General Description

GW-501516, known as Cardarine, is a PPARδ agonist with potential in enhancing physical performance, body composition, and treating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. GW-501516 boosts energy, aids fat loss, improves recovery, and supports muscle growth through fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake. However, its clinical application is restricted due to safety concerns, particularly the risk of cancer from long-term use. Dosage recommendations vary, with 10-20mg daily being common among users for endurance and fat loss, suggesting cycles of 12-14 weeks. Despite its benefits, cautious evaluation of its risk-benefit profile is essential due to the lack of authorization for clinical use and ongoing debates about its safety and optimal dosing.

Figure 1. GW-501516

Benefits

GW-501516 exhibits therapeutic effects that are beneficial for individuals seeking to enhance their physical performance and body composition. This compound significantly boosts energy levels, enabling longer and more intense training sessions by increasing strength, which is especially valuable during weight loss periods when energy might otherwise be lacking. Additionally, GW-501516 accelerates the body's ability to convert stored fat into energy, leading to rapid fat loss and a leaner appearance. It also improves recovery times by enhancing oxygen utilization through the upregulation of PPAR genes in slow-twitch muscle fibers, allowing for quicker recuperation and the ability to exercise more frequently. Furthermore, GW-501516 aids in muscle building by facilitating the development of existing cells and the formation of new ones, making it an essential addition for those aiming to gain significant muscle mass. ¹

Clinical Applications

GW-501516 is a PPARδ (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor delta) agonist initially developed for its potential benefits in treating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Its primary mechanism involves activating the PPARδ pathway, leading to enhanced fatty acid oxidation, improved glucose uptake in skeletal muscle tissue, and increased energy expenditure. These effects collectively contribute to its potential in managing obesity, diabetes, and lipid disorders. Despite its promising therapeutic benefits, GW-501516's clinical application has been limited due to concerns over safety. Preclinical studies have indicated a risk of developing cancer with long-term use, which halted its advancement into later-stage clinical trials. Consequently, while GW-501516 demonstrates significant potential for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, its clinical use remains unauthorized, emphasizing the need for cautious evaluation of its risk-benefit profile before any potential therapeutic application. ²

Dosage

GW-501516 is a research chemical initially developed for its potential benefits in treating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Its dosage recommendations are based on anecdotal evidence from users, as there is limited scientific research regarding its optimal dosing for human consumption. The general consensus among users suggests a daily dosage of 10-20 milligrams (mg) is sufficient. Starting with a dose of 10mg daily can help assess tolerance to this new compound, with the primary aim of enhancing endurance at this level. Higher doses may offer increased fat loss benefits. For individuals engaging in physical activities, it is advised to take GW-501516 approximately 45 minutes to an hour before exercising. Despite being tested over two years without observed reductions or stagnations in effects, most users follow a cycle of 12-14 weeks, followed by a 4-6 week break. However, there's no evidence suggesting the necessity for such a break, as GW-501516 was designed for long-term use. Given its half-life of 16-24 hours, if opting for higher doses, splitting the dose into two administrations every 10-12 hours could be considered. Combining GW-501516 with a ketogenic diet is strongly recommended, and it can be safely used with various anabolic substances and stimulants without adverse reactions. Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is generally not advised when using GW-501516 alone due to its non-toxic nature. Upon completing a cycle, selecting an appropriate PCT to reverse any potential health damages is crucial, although the necessity and nature of PCT in the context of GW-501516 remain debated due to its unique properties and non-steroidal mechanism of action. ³

Reference

1. Cardarine (GW-501516)? – Cycle, Dosage, And Side Effects! Muscle and Brawn. 2024. 

2. Steve T. Cardarine (GW-501516): Dosage, Side Effects & Before and After Pictures. Insidebody Building. 2023.