HGH gut, also known as bubble gut, steroid gut is a rare condition that affects primarily bodybuilders who abuse performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

It is also called palumboism, named after Dave Palumbo – the first bodybuilder with this problem.

HGH gut affects mostly professional bodybuilders from the last 30 years, which is likely related to the relatively recent addition of human growth hormone (HGH) in bodybuilding stacks.

Palumboism has never been observed in people on medically prescribed HGH therapy

If you are taking the medication to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or another medical condition, then there is no risk of developing a protruding belly.

Instead, if you plan on using anabolic substances for non-medical purposes, HGH gut is one of the many risks to consider.

What is HGH gut?

HGH gut is caused by a severe abdominal distention, which leads to a protruding belly and a bloated appearance.

HGH gut

The abs are visible and well defined due to the low amount of subcutaneous fat, but the midsection appears as if the stomach and intestines are severely bloated.

The condition can affect both men and women who are abusing HGH injections

However, palumboism does not occur during regular medical therapy with HGH. Thus, any data we have about HGH gut is from anecdotal cases of PED abuse amongst bodybuilders and there are no scientific studies to shed more light on the condition.

It is unknown whether the abdominal distention in the case of an HGH belly can lead to health problems or it is simply an aesthetic issue.

Apart from HGH abuse, there are case studies of abdominal distension, dilated stomach, and enlarged duodenum (first part of the small intestine) in patients with hypersomatotropism.

That is a condition of excess growth hormone, usually produced by a pituitary tumor. It is also called acromegaly due to the typical changes in hands, feet, face, and skin that occur.

Thus, excessive levels of HGH are likely the underprint for the development of abdominal distension.

Is this a problem for bodybuilders only?

HGH gut is almost exclusively seen in bodybuilders. The use of PEDs in bodybuilding has been quite popular since the discovery of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in the 1930s.

Why do bodybuilders have bubble gut?

Since the 90s, other hormones such as HGH and insulin have been added to the steroid stacks of bodybuilders. That led to the occurrence of HGH gut among some of the competitors, such as Dave Palumbo after whom palumboism is named.

Bodybuilders typically abuse HGH by applying high doses of the growth hormone for prolonged periods. They also combine it with other anabolic drugs such as insulin and AAS which further increases the risk of side effects, one of which is HGH gut.

What causes bubble gut?

Currently, there is a lack of scientific evidence on the exact etiology of palumboism. However, the condition is strongly related to the abuse of anabolic agents.

Bodybuilding stacks that contain HGH seem to pose the highest risk. The growth hormone is often combined with insulin and AAS.

HGH is abused due to its anabolic effects on most tissues and organs, including skeletal muscle. Simultaneously it stimulates the breakdown of fat around the abdomen and internal organs.

HGH abuse contributes to abdominal distention most likely by causing gastrointestinal overgrowth.

Studies report that there are receptors for HGH in the intestines. When triggered by the hormone, they lead to the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

IGF-1 is a potent anabolic molecule that stimulates growth and proliferation

HGH is usually taken as a part of a bodybuilding stack and strict dietary regimes. This includes abusing other anabolic hormones such as insulin, testosterone, and other AAS in order to gain as much muscle mass as possible.

Combining different hormonal medications, taking them in excessive doses, and following extreme dietary regimes can lead to multiple side effects and further increases the risk of developing an HGH gut.

Insulin abuse

Insulin is another highly anabolic hormone that bodybuilders often abuse in an attempt to increase muscle recovery and hypertrophy.

Insulin injections abuse

It’s usually taken after a workout when insulin sensitivity is the highest. Insulin increases the transport of amino acids to the muscle which is the main substrate for hypertrophy.

It must be injected right before a large meal rich in carbohydrates in order to quickly replenish the muscle glycogen stores and boosts recovery after the training session.

The risk of hypoglycemia forces bodybuilders to consume enormous amounts of food, which leads to distention and enlargement of the stomach. This might contribute to the development of a bubble gut.

Furthermore, insulin has an anabolic effect on the metabolism of fats. But contrary to popular belief, animal and human studies reveal that insulin injections do not lead to excess accumulation of fat around internal organs (visceral fat).

Besides, bodybuilders with palumboism have protruding bellies even when their body fat is extremely low such as during a contest.

Anabolic steroid misuse

Bodybuilders misuse AAS such as testosterone due to the anabolic effect on muscle and catabolic effect on fat tissue. Steroids can stimulate growth in all skeletal muscles past the point of what is considered the normal genetic limit for hypertrophy.

Anabolic steroid misuse

That can also affect the muscles of the core. Apart from rectus abdominis – commonly referred to as “six-packs”, there are larger abdominal muscles underneath and on the sides of the abs. Those include the transverse abdominal muscle and the oblique muscles.

As these muscles grow thicker beyond what is naturally achievable, they may further contribute to a bulging appearance of the midsection in bodybuilders.

HGH abuse

HGH gut does not occur in GHD patients during regular HGH treatment. Medically prescribed growth hormone replacement therapy aims to achieve serum levels comparable to those in healthy individuals.

Growth hormone abuse

Besides, the therapy is prescribed and monitored by an experienced medical doctor, who controls the dosage and ensures its safety.

Bodybuilders who abuse HGH injections apply significantly higher doses than what is normally recommended. For most legal HGH products, the upper recommended dosage is 1-2 mg (3-6IU) per day.

According to unconfirmed evidence, bodybuilders may take anywhere between 3-10 mg (9-30IU) per day, in addition to steroid cycles and insulin.

Animal studies report that the application of high doses of HGH increases the weight and length of the small intestine and causes 50–100% greater mucosal mass in rats.

On the other hand, removing the pituitary gland and depriving the animals of HGH leads to atrophy of the stomach, small intestines, and pancreas.

Thus, HGH abuse can increase the risk of an enlarged stomach and intestines which contributes to abdominal distention. Discontinuing the HGH might reverse the condition.

Currently, there are no studies on how long it would take for palumboism to occur. According to anecdotes, it may take years of HGH abuse.

Other effects of HGH misuse

Extreme HGH doses can lead to other side effects as well, including:

  • Severe water-retention
  • Edema in the lower limbs
  • Headache
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Insulin resistance
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Nausea and cold sweats

High-calorie diet

Bodybuilders often consume large meals which may contain up to several thousand calories.

Bodybuilder high-calorie diet

Consuming large portions of food may play a role in abdominal distention, mainly due to the stretching effects on the stomach. However, there is no evidence to support such a hypothesis.

The increased caloric intake is the main factor contributing to weight gain.

Thus, bodybuilders tend to overeat during the offseason in an attempt to pack on as much muscle as possible.

According to evidence, gaining more muscle mass also leads to an increase in organ size.

Considering the fact that professional bodybuilders often have 50-60kg extra muscle than what is naturally attainable, they might experience significant organ enlargement. This might be a contributor to the HGH gut.

Carbohydrate loading and water manipulation are common bodybuilding practices that are not likely to contribute to palumboism.

How to get rid of bubble gut

As evident from the current body shape of retired bodybuilders, the bubble gut is a largely reversible condition.

How to get rid of bubble gut

In order to reverse it, abusing HGH and other PEDs should be discontinued. Keep in mind that stopping cold turkey is not recommended. According to studies, growth hormone should be tapered off to reduce the psychological effects of withdrawal.

As shown by animal studies, low levels of HGH lead to atrophy of the gastrointestinal organs. Similarly, as the growth hormone in the body returns to normal levels, the tissues of the stomach and the intestines will shrink via hypotrophy.

How to avoid roid gut

Unless you are abusing multiple PEDs including HGH, then you are not at risk to develop palumboism. Natural bodybuilders are not likely to grow a bubble gut regardless of their diet or workout regime.

Abusing different anabolic agents poses multiple health risks besides a protruding belly. There is an increased risk for thrombosis, hypoglycemia, organ enlargement, and other potentially fatal adverse effects.

Professional athletes commonly abuse PEDs in an attempt to stay competitive and perform at a world-class level. However, the substances can lead to serious health risks, which are not worth the trade-off for a better, more aesthetic, or bulkier physique.

In order to avoid risks and side effects during HGH therapy, disregard any non-medical recommendations related to your medications, dosage, or treatment.

Only an experienced endocrinologist who is familiar with your health condition and medical history may provide you with reliable information about your dosage and HGH therapy.

1 Comment

  • Richard
    Posted March 23, 2020 1:53 am 0Likes

    Yeah, truly you should always be very careful with HGH and insulin supplements if you don’t want to get bubble gut

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