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Does Metformin Lower IGF-1 Levels?
No, Metformin does not lower IGF-1 levels; in fact, it actually increases them. This surprising finding comes from a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 ("The influence of metformin on IGF-1 levels in humans" by Yang et al.), which challenges the common belief among bodybuilders and athletes that Metformin suppresses IGF-1.
To better understand how Metformin interacts with hGH (human growth hormone) and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), I’ll discuss the results of two long-term, placebo-controlled studies, both involving similar hGH dosages and male subjects:
- Herrmann et al. (Study 1): Participants were given 2.85 IU of hGH daily (0.20 IU per kg bodyweight). After 6 weeks, IGF-1 levels increased from 146 µg/L to 357 µg/L, stabilizing around 373 µg/L by the third month.
- Johannsson et al. (Study 2): A similar hGH dosage was administered. After 6 weeks, IGF-1 levels rose from 134 µg/L to 338 µg/L. By the 9-month mark, IGF-1 levels had dropped, but they were still significantly above baseline.
Both studies confirm that Metformin does not reduce the increase in IGF-1 caused by hGH. On the contrary, Metformin appears to support the rise in IGF-1, which is essential for hGH's effectiveness.
Does IGF-1 Contribute to Fat Loss from hGH?
While hGH has direct effects on fat cells (adipocytes) that don’t require IGF-1, much of hGH's fat-burning effects are mediated by IGF-1. Specifically, IGF-1 increases the utilization of free fatty acids and enhances insulin sensitivity, both of which are important for fat loss.
However, hGH’s primary fat-burning mechanism comes from its ability to promote fat oxidation and lipolysis (fat breakdown), rather than directly through IGF-1. This means that while IGF-1 plays a supporting role, the fat loss effects of hGH are not entirely dependent on IGF-1.
Is It Still a Good Idea to Combine Metformin with hGH?
Yes, combining Metformin with hGH is a good idea, especially if you're concerned about the hyperglycemic effects of hGH and potential insulin resistance. hGH increases glucose production and inhibits glucose uptake in cells, which can lead to hyperglycemia and, over time, diabetes. Metformin helps mitigate this risk by improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose metabolism.
More importantly, Metformin does not counteract the beneficial rise in IGF-1 caused by hGH. In fact, it enhances IGF-1 levels, which can further support muscle growth, fat loss, and overall metabolic function.
Additionally, research suggests that Metformin may lower the risk of various cancers by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, both of which can be beneficial for long-term hGH users.
IGF-1: The Benefits Beyond Muscle Growth
IGF-1 plays a crucial role in muscle growth by stimulating satellite cell activation, protein synthesis, and hypertrophy. Elevated IGF-1 also supports recovery, reduces inflammation, and improves insulin sensitivity. While systemic (liver) IGF-1 levels are not directly linked to muscle hypertrophy, local (muscle) IGF-1 production is a key factor in muscle growth, particularly following resistance training.
However, high systemic IGF-1 levels, especially from exogenous hGH, have been associated with increased cancer risks, including prostate and colorectal cancers. It's important to monitor IGF-1 levels and be aware of the long-term risks associated with elevated levels.
Conclusion: Should You Combine Metformin with hGH?
Metformin is a well-tolerated drug with minimal side effects, making it a great option for bodybuilders and athletes who use hGH regularly or in cycles. While Metformin doesn’t reduce IGF-1, it works synergistically with hGH to improve glucose metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and lower the risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Furthermore, Metformin has anti-cancer properties that could help mitigate the increased cancer risks associated with prolonged elevated IGF-1 levels.
If your goal is to gain muscle mass through hGH, Metformin can be a valuable addition to your regimen. However, if you're primarily focused on fat loss, you may want to explore other lipolytic compounds in conjunction with hGH, as Metformin’s effects on fat loss are secondary.
No, Metformin does not lower IGF-1 levels; in fact, it actually increases them. This surprising finding comes from a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 ("The influence of metformin on IGF-1 levels in humans" by Yang et al.), which challenges the common belief among bodybuilders and athletes that Metformin suppresses IGF-1.
To better understand how Metformin interacts with hGH (human growth hormone) and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), I’ll discuss the results of two long-term, placebo-controlled studies, both involving similar hGH dosages and male subjects:
- Herrmann et al. (Study 1): Participants were given 2.85 IU of hGH daily (0.20 IU per kg bodyweight). After 6 weeks, IGF-1 levels increased from 146 µg/L to 357 µg/L, stabilizing around 373 µg/L by the third month.
- Johannsson et al. (Study 2): A similar hGH dosage was administered. After 6 weeks, IGF-1 levels rose from 134 µg/L to 338 µg/L. By the 9-month mark, IGF-1 levels had dropped, but they were still significantly above baseline.
Both studies confirm that Metformin does not reduce the increase in IGF-1 caused by hGH. On the contrary, Metformin appears to support the rise in IGF-1, which is essential for hGH's effectiveness.
Does IGF-1 Contribute to Fat Loss from hGH?
While hGH has direct effects on fat cells (adipocytes) that don’t require IGF-1, much of hGH's fat-burning effects are mediated by IGF-1. Specifically, IGF-1 increases the utilization of free fatty acids and enhances insulin sensitivity, both of which are important for fat loss.
However, hGH’s primary fat-burning mechanism comes from its ability to promote fat oxidation and lipolysis (fat breakdown), rather than directly through IGF-1. This means that while IGF-1 plays a supporting role, the fat loss effects of hGH are not entirely dependent on IGF-1.
Is It Still a Good Idea to Combine Metformin with hGH?
Yes, combining Metformin with hGH is a good idea, especially if you're concerned about the hyperglycemic effects of hGH and potential insulin resistance. hGH increases glucose production and inhibits glucose uptake in cells, which can lead to hyperglycemia and, over time, diabetes. Metformin helps mitigate this risk by improving insulin sensitivity and regulating glucose metabolism.
More importantly, Metformin does not counteract the beneficial rise in IGF-1 caused by hGH. In fact, it enhances IGF-1 levels, which can further support muscle growth, fat loss, and overall metabolic function.
Additionally, research suggests that Metformin may lower the risk of various cancers by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, both of which can be beneficial for long-term hGH users.
IGF-1: The Benefits Beyond Muscle Growth
IGF-1 plays a crucial role in muscle growth by stimulating satellite cell activation, protein synthesis, and hypertrophy. Elevated IGF-1 also supports recovery, reduces inflammation, and improves insulin sensitivity. While systemic (liver) IGF-1 levels are not directly linked to muscle hypertrophy, local (muscle) IGF-1 production is a key factor in muscle growth, particularly following resistance training.
However, high systemic IGF-1 levels, especially from exogenous hGH, have been associated with increased cancer risks, including prostate and colorectal cancers. It's important to monitor IGF-1 levels and be aware of the long-term risks associated with elevated levels.
Conclusion: Should You Combine Metformin with hGH?
Metformin is a well-tolerated drug with minimal side effects, making it a great option for bodybuilders and athletes who use hGH regularly or in cycles. While Metformin doesn’t reduce IGF-1, it works synergistically with hGH to improve glucose metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, and lower the risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Furthermore, Metformin has anti-cancer properties that could help mitigate the increased cancer risks associated with prolonged elevated IGF-1 levels.
If your goal is to gain muscle mass through hGH, Metformin can be a valuable addition to your regimen. However, if you're primarily focused on fat loss, you may want to explore other lipolytic compounds in conjunction with hGH, as Metformin’s effects on fat loss are secondary.
