Some small studies linked HGH injections with fat loss and muscle gain. But the views seen were minimal - just a few pounds - while the risks and potential side effects are not. And experts warn that HGH is not approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss.
What Food To Eat For Weight Loss - The Truth About HGH for Weight Loss
HGH is produced by the pituitary gland for fuel growth and development in children. It also maintains some bodily functions such as tissue repair, muscle growth, brain function, energy and metabolism, throughout life.
HGH production peaks during adolescence and slowly decreases with age. Studies have shown that obese adults have lower levels than normal weight adults. And these lower levels of HGH have some people wondering if an HGH boost can increase weight loss, especially in obese.
HGH also won a reputation as a muscular builder, and its use is banned in the Olympics and other sports. However, there is little solid evidence that you can boost athletic performance.
Interest in using HGH for weight loss stems from a 1990 New England Journal of Medicine study that showed synthetic HGH injections resulted in 8.8% gain in muscle mass and 14% body fat loss without any change diet or exercise. Although this study seem promising, many later studies did not show such a benefit.
In March 2003, the New England Journal of Medicine took the unusual step of denouncing the improper use of the 1990 study, pointing out that subsequent reports do not provide reasons to be optimistic.
Despite this, this 1990 study is still being used to promote HGH Internet sales for weight loss.
When adults with an HGH deficiency resulting from hypophysaric disease are presented the replacement of HGH, improves body composition - increasing bone mass and muscle mass and decreasing fat stores.
But it does not cause weight loss in obese, says Nicholas Tritos, MD, which co-authored an analysis evaluating HGH effectiveness for weight loss in obese people.
"Our results showed small improvements in body composition, a small reduction in body fat and increased muscle mass, but in balance, weight has not changed," he says. "Most notable changes are seen when an individual is deficient in the growth hormone of true pituitary disease." Another study discovered that HGH therapy was linked to a small decrease in fat and increased lean mass, but no change in body weight. The researchers concluded that HGH is not an effective treatment in obese people, and said that more studies were needed. In addition, the American association of clinical endocrinologists warned that the use of HGH for obese patients is not recommended.HGH comes injectable, usually given once a week, and is only available with a prescription of a doctor. HGH injections are approved to treat adults and children who have growth hormone deficiency, for people who are undergoing organ transplants and for affair related to AIDS.
Business Marketing HGH Pills and Powders claim their products produce the same effects as the injected form. But Tritos warns that HGH is only effective when injected.
"HGH is a protein that will be broken in the stomach unless it is injected," he says. "And furthermore, any untreated drug or approved by the FDA is risky because it is unknown and not necessarily safe, pure, sterile or what is being announced."
The FDA did not approve HGH for weight loss for a variety of reasons, including cost (about $ 1,000 per month), potential insulin resistance aggravation and other side effects, and lack of long security studies deadline.
Healthy adults that take HGH at risk of joint and muscular pain, swelling in arms and legs, carpel tunnel syndrome and insulin resistance. In the elderly, these symptoms are deeper.
Use HGH for weight loss, muscle or anti-aging construction is experimental and controversial. HGH injections are believed to decrease fat storage and increase muscle growth to some extent, but studies have not shown that this is a safe or effective remedy of weight loss.
Until more research can demonstrate the long-term security and efficacy of using HGH for weight loss, it is advisable to avoid it.
Unfortunately, there are no magical markers when it comes to losing weight. Healthy weight loss means taking fewer calories than you burn in physical activity. Save your money for more fruits and vegetables, and a good pair of tennis.. Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, is a director of nutrition for WebMD. Belief opinions and conclusions are hers.
