The Impact of Weight on Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Levels in Short-Statured Children Treated With Growth Hormone
Authors' conclusion
Weight status has a significant influence on IGF-1 levels in children treated with GH, with overweight/obese children exhibiting elevated IGF-1 levels despite receiving lower GH doses. These elevations likely represent a normal physiological response rather than overtreatment. Our findings underscore the importance of considering weight when monitoring IGF-1 levels and adjusting GH doses in clinical practice.
Study context
- Population
- Short-statured children treated with growth hormone (GH) for GH deficiency (95) or idiopathic short stature (197), endocrine clinic of a tertiary pediatric referral center, 2016–2021
- Participants
- 293 children
- Exposure
- Overweight/obese vs normal-weight children on GH
- Outcome
- Effects of weight on IGF-1-SDS, height SDS (Ht-SDS) and GH dosing
- Follow-up
- Over a 3-year period
Methodological detailssingle-centre, tertiary pediatric referral center, mixed-model analyses
- Single-centre
- Tertiary pediatric referral center
- Mixed-model analyses
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
IGF-1-SDS by weight status
BMI-SDS positively correlated with IGF-1-SDS (B)
0.150
P < .001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| GH doseLower GH doses with Overweight/obese | P = 0.034 |
- Height standard deviation score (Ht-SDS) improvement over time — Both weight groups showed comparable Ht-SDS improvements over time · no significant difference in growth response
- P < 0.001 · P = 0.685
Body surface area and IGF-1-SDS · all time points
- Body surface area positively associated with IGF-1-SDS at all time points
Pubertal status and IGF-1
- Pubertal status significantly influenced IGF-1 levels
Original publication
The Impact of Weight on Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Levels in Short-Statured Children Treated With Growth Hormone. Endocr Pract. Published 22 October 2025. doi:10.
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