Slight increases in levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol have been reported in adults with GH deficiency. Replacement with GH results in a significant reduction in levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B, with a rise in the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Furthermore, replacement of GH causes substantial loss of body fat, predominantly from abdominal sites, probably through direct stimulation of lipolysis. This is accompanied by a significant fall in waist: hip ratio (see Fig. 2.30).
