Growth hormone is produced in the anterior pituitary gland. The best known function of growth hormone is stimulating cell growth in almost all tissues, hence the name. Growth in children is regulated by growth hormone. In adults it still has many important functions, not the least of which are inducing muscle growth or hypertrophy, stimulating bone mineralization and increasing lipolysis or fat metabolism.

For its’ ergogenic effects, growth hormone has been used by many athletes to stimulate performance and it has been banned by a great number of athletic societies. However sometimes it is prescribed by doctors as a treatment for growth hormone deficiency.

Growth hormone production in adults diminishes with age and, without intervention all the effects described above will decrease. Muscle mass will decline, bones will become weaker, resting metabolic rate and fat metabolism decline and cells age faster. These effects are even more pronounced in people with a lowered growth hormone production, such as obese people. However, with the right amount and form of training, especially resistance exercise, at the right intensity, growth hormone production can be stimulated along with all of its’ ascribed benefits.

References:

-Wilmore, J.H., Costill, D.L., Kenney, W.L. (2008). Fuel for Exercising muscle. Physiology of Sport and Exercise Fourth Edition. USA Human Kinetics.

-Baechle, T.R., Earle, W.R. (2008). Performance enhancing substances. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. Third Edition. USA. Human Kinetics.

-Baechle, T.R., Earle, W.R. (2008). Endocrine Responses to Resistance Exercise. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. Third Edition. USA. Human Kinetics.