HGH: good or bad?

By Tracy Satov MS, RD, August 17th, 2012

Tracy’s answer:
The Human Growth Hormone (HGH) occurs naturally in your body. It is excreted by the pituitary gland to promote muscle growth, energy and tissue repair. Studies are showing that obese people have less than normal levels of this hormone, which perhaps is a reason for their battle with the bulge.
By boosting the amounts of the hormone our bodies will increase muscle mass, energy and decrease overall fat percentage. Some studies did show that injecting obese people with HGH can increase their lean muscle mass and decrease their percentage of fat. However, the FDA has only approved such injections for children with growth deficiencies and for people with AIDS related muscle-wasting disease.
As we age, our bodies produce less of this hormone. Some experts say that after 40 our bodies replace one pound of muscle for fat. By the age of 50 we can gain 10 pounds!
Replenishing our body’s stores of HGH can perhaps minimize this effect. Unfortunately, HGH injections to combat weight loss are not been proven and may in fact cause more damage then good. Some side effects that patients experienced were insulin resistance, joint pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, and other long-term effects that have not be specified.
The FDA does not approve HGH and athletes are banned from using it for the Olympics.
The supplement industry advertises that the pills, powders, and gels have numerous benefits that range from decreasing fatigue to increasing your sex drive and weight loss. Some things are just too good to be true. I would definitely stir clear of this weight loss gimmick.

Here’s to eating well
Tracy