Growth Hormones May Stop Post-Weight Loss Surgery Muscle Loss
We all know that weight loss surgery works wonders when it comes to the rapid loss of “bad” body weight – that is, excess fat. But many post-operative patients also lose “good weight” – namely, the lean muscle mass that a healthy body needs – as well.
Fortunately, a substance that is naturally produced by the body may slow or even prevent these losses. According to a new study at Federico II University in Naples, short-term treatments with growth hormones, together with a low calorie diet and regular exercise program, can reduce the loss of muscle mass and increase the loss of fat mass after bariatric surgery.
However, the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Silvia Savastano, notes that the high cost of growth hormone treatment may not make it a viable part of post-operative care for most patients.
