A recent study has revealed that weight loss can be achieved with the help of the human growth hormone. This article provides information about how it works.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is called the master hormone, since it controls all the growth-related functions in the body. As we age, the levels of HGH in the body begin to diminish. Low levels of the hormone are mainly responsible for aging symptoms like muscle weakness, low sexual drive, weight gain, risk of cardiovascular diseases, etc.
HGH levels are at their peak around puberty, and the body stops producing it in higher levels by the age of 21. A few years back, scientists came up with synthetic form of the hormone for weight loss, which was then marketed as elixir of youth. Since then, people have always counted on HGH for weight loss. Let us see how it works.
Human Growth Hormone and Weight Loss
Human growth hormone is responsible for muscle building of the body. When the HGH levels in the body fall, the body begins to utilize muscle mass and converts it into fat for energy. It has been found that after 40 years of age, your body replaces 1 pound of muscle mass by 1 pound of fat. Thus, at the age of 50, you have 10 pounds of excess fat. Besides, lower level of the hormone prevents the body from burning any fat. To understand the relation between weight loss and fat burning with HGH, you have to understand its metabolic function.
HGH raises the levels of IG-1, an excretory product of liver, which prevents transportation of glucose to the cells. In the usual course, pancreas releases insulin after your meals, in order to breakdown carbohydrates into glucose. Insulin is responsible for carrying the glucose to the cell, and then, opening the cell membrane to let the glucose inside the cell. Inside the cell membrane, the cells convert the glucose into fat, and store it as a future energy reservoir.
To suffice its energy demands, the body tends to utilize its available glucose first, and turn its attention to the stored fat only when the glucose content depletes. By cutting the supply of glucose to the cells, HGH forces the body to burn its stored fat deposits. Thus, you burn fat without performing any exercises, or resorting to any special diet plans. In fact, you even lose weight while you are resting. This makes it virtually possible for you to lose weight even when you are sleeping. Eating large meals does not lead to weight gain, and the fat burning continues.
Side Effects
Synthetic HGH was marketed very effectively after it was launched commercially. People were more than happy to try it out since they did not have to endure strenuous exercises or crash diets. It was an instant hit as you could lose weight by eating whatever you want, and without exerting your body. However, it quickly became evident that the hormone was far from being the elixir of youth, when its side effects were discovered. In fact, high amounts of the hormone were capable of inducing hazardous side effects. Swelling, hypertension, joint pain are some common side effects of HGH overdose.
The most serious side effect is glucose intolerance, which increases the risk of diabetes. Besides, it is also not recommended for people who are not naturally deficient. Many young athletes go for it to up their performance. However, this may lead to fluid retention, headaches, insulin resistance, and other dangers like gynecomastia. Besides, prolonged use of HGH may hamper your body’s natural metabolism permanently.
Adults with pituitary diseases may be given human growth hormone to improve their body composition. It increases the muscle mass, and decreases fat in the body. However, significant weight loss is still not possible, as the person may lose only a few pounds. Hence, the tall claims made by manufacturers regarding weight loss are deceptive.
Weight loss specialists often charge exorbitantly for this treatment. Make sure you consider all the pros and cons before you decide to go for this method of weight loss. It is best to stick with the conventional ways of weight loss, such as exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.
