Growth Hormone, Cardiovascular Risk, and Visceral Adiposity

The purpose of this study is to measure growth hormone levels in women and men who are normal weight, overweight, and obese. Growth hormone levels will be correlated with body weight, body composition, and markers of cardiovascular risk. In overweight or obese women and men with increased visceral adiposity and below average IGF-1 levels, growth hormone versus placebo will be given for 6 months. Effects of growth hormone treatment on weight, body composition, insulin resistance, lipids, and cardiovascular risk markers will then be assessed. Study subjects will be followed for an additional six months for these endpoints.