Evidence supporting the use of: Somatropin
For the health condition: Anorexia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Somatropin, a recombinant form of human growth hormone (GH), is primarily indicated for growth hormone deficiency and certain pediatric growth disorders. Its use in treating or supporting anorexia—specifically anorexia nervosa—is not established as a standard or primary therapy. However, there is limited scientific investigation into its effects in this context. Some studies have explored the use of growth hormone in malnutrition and severe catabolic states (such as chronic renal failure or HIV-associated wasting), where its anabolic effects may help improve body composition and muscle mass. In cases of severe malnutrition or cachexia, growth hormone has been shown to promote protein synthesis and increase lean body mass.
For anorexia nervosa specifically, evidence is sparse and largely limited to small or preliminary studies. Some case reports and pilot studies have suggested that somatropin can stimulate linear growth in adolescents with anorexia nervosa who have growth delay secondary to prolonged malnutrition. However, these effects are generally considered adjunctive, and somatropin is not a first-line or widely accepted treatment for anorexia. The use of somatropin in this population is primarily experimental and not routinely recommended due to the lack of robust, large-scale clinical trials demonstrating clear benefit or safety. Current guidelines for the treatment of anorexia nervosa do not include somatropin as a standard therapy.
In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited evidence for somatropin's potential benefit in select cases of growth failure related to anorexia, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is low (rated 2/5), and its use for anorexia remains investigational.
Other health conditions supported by Somatropin
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAnorexia
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Burns and Scalds
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Convalescence
Debility
Energy (lack of)
Exercise
Failure to Thrive
Injuries
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Osteoporosis
Radiation Sickness
Surgery (healing from)
Wasting
Weight Gain
Weight Loss
Wounds and Sores