What Is 5-Amino-1-MQ?
A Metabolic Peptide Guide

5-Amino-1-MQ is a metabolic compound that has attracted attention for fat loss, because of how it acts on an enzyme linked to fat storage. It is often used as an add-on for people who have plateaued on a weight-loss programme. This guide explains what it is, how it works, the honest state of the evidence, who it suits, and how to start on a doctor-led programme in South Africa.

Everything here was reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA MP0287067), who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. 5-Amino-1-MQ is dispensed on a valid script after a medical questionnaire, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one.

What is 5-Amino-1-MQ?

5-Amino-1-MQ is a small molecule (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) studied for its effects on metabolism and fat loss. It is not a peptide in the strict sense but is grouped with metabolic peptides because of how it is used. Its interest comes from a single, specific action: it inhibits an enzyme called NNMT.

What is NNMT, and why does it matter?

NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) is an enzyme that becomes overactive in fat tissue, especially with weight gain, and this overactivity is linked to fat storage and to lower levels of NAD+, a molecule central to cellular energy. Because NNMT sits at this junction between fat storage and energy metabolism, blocking it has become a target of interest for weight and metabolic health.

How does 5-Amino-1-MQ support fat loss?

By inhibiting NNMT, emerging research suggests 5-Amino-1-MQ can raise cellular NAD+ and shift fat cells away from storing energy and toward burning it. In animal studies this has been associated with reduced fat gain and improved metabolic markers. In practice it is used as a metabolic lever alongside diet, training or a GLP-1 programme, rather than as a standalone fat-loss solution.

Does 5-Amino-1-MQ raise NAD+?

Indirectly, yes. NNMT uses up a building block that would otherwise help make NAD+, so inhibiting NNMT is thought to free up more of that pathway and support NAD+ levels inside cells. This is part of why it is discussed alongside longevity and energy peptides such as NAD+ itself.

Can 5-Amino-1-MQ be used with semaglutide or tirzepatide?

It is often used to complement a GLP-1 weight-loss programme. GLP-1 medicines reduce appetite and intake, while 5-Amino-1-MQ targets fat metabolism, so they address weight from different angles. Whether combining them suits you is decided by your doctor. See our medical weight-loss guide for the GLP-1 side.

What is the honest state of the evidence?

This is important. The exciting results for 5-Amino-1-MQ come largely from laboratory and animal research, and robust human trial data is still limited. So while the mechanism is genuinely interesting, it should be treated as promising, doctor-supervised metabolic support rather than a proven weight-loss medicine, with realistic expectations set from the start.

Is 5-Amino-1-MQ safe?

In the available research it is generally well tolerated, with side effects usually limited to mild injection-site reactions. As with all newer metabolic compounds, long-term human safety data is limited, which is exactly why it is dispensed on a script after a doctor reviews your history and current medicines.

How do I get 5-Amino-1-MQ in South Africa?

It is a prescription item, so it starts with a short medical questionnaire that our registered doctor reviews, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one. Once a script is issued, your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa with clear dosing instructions. Pricing and options are on our 5-Amino-1-MQ page.