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✔Evidence basedThis article is reviewed by medical professionals for the relevancy and accuracy of the content. Every article is evidence-based and contains references to peer-reviewed studies and academic research.If you are noticing that your waistline keeps increasing and any fat you gain goes directly to your belly, you might have a hormonal problem such as growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Fat accumulation around the abdominal area is one of its first symptoms.
This is not simply an aesthetic issue but also a serious health problem. The accumulation of fat due to GHD involves a specific pattern of fat distribution around the abdomen, which is why it is called central obesity.
Central obesity includes subcutaneous fat around the waist as well as a dangerous accumulation of fat around the internal organs. This type of fat is called visceral fat and large amounts of it lead to visceral obesity.
General obesity and fat distribution around the abdomen are two separate risk factors for metabolic health. Visceral obesity increases the risk of metabolic syndrome – a condition that leads to multiple health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and premature death. Obesity can also limit your mobility and physical capacity, reducing the quality of your life.
Apart from GHD, visceral obesity can be caused by other hormone-related factors too, most notably Cushing’s Syndrome. The syndrome is the result of high levels of cortisol in the body.
One trial with over 3000 people has also discovered an association between alcohol consumption and abdominal obesity. The main cause for weight gain and general obesity in otherwise healthy people is regularly consuming more calories than the daily needs of the organism.
Effects of HGH on Metabolism and Fat Distribution
HGH has a direct catabolic effect on adipose tissue. It stimulates the process of lipolysis which involves the release of free fatty acids from fat cells. These fat molecules go into the bloodstream and become available for uptake by all cells that can use them for energy.
The release of fatty acids begins around 1-2 hours after exposure to HGH and peaks after another couple of hours. Furthermore, the hormone affects only specific adipose tissue depots and distinct classes of metabolically active adipocytes.
HGH controls fat distribution by mobilizing fatty acids from the depots around the waist
The hormone specifically targets adipose cells around the abdomen and internal organs. They release fatty acids and decrease in size. The fatty acids can be used for energy during exercise or caloric restriction.
How to Reduce Body Fat and Increase Metabolism
HGH therapy can successfully address the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency including fat gain.
The first benefits of the therapy occur after the first month of treatment and involve improvements in body composition such as abdominal fat loss. HGH therapy can lead to a significant reduction of belly fat after 6-weeks of treatment.
Randomized studies that lasted 6-months or longer also reveal a reduction in visceral fat, total, and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Furthermore, insulin sensitivity was positively impacted in the long-term. Another study in 79 premenopausal women showed similar results, as well as improved cardiovascular parameters.
If left untreated, GHD can lead to the accumulation of visceral fat around the internal organs and serious metabolic consequences. They include high blood pressure and elevated LDL which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death.
Discover more about High Blood Pressure and Bad Cholesterol
High blood pressure and high bad cholesterol
GHD related visceral obesity can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Cause high blood pressure and elevated levels of bad cholesterol