High Intensity Exercise & Fat Burning Hormones

Media reports in recent years have fueled speculation that certain hormones accelerate your body's ability to burn fat. While the benefits and health risks of these hormones remain unproven, studies show that high-intensity exercise can help you shed unwanted pounds and improve your overall well-being. Alert your doctor before taking any hormone to lose weight.

Significance

Supporters of human growth hormone, or HGH, claim injections of the hormone decrease body fat without the need for exercise. The hormone is commonly prescribed to adults who have growth challenges. Some people have embraced the hormone leptin, which plays a vital role in the body's metabolic functions, as a potential remedy for weight loss. Exercise is the safest way to effectively lose weight, although the New York Times reports that high-intensity activity when approved by your doctor will likely deliver faster results.

Identification

Your pituitary gland creates HGH to stimulate growth during childhood, as well as to provide stability for your organs and tissues. Your doctor may prescribe HGH injections if you have a growth deficiency, because studies show the hormone reduces body fat in older adults and enhances the ability to exercise. HGH also increases muscle mass. While the hormone leptin helps regulate your metabolism, some studies indicate leptin also has the ability to burn fat and suppress your appetite. The hormone has garnered media attention as a potential cure for obesity.

Function

While 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week will improve your overall health, interval training -- alternating short periods of high-intensity exercise with light activity -- may accelerate your body's capacity to burn fat. Athletes often use interval training to build endurance and improve overall performance. High-intensity intervals can include brisk walking, jogging or swimming at a fast enough rate that you feel out of breath when the activity ends.

Research/Evidence

The benefits of leptin as a long-term treatment for weight loss remain unproven. Harvard Medical School reports that obese people who were given supplements of the hormone were able to shed pounds quickly but soon regained the lost weight. Evidence suggests people who are obese often develop a leptin resistance. Studies show HGH injections can reduce body fat in older adults, although more evidence is needed to determine the long-term effects of the hormone. Women in a recent study who alternated high-intensity exercise with moderate activity had a greater ability to reduce total body fat than women who performed only light activity for the same time period.

Warning

Muscle and joint pain, as well as swelling in the legs and arms, are common side effects of HGH injections. Some research indicates HGH may increase your risk for heart problems or diabetes. High-intensity exercise often strains your cardiovascular system and may raise the likelihood of stroke or heart attack. Obtain your doctor's permission prior to engaging in any vigorous activity, especially if you are over 60 or have arthritis, high blood pressure or a heart condition.