Low HGH and Obesity

Human Growth Hormone injections are used to treat obesity.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is produced by the pituitary gland. A lack of this hormone--Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) can cause multiple problems with growth and functioning in children and adults.

HGH and Child Obesity

Children born with GHD do not grow at a normal rate. Their bodies tend to accumulate fat around the face and abdomen. HGH injections will allow children to achieve normal growth and lose excess fat deposits.

GHD and Adult Problems

Some adults may be born with GHD or develop it due to damage or removal of their pituitary gland. Adults will develop muscle weakness, bone loss and weight gain. HGH injections should help adults to lose these fat deposits and regain muscle and bone strength.

HGH and Aging

As humans age, the pituitary gland produces less HGH. Researchers wanted to see if receiving HGH would help healthy older men and women lose weight and improve body muscle. A study published in 2002 in the Journal of American Medicine showed that the men and women who volunteered for the study did lose body fat and gain muscle mass. They experienced undesirable side effects that fortunately subsided when participants stopped taking HGH.

HGH and Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which, among other symptoms, causes uncontrollable appetite. Many children and adults with this syndrome become extremely obese. GHD is not necessarily a cause of the syndrome, but HGH can help treat it by reducing fat deposits and increasing muscle mass.

HGH Side Effects

HGH has not been approved to treat weight loss or increase muscle mass in normal adults because of serious side effects. HGH injections are associated with decreased body fat and increased muscle, but also increased insulin resistance that can lead to diabetes. It is not recommended for extremely obese children or adults because of possible dangerous respiratory problems. There also is a loose connection between HGH and cardiovascular disease and colon cancer.

Availability

HGH can be obtained by prescription only. The hormone has been used to treat excess fat and muscle wasting disorders in those with other diseases such as HIV/AIDS patients. HGH's greatest value has been the ability to restore normal growth, reduce fat accumulations, and increase bone and muscle mass for children and adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency.

References

• Hormone Foundation: Growth Hormone Issues in Children and Adults
• Journal of the American Medical Association: Growth Hormone and Sex Steroid Administration in Healthy Age Women and Men
• American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists: Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for Growth Hormone Use in Adults and Children---2003 Update
• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Treatment of Abnormal Adipose Tissue Accumulation in HIV Patients

Resources

• Hormone Foundation
• Magic Foundation