Top MD Reveals the Often Forgotten Hormone That Helps Women Over 50 Slim Down and Lose Weight

If you love being a woman but get jealous of how quickly men lose weight, Harvard-trained women’s health expert Sara Gottfried, MD, is here for you. “Men have a lot more testosterone, which speeds fat burning. But there are simple strategies women can use to level the playing field,” insists Dr. Gottfried, who dug into research on body chemistry as her own shape-up efforts floundered. Her most exciting discovery: the slimming power of an often-forgotten hormone called human growth hormone (HGH). Turns out, while levels naturally decline with age, bumping up HGH for weight loss “is surprisingly easy and effective.” Keep reading to discover how patients using Dr. Gottfried’s techniques shed up to 40 pounds in a month!

What is human growth hormone?

Human growth hormone (HGH) is an essential hormone that regulates growth, body composition and cell repair. Best known for making kids grow taller, HGH also aids adults in building muscle and burning fat. Our natural levels peak during puberty and decline with age.

Though common weight-loss techniques may boost HGH, “aggressive approaches are stressful for a woman’s body, and stress has a negative impact on HGH,” cautions Dr. Gottfried, author of Women, Food, and Hormones. Her solution? She used blood tests to track HGH as both she and her patients tried gentler options — and was delighted to find that these methods can often reverse age-related HGH decline in mere weeks and help with weight loss goals.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.

How to boost HGH for weight loss

Try any (or all!) of the doc’s strategies to boost your HGH for weight loss and feel happier and healthier! It’s amazing what a healthy diet, strength training and long term lifestyle changes can do.

Going semi-keto

Though scientists aren’t sure why, getting blood sugar under control is linked to 300% higher HGH, according to research in Diabetologia. That’s part of what prompted Dr. Gottfried to try a classic keto diet, which studies show lowers blood sugar and triggers the body to use stored fat as fuel. Her initial results weren’t great. Suspecting carb deprivation and lack of veggies were working against her, she created a regimen that allows unlimited carbs from nonstarchy veggies and occasional doses of fiber-rich beans, root veggies and fruit. Success! “It helps women lose faster and feel better than they have in years,” she promises. (Keep reading for meals to get you started.)

Adding power proteins

Our bodies use amino acids from protein to make HGH. Since it’s easier to extract amino acids from animal protein, women with a higher intake of foods like eggs, fish and beef have been shown to have more HGH. “Whey protein powder is particularly helpful at raising HGH,” notes Dr. Gottfried. And research in Nutrition Journal shows whey doubles fat burning, even in sedentary seniors. So it’s a great choice to power up smoothies and power up your HGH for weight loss!

Fasting breaks

Turns out, letting more time elapse between our last meal of one day and our first meal the next signals the body to make more HGH, increasing levels up to 1,300%, per research from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute. Called “intermittent fasting,” the technique also seems to accelerate HGH’s belly-burning power. One study in Cell Reports Medicine even found going longer between meals can make our belly fat disappear, just like that. And there’s no need to do anything drastic. Dr. Gottfried sees great results when women simply eat in a 10-hour window, such as 8 am to 6 pm.

Walking the HGH way

A friend taught Dr. Gottfried about interval training, which basically tricks the body into thinking it’s gotten an intense and HGH-stimulating workout even when it hasn’t. “The idea is to do very fast walking or any intense exercise for 30 seconds followed by 90 seconds of moderate walking or rest. Repeat eight times,” says Dr. Gottfried. The effect is so powerful, it can stimulate your natural HGH production for as long as 12.5 hours after your workout. And when Dr. Gottfried tried the approach herself and tested her HGH levels, they rose by 53%!

HGH for weight loss success story: Barbara Blake Hicks, 62

Thinking hormones played a role in her countless diet failures, Barbara Blake Hicks tried getting synthetic HGH injections. No luck. Research now confirms fake HGH is ineffective; we have to help our bodies make the hormone on their own. As Barbara’s weight crept ever higher, she developed fibromyalgia and severe back issues. “I had four spinal surgeries in eight months,” recalls the Florida massage therapist, 62. Figuring weight loss would ease her recovery, she searched the web and discovered intermittent fasting. “It seemed doable, even in my condition.”

Barbara began eating only between 1 pm and 9 pm. She also cut back on carbs, focusing on protein and anti-inflammatory­ veggies to help her heal. Down 9 pounds in two weeks, she kept at it; her hunger diminished so much, she often didn’t eat until 3 pm. “I could never lose around my abdomen before, and that’s where it’s coming off. And it still works even on days when I don’t make healthy meal choices.” Down 53 pounds, “I have no pain, not one twinge. And my energy is high and constant. People tell me I look so much younger, but the thing that makes me happiest is how much younger I feel!”’

HGH for weight loss before and after: Michelle Evans, 50

At the urging of her doctor, Michelle Evans read about intermittent fasting and was intrigued by the idea it might boost her HGH. So she began eating only between noon and 6 pm each day, also opting to keep carbs down. “My whole family now loves low-carb pizza and fish taco bowls,” says the Seattle-area grandmother, 50. Eventually, she added exercise, mixing easy walks and light jogging. Despite decades of diet failures, HGH boosting worked like a charm. Down 28 pounds in 30 days, she’s now 108 pounds lighter. “I no longer need meds for fibromyalgia, arthritis or depression. I reversed my edema and prediabetes. Even my skin tags fell off. My doctor says I’ve added 20 years to my life!” For more of Michelle’s story, visit ShellysKetoLife.com.

Natural HGH boosting meals

To eat Dr. Gottfried’s way, aim for 10 servings of nonstarchy veggies daily. Include healthy fat and 6 to 8 oz. of protein at each meal. Read labels and add up to 25 grams of carbs a day from sources like nuts and keto bread. Eat between 8 am and 6 pm; sip only water and unsweetened coffee/tea outside that window. After four weeks, add small amounts of beans, sweet potato and fruit.

Breakfast

Spread low-carb toast, such as Base Culture brand, with avocado; add a cooked egg and low-carb toppings/seasonings.

Lunch

Top salad with low-carb taco toppings like cooked ground meat, onion and cheese; mix salsa and olive oil for dressing.

Dinner

Sauté garlic, diced zucchini, tomato and seasoning in olive oil; serve with broiled salmon and cauliflower rice.

Read more on how to harness hormones for weight loss and better health:

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine.