A Weight Loss Journey

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Your body continues to require growth hormone after you are full grown.

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and appears mostly in childhood and adolescence.  Adults continue to secrete HGH throughout their lifetimes, but in ever-decreasing amounts.  By the time you are 40, HGH production is about 20% of what it was when you were 20.  As levels of HGH continue to drop, you may notice a corresponding increase in sleepiness, weight gain, loss of libido, insomnia, decreased mental clarity.

Doctors may prescribe a synthetic, drug form of the hormone to treat deficiencies in HGH and other growth-related conditions.  However, you can also get HGH supplement without a prescription that is very effective, and has very low risk of side effects and other complications associated with the drug form.

Several manufacturers offer non-prescription HGH supplements.  The most common and safest supplements are called releasers and are akin to amino acid “multi-vitamins.”  These supplements are available in capsule, tablet, or spray form.  Releaser supplements rely on the user’s ability to release natural growth hormone, so results vary by individual.  It is apparent that a healthy diet and an active lifestyle amplify the effects of HGH supplements.  If you have a growth hormone deficiency, a supplement will not work for you because it does not contain synthetic growth hormone.

Consumer Products Review (www.consumerproductsreview.org) has compiled testing and consumer reports to rate HGH supplements.  Their ratings are also based on the product, customer service and a strong reputation for reliability.  They have provided 5-star ratings for Human Growth Agent Spray and Sytropin.

Sytropin scored high in various best-of lists during my own research.

Because I am all about weight loss, and also am concerned with improving my cardiovascular health, and Sytropin claims to have a beneficial impact in that area, I have embarked on a Sytropin trial period of my own.  I will let you know how that goes.

jiggly jello

I went to my family practice doctor for a med check last week.  I hate having to go there every few months.  Sometimes it seems like it’s a way to get the insurance to pay for another office visit, but I know that’s really not true.  My doc cares about me and wants me to be healthy. 

We were sitting in the office chatting about her divorce, my swollen ankle and disturbing blood test results, when I happened to mention that I was still thrashing around with my on-going fight to get rid of the weight that has followed me around since I was in elementary school, and is now relentlessly piling on around my waist, like a wax figure that’s melting and puddling up on top of a belt.

She paused, glanced at me and casually mentioned that trying to lose weight after you pass 40 years of age is next to impossible.

What!

What kind of a thing is that for a doctor to say to her hopeful, optimistic patient?  Now that I’m well past 40, is there any hope that I will ever be at my normal weight?  Do I really have to resign myself to being a chubby, happy gramma with wildly swinging flaps of skin where her triceps ought to be, and giant stretch-waist pants?

“Say it ain’t so, Joe.”

Most of what I’ve read tells me that the way to lose weight is to tip your muscle-to-fat ratio in favor of the muscle.  That generally raises your metabolism  by burning more calories all day long.  That’s my plan, and I’m sticking to it.  Otherwise, I’ll be relegated to surviving on less than a thousand calories per day . . . forever.  I don’t think so.

I’ve been learning about human growth hormone supplements lately.  I plan to use HGH to build lean muscle, rev up my metabolism, and drop some of the wiggly stuff.

More later.

fountain of youth

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

HGH, otherwise known as the “Master Hormone,” can effectively fight the aging process. It controls the release of many other hormones in the body. Hundreds of clinical studies have shown that it can raise energy levels, enhance muscle, decrease fat, strengthen the heart, improve cholesterol, sharpen memory, improve sexual function, boost the immune system, improve sleep, and more.

Human growth hormone was first discovered in 1956 and it’s structure was identified in 1972. Before synthetic HGH molecules were genetically engineered in 1998, HGH was extracted from cadavers and then injected with needles into the human body.

Since then, there have been a growing number of clinical research studies investigating the capabilities and purported benefits of the human growth hormone.  Many researchers have concluded that one of the primary causes of aging is the decrease of HGH human growth hormone production.

According to Dr. Ronald Klatz, M.D., President of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, “Aging appears to be due in large part to the drastic decline of growth hormone in the body after adulthood.”

According to HGH human growth hormone research, at age 21, the normal level of circulating HGH is about 10 milligrams per deciliter of blood.  After age 30, the secretion rate of HGH drops approximately 14% per decade. By 80, most people produce barely enough HGH to build a fingernail, explaining why injuries experienced by seniors take so long to heal.

HGH Supplements

HGH supplements were first developed to treat children for growth disorders due to malfunctioning pituitary glands. Although that is still the main reason for the use of HGH supplements, they are now also used to give people more energy as well as to increase overall physical fitness.  Non-prescription supplements do not contain synthetic human growth hormone, but instead stimulate healthy pituitary glands to release additional growth hormone.

Essential facts about HGH supplements

1. Releaser type HGH supplements are safe.

The most common and safest supplements are called releasers and are similar to amino acid “multi-vitamins.” They are combined with other ingredients to provide the most HGH benefits. They are safest because foreign hormones are not introduced into the body.

2. Diets lacking essential amino acids can benefit from HGH supplements.

Low cholesterol and vegetarian diets that are not carefully planned can be deficient in certain amino acids that would normally induce the pituitary gland to release a burst of growth hormone.

3. Choice of supplement delivery is an individual preference.

Supplements are available in capsule, tablet, or spray form. Effectiveness depends predominately on personal preference and proper usage according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Long-term storage tips.

Bottles can be safely stored in a cool and dry area away from direct sunlight for several months. For long term storage, bottles should be shielded from light, heat, and moisture. The best solution is to place bottles in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator. You should be able to store HGH supplements for up to 3 years with no loss in potency.

5. Results will vary. 

Because releaser supplements rely on the user’s ability to release natural growth hormone, results will vary by individual. Consumer responses indicate that healthy diet and active lifestyle magnify effects of HGH supplements.

6. Effective only for those without growth hormone deficiencies.

No supplement alone will work for people suffering from growth hormone deficiency. Non-prescription supplements stimulate healthy pituitary glands to release additional growth hormone. This natural process of HGH supplements is safest and most effective for self-administered usage.

Unconfirmed findings

Some consumers and manufacturers have made claims that certain individuals might develop a tolerance to HGH supplements if used regularly for more than six consecutive months. A few manufacturers even recommend that consumers take a break from the supplements after six months. The length of recommended breaks ranges from 1 to 6 months.

The following is a description of one supplement on the market and a good description of it’s constituent parts and their function.

Example Product

GHR1000 is a very effective health supplement that takes direct aim at the aging process. It is a powerful product to stimulate the natural production of HGH and deliver a host of age-fighting components.

Unlike much of their competition, GHR1000 provides up-front full disclosure of the contents and dosage of their supplement. The proprietary blend of clinical strength ingredients includes the following:

• L-Arginine HCI (500mg) Increases growth hormone production; enhances immune system
• Vitamin B6 (50mg) Improves the nervous and immune systems; enhances metabolism; improves cell neurotransmitters and communication
• L-Glutamine (400mg) Helps with metabolism, improves athletic performance, boosts the immune system, and is a source for stomach and intestine lining
• L-Isoleucine (150mg) Promotes muscle recovery; enhances the healing process and the growth of new tissue
• L-Leucine (500mg) Increases growth hormone production; improves endurance and enhances energy; also works to protect and fuel the muscles
• L-Lysine (300mg) Helps in the maintenance of nitrogen balance in the body; conserves the calcium in the body, helps in the maintenance of blood vessels
• L-Omithine HCL (100mg) Enhances strength and improves energy
• L-Valine (150mg) Promotes muscle recovery; enhances the healing process and the growth of new tissue
• Gaba (200mg) Improves the plasma hormone levels in the body, enhances neurotransmission; improves nervous system, promotes fat loss; improves the body’s sleep cycle
• Glycine (50mg) Helps alleviate the symptoms of spasticity
• Tribulus Terrestris (150mg) Builds muscle; improves sexual drive and function
• Colostrum (100mg) Enhances immune system; stimulates healing; enhances growth hormone

Because the ingredients in GHR1000 are 100% natural, there are no reported side effects and no known drug interactions or conflicts. To administer, you simply take three of the sustained-release tablets just before bed.
Savor these great tasting, healthy foods, and begin to feel the fat finally melting off of you too.

helpers or hurters?

Contrave, a weight loss drug developed by Orexigen Therapeutics has completed its Phase III trial, and Orexigen is now seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

The Phase III trial involved several thousand patients, and built on an earlier trial involving approximately 700 people.  In these trials, individuals receiving Contrave lost an average of 6.1% and 6.4% of their weight, respectively.  This result compared with 1.3% and 1/2%, respectively, for those taking a placebo.  In a third trial, obese patients with Type 2 diabetes showed similar weight losses.

Very few side effects were reported and primarily consisted of headaches and constipation.

Contrave is a combination of two other drugs:

Naltrexone:  Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the effects of drugs known as opioids (a class that includes morphine, heroin or codeine). It competes with these drugs for opioid receptors in the brain. It was originally used to treat dependence on opioid drugs but has recently been approved by the FDA as treatment for alcoholism. In clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of naltrexone, patients who received naltrexone were twice as successful in remaining abstinent and in avoiding relapse as patients who received placebo-an inactive pill. 

In the largest study, the most common side effect of naltrexone affected only a small minority of people and included the following: nausea (10%), headache (7%), dizziness (4%), fatigue (4%), insomnia (3%), anxiety (2%), and sleepiness (2%).

Bupropion:  Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.  At least one brand (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.  The most common side effects of bupropion included:

Both Naltrexone and Bupropion are well-established and Orexigen Therapeutics reported no adverse psychological events in the Contrave trial.  However, it is worth noting that black box warnings were recently added to Zyban to alert consumers that taking the drug might cause hostility, depression and other mood changes.  Similar warnings have been noted for Wellbutrin as well.

On my weight loss journey, I am hopefully searching for any little aide to tip the scales in my favor, so to speak.  However, in my opinion, a 6% weight loss possibility seems like a small benefit compared to the risk of “hostility, depression, and other mood changes.”  I think I’ll pass on this drug when/if it becomes available.

recalled weight loss product

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports today that it has informed Young You Corporation that four weight loss dietary supplements sold and marketed by the firm contain an undeclared drug ingredient.  FDA lab analyses of dietary supplements distributed by the company were found to contain undeclared Sibutramine (see below), an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.

The FDA has not approved the following products as drugs; therefore the safety and effectiveness of this product is unknown.  All lots of the following dietary supplement products are being recalled:

The products listed above were sold and distributed nationwide via the internet and at the company’s Weight Loss and Rejuvenation Center in Tarzana, California.

FDA advises that these products pose a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.

Note that no illnesses or injuries have been reported to the company to date in connection with this product.

Young You Corp. has taken this voluntary recall action because it is committed to providing accurate information about its products and because of the concern for the health and safety of consumers. Young You Corp. is working with the FDA in the recall process. It sincerely regrets any inconvenience to customers.

GENERIC NAME: sibutramine

BRAND NAME: Meridia

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Sibutramine is a medication that assists with weight-loss by altering neurotransmitters within the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are produced and released by nerves in order to communicate with other nerves. Released neurotransmitters may attach to other nerves or they may be taken up again by the nerves that release them, a process termed reuptake. Sibutramine blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters alters the balance of neurotransmitters within the nerve cells and thereby affect nerve function and interaction.

Patients taking sibutramine may achieve a 5-10% reduction from their baseline weight. Additionally, sibutramine-assisted weight loss has been accompanied by improvement in blood lipids (e.g., cholesterol). Sibutramine was approved by the FDA in 1997.