Hormone Can Reverse Aids Weight Loss

Genetically engineered human growth hormone can reverse dramatically the wasting and weight loss seen in people with AIDS, according to a study by Dr. Morris Schambelan of the University of California at San Francisco.

Schambelan told scientists at the Second National Conference on Human Retroviruses on Tuesday that after 12 weeks of growth hormone therapy - in doses lower than those commonly, but illegally, used by young athletes - 63 men and six women with AIDS increased their lean body mass by a mean of 6.6 pounds. Their fat weight actually decreased by 2 to 4 pounds; the increase was in muscle and solid mass.

In contrast, 70 men who were given placebos lost an average of about 2 pounds during the study.

On average, the men and women in the study had lost 14 percent of their body weight before taking the hormone. Most people with AIDS lose a tremendous amount of weight in the later stages.

According to Schambelan, people in the study experienced no significant side effects.

But the hormones remain extremely expensive. Six months of therapy could top $15,000.

“How in the world are we supposed to get this therapy for our AIDS patients? Who’s going to pay for it?” moaned a Canadian researcher in the audience.

“I’m just a researcher,” Schambelan said, shrugging.