RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Claims for the anabolic effects of growth hormone: a case of the Emperor’s new clothes?
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 100
OP 105
DO 10.1136/bjsm.37.2.100
VO 37
IS 2
A1 M J Rennie
YR 2003
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/37/2/100.abstract
AB This review examines the evidence that growth hormone has metabolic effects in adult human beings. The conclusion is that growth hormone does indeed have powerful effects on fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and in particular promotes the metabolic use of adipose tissue triacylglycerol. However, there is no proof that net protein retention is promoted in adults, except possibly of connective tissue. The overexaggeration of the effects of growth hormone in muscle building is effectively promoting its abuse and thereby encouraging athletes and elderly men to expose themselves to increased risk of disease for little benefit.