MK-677 or Ibutamoren is known and widely considered as 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, as 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 response, 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.
In this article, you will find out exactly how much water retention and bloating you can expect from MK-677, and what you can do to minimize it. It is based on the latest scientific literature and the careful analysis of thousands of anecdotal reports and experiences online. Enjoy and take note.
How Much Water Retention Does MK-677 Cause?
The amount of water you retain on MK677 varies on the dosage, your diet, but also 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. Meaning that you can influence the amount of water you retain – contrary to what Facebook PED experts will tell you.
Based on a small sample size of my clients in as controlled settings as possible, and many anecdotal reports and experiences online, I have concluded that at 10 mg/day of MK-677, most users don’t experience a noticeable level of water retention. 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 with get exacerbated. High doses of more than 25mg 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.
And this is where the problem arises.
Bloating
Bloating is a symptom of excess water retention. If you’re in a caloric deficit during your MK-677 cycle, you will not look bloated whatsoever as the water retention will be almost non-existent.
If you’re on a large caloric surplus and consuming a lot of carbohydrates (more than 50g per meal), you will experience a degree of bloating and your muscles will most likely lose some definition. You might look like you’ve gained a few pounds of fat.
Needless to say, if you stack it with other chemicals that cause water retention you will experience a higher degree of bloating.
How to Mitigate Water Retention & Bloating
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:
- Increase water intake (no exact number – more than you are drinking now)
- Lower sodium intake (only if it is high to begin with, otherwise it will backfire and you will dehydrate)
- Lower carb intake (and increase fat intake to make up for lost calories)
- Take 200mg of Potassium at least 5x day
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 and bloating.
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.
Pros of Water Retention
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 on a high dose, and if taken with other compounds that also cause water retention like LGD 4033.
Conclusion
MK677 will cause water retention to a certain degree. The extent of it will dictate whether you will experience bloating or any other symptom of water retention. If you’re bulking you are more likely to experience water retention and bloating, and if you’re cutting you probably won’t even notice it.
