Science Questions

Do the growth hormones given to animals have an effect on human obesity? Edie, Wellingborough

We put this to Professor Steve Bloom:

Growth hormone makes your muscles grow and burns up fat.  In fact it will reduce your pot belly so it’s quite useful in that way.  There is a slight disadvantage which is also causes tumours to grow, being growth hormone.  Your chances of getting cancer, particularly cancer of the prostate are somewhat increased.  I’m afraid I can’t really recommend it.

January 2009