Human growth hormone (HGH) is a substance that is naturally secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. During the aging process, the amount of HGH that the body produces substantially decreases, which can lead to weight gain. With the increased use of dietary supplements, many people have made a connection between human growth hormone and weight loss, as these supplements are thought to increase the production of muscle mass and help burn fat.
HGH is a protein-based poly-peptide hormone that helps trigger insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which helps to prevent insulin from moving glucose into fat cells. In most cases, the body will first seek out glucose as a source of energy. When HGH is introduced, the glucose is no longer stored in the same fashion, and the body is forced to burn fat to produce the required energy. This hormone is also said to help improve metabolism, and thus makes the body more capable of breaking down fat, further strengthening the connection between human growth hormone and weight loss.
Although HGH has been approved in the treatment of many diseases, in the United States it is considered illegal to posses the actual hormone without a valid prescription. This is largely due to the fact that it is thought that HGH may cause many health problems including diabetes, edema, and arthritis. HGH has also been banned from organized sports.
Despite these prohibitions, human growth hormone and weight loss have developed a strong connection, and HGH has become an increasingly popular weight-loss supplement. Some choose to take this supplement in the form of injection, which is typically administered in a clinical setting. Others may prefer the convenience of pills, which may be purchased from a number of mail-order retailers.
Some retailers have chosen an alternative to the actual hormone itself. Secretagogues stimulate the secretion of other substances, and are generally made of natural materials. There are many secretagogues that are thought to help the body naturally produce more of its own HGH, such as ginseng, chasteberry, and herba epimedii.
As human growth hormone and weight loss have become increasingly connected, many have started to worry about side effects. Like prescription-based HGH supplements, natural secretagogues may cause diabetes as well as high blood pressure and sleeping issues. Fortunately, these side effects are thought to be mild and uncommon.