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The hidden effects of growth hormone deficiency in adults: Why do we gain body fat and lose muscle?
Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) is a medical condition that causes many health problems due to insufficient growth hormone. So why does this affect our body fat gain and muscle loss? This article explores the causes, symptoms, and hidden effects of GHD in adults.
What is growth hormone deficiency?
Growth hormone deficiency may be present in infancy or develop in adulthood. The underlying cause of the disease may include genetics, trauma, infection, tumors, or radiation therapy. Many adults may develop GHD as a result of a pituitary gland tumor or its treatment. In addition, after adulthood, the natural secretion of growth hormone will decrease with age. This is normal, but some people will experience serious deficiencies in reality.
Effects of growth hormone deficiency in adults
The effects of growth hormone deficiency in adults can be severe and include reduced muscle mass and increased body fat, especially around the waistline.
Inadequate growth hormone in adults can lead to changes in body composition, the effects of which are often not immediately apparent. Although some people are aware of the direct relationship between GHD and growth rate, they have not paid attention to its indirect effects on body fat and muscle. Here are some of the main symptoms:
- Increase body fat, especially in the abdomen
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Energy levels decrease, affecting daily activities
- Cognitive decline, including impaired concentration and memory
The role of growth hormone
Growth hormone plays an important role in maintaining muscle and bone mass in the adult body. Its deficiency may result in the following:
With a lack of growth hormone, many adults begin to experience higher fat accumulation and muscle wasting, which poses a serious threat to health.
The most obvious manifestation of these changes is increased fat, especially in the waist, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. At the same time, the loss of muscle mass affects overall strength and endurance, making daily life more difficult.
Diagnosis and Treatment
For the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency, a blood test is usually required to measure growth hormone levels. Treatment for this condition is primarily replacement therapy with synthetic human growth hormone. However, many adults may not necessarily require treatment because of age-related decreases in secretion.
Lifestyle and Management
In addition to medical intervention, these adults may also consider lifestyle modifications, such as increasing exercise and improving diet, to help increase muscle mass and reduce body fat. Doing so may have a positive impact on overall health.
Conclusion
The effects of growth hormone deficiency on adults are subtle and far-reaching, especially in terms of body fat gain and muscle loss. Increased awareness and early diagnosis of this disease may help reduce its negative impacts. So, have you ever considered whether there is such an impact hidden in your health?
