Human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone that is produced naturally in the body.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss It is created by the pituitary gland and controls growth.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss Although it is made at a higher level in children, it is also present in much lower levels in adults.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss According to WebMD, the hormone has been linked with metabolism, tissue repair, the brain and muscle growth.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss

In recent years, some companies claim that taking supplements of HGH gives the user extra vitality, youth and athletic prowess. Likewise, there are diet companies that credit HGH supplements with substantial weight loss. These human growth hormone supplements can be found in many forms such as pills, injections and sprays.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss The spray variety is activated by squirting it into the mouth. However, medical experts state that these claims are untrue and that healthy adults can be harmed by HGH supplements.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/growth-hormone/HA00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2 They can cause such ailments as gynecomastia, diabetes, joint and muscle pain.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/growth-hormone/HA00030/NSECTIONGROUP=2

The link between increased levels of the human growth hormone and weight loss began in 1990.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss At that time, the New England Journal of Medicine presented a study that showed participants had lost 14% of their body fat and increased their muscle mass by 8.8%.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss By 2003, the New England Journal of Medicine made a public statement against using the 1990 study as evidence of the legitimate use of HGH for weight loss.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss They made this statement because other scientific studies did not reproduce similar results.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss

Doctor Nicholas Tritos, M.D. worked on a study that charted the effect of HGH on weight loss.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss He stated that Our results showed small improvements in body composition, a small reduction in body fat and increase in muscle mass, but on balance, weight did not change.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss He went on to explain that his study showed that people with pituitary disease benefited the most from increases in HGH.http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-hgh-for-weight-loss

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.