Obesity not only has an adverse effect on one’s appearance, it also increases the risk of health problems. While searching for ways to lose weight fast, you may have come across sites that make claims about the benefits of taking HGH shots for weight loss. Does the administration of these injections really help one lose weight? Let’s find out.
The growth hormone, also called somatotropin, is a protein hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. This hormone is often referred to as the master hormone. It regulates the growth of cells and tissues in the body. The secretion of this hormone is controlled by growth hormone-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing peptide, somatostatin, and certain other substances. The pituitary gland produces larger amounts of this hormone during childhood and adolescence. As we age, there is a decline in the production of this hormone.
With the advancements in the field of genetic engineering, scientists have been able to develop biosynthetic human growth hormone (HGH) with the help of recombinant DNA technology. It is referred to as the recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) or somatropin. Since somatotropin regulates the growth of cells, tissues, muscles, and bones, the administration of the synthetic version of this hormone is recommended for children who have stunted growth due to the deficiency of this hormone. Studies have revealed that injecting this synthetic hormone can also help in burning fat. If you are planning to take HGH shots for weight loss, you must find out more about the benefits and side effects of HGH.
Benefits of HGH
As mentioned earlier, the production of somatotropin is essential for growth and development in children. The production of this hormone peaks during adolescence, and declines thereafter. The hormone that is produced within the body helps to stimulate tissue growth, and increases muscle mass. It also improves metabolism, and strengthens the immune system. Once we hit 30s, there is a gradual reduction in the production of this naturally-occurring hormone. This gives rise to signs of aging such as sagging skin, dry skin, wrinkles, hair loss, decreased sexual drive, low energy levels, and weight gain.
It is believed that one can reduce the signs of aging by taking the synthetic version of the growth hormone. Humatrope, Genotropin, Saizen, Norditropin, Tev-Tropin, Nutropin, and Omnitrope are some of the brands that offer injectable HGH. Another option is to opt for HGH releaser therapy. Sermorelin acetate is an HGH releaser or a growth hormone-releasing hormone that induces the pituitary gland to produce this hormone in larger amounts. The increased production of this hormone can correct the deficiency. It is believed that this therapy may also benefit those who wish to lose weight.
HGH and Weight Loss
Research has revealed that taking injectable HGH can help in burning fat to some extent. The administration of this synthetic hormone basically increases the levels of IGF-1, which is an anabolic hormone that is produced by the liver. Under normal circumstances, insulin is released by the pancreas in order to convert carbohydrates into glucose. Glucose is then transported to the cells, where it gets converted into stored fat. When you take these shots, the level of IGF-1 gets raised considerably. As a result, insulin production decreases, and glucose is not transported to the cells. Under these circumstances, the body uses up the stored fat deposits to meet its energy requirements. Fat gets burned due to triglyceride hydrolysis in adipose tissue. So, if you take these injections, you wouldn’t have to go on crash diets or take pills to suppress your hunger. Though people taking these injections or supplements may lose weight, and experience higher energy levels, they may also experience certain side effects.
Side Effects
Taking injectable rhGH surely seems an easier way to lose weight, but administration of these shots could cause certain side effects. It has been observed that high doses of the hormone can give rise to several health problems. An overdose could lead to joint pain, water retention, or swelling in arms and legs. Other side effects include headaches, bloating, and hypertension. The use of these shots could lead to glucose intolerance, thereby putting one at an increased risk of developing diabetes. It has been found that high doses of this hormone could lead to gynecomastia, which is increased growth of the breast tissues in men. Very high levels of the growth hormone could also affect the working of the pituitary gland. Though HGH can prove beneficial for children and adults suffering from growth hormone deficiency, these shots must be taken as per the doctor’s advice. At times, the side effects could outweigh the benefits. Since this hormone is naturally produced in the body, the injectable synthetic growth hormone should not be given to children, adolescents, or young adults, unless they suffer from the growth hormone deficiency. If you really want to lose weight, it would be better to make some changes to your lifestyle.
Though taking these shots might seem to be very appealing to people grappling with the problem of obesity, it is always better to opt for healthier ways to lose weight. However, if you are too keen to use these shots, make sure that you buy them from a licensed pharmacy. It would be best not to buy them online from the websites that would sell you the injections without a prescription. Do consult a medical expert, and buy recombinant HGH that is manufactured by reputed brands. It would be best to take them under medical supervision.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.