hypothalamus Increases appetite 20–40% Elevates GH and IGF-1 60–90% Cachexia, muscle wasting, GH deficiency GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide) GLP-1 receptor activation, slows gastric emptying Suppresses appetite, delays
This comparison does not assign a generated winner or score.
- MK-677 (ghrelin agonist)
- GHS-R activation in hypothalamus
- Increases appetite 20–40%
- Elevates GH and IGF-1 60–90%
- Cachexia, muscle wasting, GH deficiency
- GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide)
- GLP-1 receptor activation, slows gastric emptying
- Suppresses appetite, delays satiety
- No direct effect on GH axis
- Obesity, metabolic syndrome, NAFLD
- Natural ghrelin
- Endogenous GHSR ligand
- Increases appetite during fasting
- Stimulates pulsatile GH release
- Not used therapeutically. Baseline comparison
- Exogenous growth hormone
- Direct GH receptor activation
- Variable. Often suppresses appetite via IGF-1 feedback
- Supraphysiologic GH levels
- GH deficiency, muscle wasting (approved uses)
- Professional Assessment
- MK-677 mimics ghrelin without the rapid degradation endogenous ghrelin undergoes. Sustained receptor activation produces appetite effects lasting 18–24 hours per dose, making it fundamentally opposite to satiety-enhancing compounds like GLP-1 agonists.
- The appetite directions are inverse: MK-677 is a ghrelin mimetic (pro-appetite), while GLP-1 agonists extend satiety (anti-appetite). Researchers studying appetite regulation use these compounds to explore opposite ends of the hunger-satiety spectrum. Both work. They just work in opposite directions.