Ms. Liu, a 45-year-old general manager at a medium-sized enterprise, felt her youth slipping away and sought ways to slow aging. She had achieved financial stability, owned property and a car, and enjoyed a thriving career. Yet years of relentless work made her appear far older than her years.Faced with others often categorizing her as an "elderly person," she began exploring "facial rejuvenation techniques" to appear younger. Finding the pace of skin peels at beauty salons unsatisfactory for her wrinkled skin, she turned to plastic surgery for "instant results" through wrinkle-removing injections. Ultimately, she opted for HGH (Human Growth Hormone) injections.
Journalists learned from several biomedical and geriatric experts that statistics show many people now enter a state of "premature aging"—appearing older than their years—by their 30s, excluding those with specific diseases.
Experts note that one-third of individuals over 60 exhibit low IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) levels (below 350 units/L), leading to visible aging signs like dry skin and body contour changes, alongside diminished grip strength and bone density—significantly impacting both appearance and health.
The Earlier the Better for Anti-Aging
Dr. Xiong Sheng from Jinan University's Biomedical Research and Development Base notes that while previous anti-aging research focused on individuals over 60, current perspectives suggest aging begins in those over 30. Aging represents a sub-health state, making early intervention optimal—though it must be conducted under medical supervision.
Statistics reveal that in 2003, Japanese women had an average life expectancy of 85.33 years and men 78.33 years, ranking first globally for four consecutive years. Although China's figures have improved in recent years, they still lag behind Japan's average by about 10 years. With an increasing elderly population, anti-aging has become a societal necessity.
Why do humans age? Professor Gao Fangkun, former director of the Institute of Geriatric Medicine at the Ministry of Health, points out that genetic and environmental factors are triggers for aging. Certain segments of specific chromosomes are associated with longevity, and human "aging genes" have been identified on the long arm of chromosome 1 and the X chromosome.
Experts note that both aging and sub-health conditions are non-organ-specific diseases characterized by diminished physiological function. Their symptoms are often subtle and thus easily overlooked. When one experiences noticeable declines in physical strength, energy, or memory, the body is entering a sub-health state. Anyone seeking health and longevity should take this condition seriously and make timely adjustments as soon as it emerges. Otherwise, prolonged sub-health will accelerate the aging process.
HGH Injections Become Trendy
Professor Yang Changnan, Director of Geriatrics at Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, asserts that humans, like all living organisms, inevitably age. However, humans can proactively prevent and delay the aging process, prolonging youthfulness and enhancing life quality.
>Dr. Xiong Sheng mentioned that current anti-aging methods primarily fall into four categories: genetic engineering (genetic engineering drugs, gene therapy), cellular engineering (stem cell technology, tissue engineering), fermentation engineering (animal mammary gland bioreactors), and bioengineering (Botox injections). Various anti-aging approaches are available in endocrinology and geriatrics departments of hospitals, as well as medical aesthetic clinics. Among these methods, injectable anti-aging treatments are the most commonly used.Regarding the currently popular HGH (human growth hormone) injections, Dr. Xiong Sheng pointed out that HGH is a protein secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the human brain.This active peptide, engineered through genetic technology to combine 196 amino acids, eliminates the need for direct extraction from biological sources. It is identical to the HGH historically derived from foreskin obtained through circumcision in Africa. As a supplement matching the body's own HGH production, it replenishes age-related declines in endogenous levels when medically indicated, representing a modern medical intervention.
Professor Gao Fangkun, former director of the Institute of Geriatric Medicine at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that aging is an inevitable process. HGH injections can only delay its effects, and a comprehensive physical examination is mandatory before administration to determine necessity.
Expert Advisory
Injection eligibility must be determined by a physician
Professor Gao asserts that HGH injections should be administered only to individuals with HGH deficiency or low levels, particularly the elderly, postmenopausal women, those with diminished ovarian function, and individuals who have undergone pituitary gland removal.Patients with advanced malignant tumors, severe systemic infections, pregnant women, and lactating women are contraindicated. Those with vascular syndromes or acromegaly require caution.All such decisions must be based on the individual's thorough understanding of their own health status. Otherwise, adverse outcomes such as tumor cell proliferation may occur. If HGH is administered to individuals without low IGF-1 levels, it may suppress the body's natural growth hormone secretion capacity, leading to detrimental effects on the entire system. Before undergoing HGH injections, it is essential to undergo relevant medical examinations in accordance with established protocols.