Fat Loss & Metabolism

5-Amino-1MQ

5-amino-1-methylquinolinium · NNMT inhibitor

experimentalcutting-edgeoral capsule

What it is

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule (technically not a peptide, but grouped with them in biohacker protocols) that inhibits an enzyme called NNMT (Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase). NNMT is overexpressed in fat tissue of obese individuals — blocking it raises NAD+ levels and shifts metabolism toward burning fat. Discovered at Washington University School of Medicine.

How it works

NNMT consumes NAD+ precursors to make a metabolite called MNA. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ does two things: (1) raises NAD+ availability for mitochondrial energy production, and (2) prevents fat cells from "hoarding" methyl groups. The result is reduced fat storage, increased fat burning, and protection of muscle tissue. Hence the nickname "exercise in a bottle."

Benefits

Selective fat loss without affecting lean mass
Increased NAD+ levels (longevity benefit)
Improved metabolic flexibility
No appetite suppression (works at the cellular level, not via hunger)
Anti-inflammatory effects
Theoretically supports muscle preservation in caloric deficit

Timeline

Week 1–2: Subtle changes; some users report slightly more energy.
Week 4–6: Body composition shifts becoming visible.
Week 8–12: Most pronounced fat loss; particularly visceral fat.

Dosing & titration

Standard dose50–150 mg orally per day

TimingAM with food, or split AM/PM

Cycle length8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off

When to titrate upStart at 50 mg/day for 2 weeks. Increase to 100 then 150 mg if tolerated. No clear benefit beyond 150 mg.

Side effects & risks

Mild GI upset (often resolves with food)
Headache (rare)
Limited long-term human safety data

Sourcing matters: Quality varies wildly because most product is sold as a "research chemical." Long-term safety in humans isn't established.

Typical price

$60–$120/mo30-day supply of capsules from research suppliers.

Studies

Neelakantan H et al. Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice — Foundational study. PubMedBiochemical Pharmacology, 2018
Search PubMed for NNMT inhibitor — PubMed searchLive PubMed search

Educational reference only. Not medical advice.