Warning Label for Human Growth Hormone: A Picture of Sly Stallone?

Though the use of human growth hormone by such B-list celebrities as Sylvester Stallone, Lyle Alzado and the late Anna Nicole Smith should be enough to discourage regular folks from taking it, an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Americans take HGH in the hope of losing weight, gaining muscle and regaining the prowess of youth.

Doctors, however, warn that using HGH for these purposes is unproven, potentially risky and could even accelerate the aging process.

The disease that may figure the most prominently, he said, is cancer.
Since certain hormones may spur the growth and division of tumor cells, he says those considering off-label HGH use must consider this potential risk before injecting themselves.

"I think the risk for cancer is real," he said. "Long-term studies have not proven it yet, but it's just certainly not worth the risk."

Other possible side effects that researchers have documented include swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, and the formation of breasts in men
-- a condition known as gynecomastia.

Some studies have also suggested that regular use of HGH in healthy adults can lead to diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions.

Previous Wired coverage here.
Will Stallone's HGH Secret Start a Trend? [ABC News]

Image: Guano