MK-677 or Ibutamoren is known and widely considered one of the safest research chemicals for building muscle and longevity, with heaps of clinical trials backing its efficacy and thousands of users online swearing by its incredible properties. Though a concern for many who want to try it is water retention, they fear it could compromise their physique and lead to side effects like increased blood pressure and headaches.
MK-677 is proven to cause water retention as a growth hormone secretagogue because it boosts Growth Hormone production. Increased GH levels are linked to water retention, and as such, MK-677 is too. However, the extent of this side effect can vary from person to person depending on lifestyle factors, individual responses, and dosing.
As a result, users fear that MK-677 will make them look puffy and fat, so it is mainly used for bulking cycles. Though this makes sense, there is an easy way to minimize and completely prevent this side effect.
The amount of water you retain on MK-677 varies based on the dosage, your diet, and individual response to elevated GH and IGF-1. Some people retain more water, some less, and others none.
Out of these three variables, you have control over the dosing protocol and your diet, including supplementation. This means that you can influence the amount of water you retain—contrary to what Facebook PED experts will tell you.
Typically at 10 mg/day of MK-677, most users don’t experience any water retention – at least not noticeable. While at 20 mg/day, most will gain a few lbs of water overnight.
If taken alongside another compound that causes water retention, like LGD 4033, this effect will be exacerbated. High doses of more than 25 mg of MK-677 are also likely to cause a high level of water retention.
The same applies to a high-carb diet and a high sodium/low potassium diet during a cycle of MK-677.
Excess water retention from MK-677 is more likely to happen during bulks. If you’re bulking and water retention becomes heavy, you will have to take certain steps to reverse it.
It comes down to basic supplementation and a few changes in your diet:
You can also experiment with natural diuretics like Dandelion Root or Hawthorn Berry (both taken at 500 mg/day), but if you follow the protocol above, you will be almost completely free from any degree of water retention.
As mentioned previously, if you are trying to lose body fat in a caloric deficit, MK-677 will not retain a noticeable amount of water weight and will aid in fat loss by inducing lipolysis. But using MK-677 for cutting is a whole other topic.
Mild water retention can be beneficial for your joints, tendons, and overall strength levels, and decrease the risk of injury. It can make you appear bigger than you actually are and have a positive impact on your physique.
Too much water retention can have a detrimental effect on your joints and also cause high blood pressure, bloating, and headaches. So it’s a fine line.
MK-677 very rarely causes a high enough level of water retention to result in these side effects. It can happen at a high dose and if taken with other compounds that also cause water retention, like LGD 4033.
MK-677 will cause water retention to a certain degree. The extent of it will dictate whether you will experience water retention. If you’re bulking, you are likely to experience more water retention, and if you’re cutting, you probably won’t even notice it.
premium resources
Everything you would ever want or need to know about SARMs to use and recover from them. Also includes other research chemicals.
An all-in-one guide that will teach you how each of the peptides works, how you can use them and find the perfect one (or stack) to reach your goals.
Wish there was ONE comprehensive, easy-to-read guide to get you fully informed on the safe and effective use of anabolic steroids?
Improve penile function, get harder fuller and longer-lasting erections, increase stamina in bed and last longer, go more rounds. All the good stuff.
A summary of everything you NEED to know about using PHs as safely as possible, supplements to stay as healthy as possible during cycles and how to recover (PCT).
A document I originally made for my clients. A neat map to the sphere of PEDs and supplements.
You'll receive the link and a once-a-week PED-related article in your inbox upon subscribing.
A special gift to all my email subscribers. The PED Dictionary is a DOC designed to help you navigate the world of enhanced bodybuilding. A game changer for beginners that want to learn more but don't know where to start, and a must-have handbook for even the most advanced enhanced researchers.
