Open AccessEffects of Growth Hormone Administration in Human Obesity
Author(s) -
Shadid Samyah,
Jensen Michael D.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
obesity research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1550-8528
pISSN - 1071-7323
DOI - 10.1038/oby.2003.27
Subject(s) - medicine , obesity , growth hormone , endocrinology , placebo , lean body mass , adverse effect , insulin resistance , hormone , body weight , alternative medicine , pathology
Objective : To summarize the reports in the literature regarding the effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment of obesity. Research Methods and Procedures : Clinical trials of GH treatment of obese adults were reviewed and summarized. Specifically, information regarding the effects of GH on body fat and body fat distribution, glucose tolerance/insulin resistance, and adverse consequences of treatment were recorded. Results : GH administered together with hypocaloric diets did not enhance fat loss or preserve lean tissue mass. No studies provided strong evidence for an independent beneficial effect of GH on visceral adiposity. In all but one study, glucose tolerance during GH treatment suffered relative to placebo. Conclusion : The bulk of studies indicate little or no beneficial effects of GH treatment of obesity despite the low serum GH concentrations associated with obesity.