Growth Hormone Therapy Cuts Fat and Builds Muscle

            Many bodybuilders and older adults take growth hormones to decrease body fat, build muscle mass and increase energy levels and joie de vivre (the joy of living). Synthetic growth hormone has been widely used for more than 10 years, so we have many studies to help evaluate its effectiveness. Kavya Mekala from the Lahey Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts and Nicholas Tritos from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston combined the results of 27 studies on growth hormone, using a statistical technique called meta-analysis. Growth hormone decreased fat mass by an average of 2 pounds, fat by 1 percent, visceral fat by 9 inches, low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) by 9 mg/dl and total cholesterol by 7 mg/dl. Lean body mass increased by 4 pounds. Five to 7 percent of people experienced side effects such as joint pain, swelling and numbness to the hands and feet. There were small increases in blood sugar and insulin, but these effects were short-term and temporary. Growth hormone decreases abdominal fat and increases muscle mass, without causing changes in bodyweight. The authors cautioned that we need long-term studies to assess the effectiveness of growth hormone supplements and their effects on the heart and longevity. (Journal Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism, 94:130-137, 2009)