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Insulin-Growth Hormone Seesaw

Meaning

The Insulin-Growth Hormone Seesaw describes the reciprocal and tightly regulated relationship between the anabolic hormones insulin and growth hormone (GH), which together govern the body’s nutrient partitioning, metabolic state, and growth and repair cycles. High insulin signaling, often triggered by carbohydrate consumption, typically suppresses the pulsatile release of growth hormone and favors energy storage. Conversely, periods of fasting or low insulin allow for a surge in GH secretion, promoting fat mobilization and cellular repair. Understanding this dynamic interplay is essential for designing nutritional and lifestyle strategies to optimize body composition and longevity pathways.