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Anyone tried HGH (Human Growth Hormone) for weight loss?

My personal trainer told me about this growth hormone (HGH) that you can take as an injection, in pill form, or as a mouth spray. Apparently it stimulates the natural growth hormone in our bodies that keeps us young. It helps to decrease body fat, increase muscle tone, healing abilities, and lots of other stuff. He said one of his other clients is on it and is ripped (a girl!). So I'm considering trying it, but wondered if anyone out there has tried it and which kind you have tried. I'm looking into the spray because it seems to be the cheapest and I was told that it works faster and better than the pills. The injections, clearly, are way too expensive.. and scary!

I have my eye on the brand called Biogenica because it seems to be the least expensive but supposedly works... If anyone know of any other fairly inexpensive ones, please let me know!

Isn't this the stuff that has been killing pro-wrestlers?

Isn't this stuff illegal?

I joined CC to learn about healthy lifestyle changes, which should result in longterm sustainable weight loss.

Quote from the Mayo Clinic website:

Human growth hormone (HGH): Does it slow aging process? If you're willing to pay thousands, some doctors promise to reverse the signs of aging with human growth hormone (HGH). Before you sign up, get the facts.

Your body naturally makes growth hormone to help fuel growth during your childhood and to help maintain your tissues and organs throughout your life. Beginning in your 40s, your pituitary gland — the pea-sized structure at the base of your brain where growth hormone is made — slowly reduces the amount of the hormone it produces.

Some people believe the dwindling level of growth hormone is responsible for the frailty that typically comes with getting older. And that's prompted some who are concerned about growing old and losing independence to turn to injections of synthetic human growth hormone (HGH) to stave off the realities of old age. But there's little evidence to suggest human growth hormone is the Fountain of Youth.

Who needs to take human growth hormone?

Synthetic human growth hormone is available only by prescription and is administered through an intramuscular injection. It's currently approved to treat adults with true growth hormone deficiency — not the expected decline in growth hormone due to aging. Growth hormone deficiency can be caused by pituitary tumors and radiation or surgery to the pituitary gland, among other causes.

Human growth hormone is also approved for:

• Children with short stature
• Children with kidney failure
• Children with Prader-Willi syndrome
• Children with Turner's syndrome
• Muscle wasting associated with AIDS and HIV

Studies of adults with growth hormone deficiencies show that injections of human growth hormone can:

• Increase bone density
• Increase muscle mass
• Decrease body fat
• Bolster the heart's ability to contract
• Improve mood and motivation
• Increase exercise capacity

Because of those results, some people believe that synthetic human growth hormone can help healthy older adults who have naturally low levels of growth hormone regain some of their youth and vitality.

What can human growth hormone do for healthy older adults who don't need it?

Studies of healthy older adults taking human growth hormone are limited. Many involve a small number of people followed for a short period of time. The studies that have been conducted have found that human growth hormone injections can increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of body fat in healthy older adults.

That increase in muscle doesn't translate into increased strength. Though the study participants gained muscle, they weren't any stronger. One study compared older men who took human growth hormone with older men who went through strength training programs. The bottom line: Strength training can increase both your muscle mass and your strength, making it cheaper and more effective than taking human growth hormone.

It isn't clear whether human growth hormone can provide other benefits, such as increased bone density and improved mood, to healthy adults. Most of the research into human growth hormone has focused on people with true growth hormone deficiencies.

Are there any risks to taking human growth hormone if you don't need it?

Taking human growth hormone can cause a number of side effects, including:

• Swelling in your arms and legs
• Arthritis-like symptoms
• Carpal tunnel symptoms
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Muscle pain
• Diabetes
• Abnormal growth of bones and internal organs
• Hardening of the arteries
• High blood pressure

Some evidence shows that side effects of human growth hormone treatments may be more likely in older adults than in younger adults. Also, because the studies of healthy adults taking human growth hormone have been short term, it isn't clear whether these side effects could eventually dissipate or become worse. For instance, though human growth hormone produced arthritis-like symptoms, it isn't clear if this would progress into arthritis. More study is needed.

Does human growth hormone come in pill form?

Some Web sites claim to sell a pill form of human growth hormone that produces results similar to the injected form of the drug. Sometimes these are called human growth hormone releasers. There's no proof that these claims are true. In fact, if you were to swallow human growth hormone, it would likely be digested by your stomach acids and not absorbed into your body.

Web sites also sell homeopathic remedies claiming to contain human growth hormone. There's no proof that these work, either.

Talk it over with your doctor

Your doctor can explain more about how human growth hormone works in your body and whether it's something your body needs more of. If you have specific concerns about aging, such as gaining weight, your doctor can suggest ways to improve your health safely. Taking simple steps, such as eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables and exercising daily, can help keep your body in shape and help you feel better about yourself as you get older.

I think the old fashioned healthy approach is a win win situation. Anything not natural is not good as far as I know! I would not even get involved in that horrible scenario! IMHO..stay far from that and any other pills, etc.!

lol No, it doesn't kill people and it's not illegal. It's a natural hormone that is produced by your own body, but it slows down after the age of 20... so the supplements are just to boost the amount that is produced in your body. It's used in the health care profession, so clearly is not illegal or dangerous if used correctly.

Original Post by lisamarie82:

It's used in the health care profession, so clearly is not illegal or dangerous if used correctly.

Birth control is not illegal or dangerous if used correctly, either.  But it's also not appropriate for children, men, or elderly women because it's meant to mimic hormones that are natural in those quantities only during a specific period of time in a woman's life.  Unless you have a condition that is causing your body to underproduce HGH and your physician (not your trainer) thinks you need it, I'd stay away.  Our various hormones work together in complicated ways, and messing with one is very likely to impact others.  I personally would not risk even one of the side effects listed in gpm55's second post just for the sake of losing a few pounds.

I've done more research and spoken to a few people.. and this hormone releaser has been used for years by thousands of people for weight loss. I always research before I even consider trying something, so I already know all the facts, side effects, etc. about it. All I wanted to know was if anyone out there had tried it... but I found and spoke to a few people already that have, and even their doctors said it was fine because it's a homeopathic "medicine" that helps to regulate your body's natural hormone production.

Anyway... I probably won't check this for responses anymore, because I've found the information I need elsewhere. Thanks anyway!

My father used HGH for some time, for its "youthening" qualities. It actually did give him many of the results he was seeking cosmetically—but he also ended up with health issues, including muscle pain, hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure, that cleared right up after he stopped taking it. He has stated he will never touch the stuff again, and hasn't in several years now. Considering how much it did seem to freshen his appearance, that is saying something. He was very disturbed by the side effects.

Personally, I'd never take it.

HGH is what all the professional athletes are getting in trouble for.  It used to be taken from cadavers but this was later found to cause health problems.  Laboratories have since been creating a synthetic form of HGH that doesn't cause these health issues.  It is only somewhat effective in high doses and when constantly used because it has a very short half-life (a few hours at most) requiring constant injections.  Pill and spray forms are for the most part ineffective due to the low doseage.  Injectible form is typically prescribed by a doctor and is illegal in many countries.  Sylvester Stallone was recently arrested in Australia with 60 or so viles of it (enough for about 7-10 days).  HGH is often taken with steroids to maximize the effects.

The stuff is no joke and it isn't worth using unless you go with the injectible form which is going to cost you thousands of $.  Don't take it.

Original Post by lisamarie82:

I've done more research and spoken to a few people.. and this hormone releaser has been used for years by thousands of people for weight loss Cigarettes have been used for years by thousands (million?) of people for weight loss, doesn't mean their good for you or that you should use them. I always research before I even consider trying something, so I already know all the facts, side effects, etc No one knows all the facts, if you did you wouldn't need other people's opinions. about it. All I wanted to know was if anyone out there had tried it... but I found and spoke to a few people already that have, and even their doctors said it was fine because it's a homeopathic "medicine" that helps to regulate your body's natural hormone production No, it counteracts your body's natural hormone production, if your body was supposed to be producing HGH past your 20's most people wouldn't see a decrease in their HGH, your messing with millions of years of evolution, not a good idea.

Anyway... I probably won't check this for responses anymore, because I've found the information I need elsewhere. Thanks anyway!  In other words, you didn't get the answers you wanted and are going to go someplace where people will tell you what you want to hear.  good luck.

 

(edit: removed)

Might as well get a doctor to implant a pituitary tumor so you can produce all the HGH you want for free!

One of the main reasons they don't want it in pro sports is that it gives the athletes an advantage by allowing them to heal faster.  I had a friend that used it for this purpose, and it worked for him (he was prescribed it).  I don't know about it for weight loss, I would expect it to be (as most weight-loss supplements) the placebo effect at it's best.

Original Post by kunfushuss:

One of the main reasons they don't want it in pro sports is that it gives the athletes an advantage by allowing them to heal faster.  I had a friend that used it for this purpose, and it worked for him (he was prescribed it).  I don't know about it for weight loss, I would expect it to be (as most weight-loss supplements) the placebo effect at it's best.

I disagree 100%.  There is NOBODY involved in professional sports who opposes anything that will heal athletes from injuries more rapidly.  You forgot that every rule in the MLB, NFL, NBA, etc has to first be approved by their Players Association.  Why would the players agree to ban something so that they can't heal as quickly.

The issue is health.  No doubt HGH and steroids allow you to heal faster.  If that was the only effect, they wouldn't be illegal.

The short version is that if you want to die, go ahead and take it.  If you want live, skip it and work through it the hard way like the rest of us. 

Is it really so hard to just eat less and exercise? Stop trying to take the "easy" way out with magic pills and injections.

I guess Lisamarie is happily spraying her tongue by now. She was a case of "don't mess me up with facts, my mind is made up". I just wanted to thank all those who contributed information about this, as I had myself no idea about it. I learn new things everyday on CC, and I think it's just awesome!!!

There are many people who still think there is a magic thing out there that will allow them to eat anything they want, do anything they want and still stay young, healthy and slim. Oh well, good luck to them. I was part of them not so long ago, so who am I to say anything?

Truth is, I am quite glad there isn't such a magic trick. I am now 53, and I have to work ten times harder for every once I lose, and five times as hard to keep it from returning, but I am starting to think it is a good thing: if it weren't so, I wouldn't have the courage and energy to stay fit for as long as I can. I wouldn't be walking 90 minutes every morning, rain or shine, I wouldn't make a point at eliminating junk from my food intake, and I wouldn't think twice about eating much too much for my real needs... Nature is wiser than we are, having been around much longer than us. As floggingsully said, no way we can mess with millions of years of evolution just to accommodate our short terms whims...

Thanks to all for the info. Have a nice day!

Original Post by lisamarie82:

lol No, it doesn't kill people and it's not illegal. It's a natural hormone that is produced by your own body, but it slows down after the age of 20... so the supplements are just to boost the amount that is produced in your body. It's used in the health care profession, so clearly is not illegal or dangerous if used correctly.

Testosterone (similar to the active ingredient in anabolic steroids) is also a natural hormone produced by your body but I don't think anyone here will tell you those are not dangerous. I suggest no matter what agent you put into your body you consult with a licensed medical professional (aka your doctor) before doing anything. As a young woman you have a lot to live for and a lot to protect biologically, so be careful. And no matter what you and your doctor decide please do not buy any biological agents over the internet. It isn't regulated and you have no idea what you are really taking. Please consult your doctor.

Thank you to those of you who have stuck to the question I asked and answered in a respectful manner without judging me or assuming things about me.

I've asked the moderator to remove this forum message and the responses because this is supposed to be a supportive environment (especially in the emotional realm). There ARE ways to answer questions, even if you disapprove, without slamming someone... This is why I have stayed away from this forum in the past and will do so in the future. Again, there are ways to disapprove of something but do so in a positive manner. Believe me, I'm 100% open to receiving dissaproval on things like this - that's why I asked the question in the first place. I'm not, however, open to being ridiculed for simply asking the question.

Let me remind some of you that you don't know what methods I'm taking for my weight loss, the physical situation my body is in, whether or not I have spoken to doctors, or even what choice I've made as far at the HGH... So please, don't assume things about people you don't know!!!

I hope that you can all find a positive place to get your answers and support! Best of luck!