New Developments in the Illegal Provision of Growth Hormone for “Anti-Aging” and Bodybuilding

The injecting use of image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPED) in the general population: a systematic review

“…). Documentation of hGH and testosterone use as anti‐ageing or well‐being drugs is restricted to editorials (Drazen , Olshansky & Perls ). Similarly with unregulated online sourcing of Botox and dermal filler injectables, widespread availability has been indicated by reports (Pickett & Mewies , Pickett , Coleman & Zilinskas, 2013) with a dearth of field studies estimating prevalence of use.…”

“…Users also source IPED to combat Cornford et al . the appearance of ageing, as can be seen with the use of Botox, dermal filler injectables, hGH and testosterone to combat the physiological and psychological effects of ageing on the body (Drazen , Olshansky & Perls , Conrad, ). Use of hGH as an anti‐ageing supplement is understudied, with little documentation in the scientific literature apart from some editorials (Drazen , Olshansky & Perls 2004).…”

Typologies of Extreme Longevity Myths

“…To satiate this need, today's charlatans often provide made-up testimonials or anecdotes as “examples” of success (testimonial fallacy). The many websites and advertisements professing the age-reversing effects of growth hormone and other substances alleged to extend human longevity are a particularly egregious example due to the high frequency of adverse effects from these drugs and evidence that growth hormone actually shortens life span in adults [56, 57]. As an example, Dr. Norman Walker promoted “raw juicing,” and ages attributed to him were often 118, 119, 120, or even 130.…”

Human Growth Hormone Abuse in Male Weightlifters

“…When interpreting these findings however, it should be recognized that young male weightlifters, while probably the largest consumers of HGH, 6,10,14 are not the only population that uses this hormone illicitly. In particular, many nonweightlifters, often older than age 40, receive prescriptions for HGH from “anti‐aging” clinics, compounding pharmacies, and other possibly illegal sources 29 . These individuals likely differ from the population evaluated in the present study.…”