There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.
From the FDA Drug Label
Lipid Metabolism Somatropin stimulates intracellular lipolysis, and administration of somatropin leads to an increase in plasma free fatty acids and triglycerides. Untreated GHD is associated with increased body fat stores, including increased abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue Treatment of growth hormone deficient patients with somatropin results in a general reduction of fat stores, and decreased serum levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
The role of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in weight loss is to stimulate lipolysis, which leads to a reduction in fat stores, including abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, in patients with growth hormone deficiency 1.
From the Research
Role of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) in Weight Loss
- HGH plays a significant role in regulating body composition, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular risk profile 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that HGH deficiency is often accompanied by an increase in fat accumulation, and HGH replacement therapy can lead to a reduction in fat mass, particularly abdominal fat mass 2, 3.
- However, administering HGH to obese individuals does not seem to result in a consistent reduction or redistribution of body fat 2, 4.
- Some studies suggest that HGH can accelerate body fat loss, exert anabolic effects, and improve GH secretory dysfunction in obese adults when combined with dietary restriction 5.
- The effects of HGH on body fat loss are thought to be mediated by its lipolytic effects, which can increase the breakdown of fat cells and reduce fat mass 6, 4.
Mechanisms of HGH Action
- HGH acts by binding to the HGH receptor, inducing direct effects or initiating the production of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) 6.
- IGF-I is a key mediator of HGH effects, and its levels are often increased in response to HGH therapy 6, 5.
- HGH can also stimulate lipolysis, leading to an increase in the breakdown of fat cells and a reduction in fat mass 2, 4.
Clinical Implications
- HGH therapy may be beneficial for obese individuals with GH deficiency, as it can help reduce fat mass and improve body composition 2, 3.
- However, the use of HGH as a weight loss therapy in non-GH deficient individuals is not supported by the current evidence 2, 4.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the role of HGH in weight loss and to determine its potential therapeutic applications 2, 3, 5.