Oral Ghrelin Mimetic Boosts Lean Mass in Healthy Older Adults

As individuals age, they often experience sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and frailty, leading to decreased physical function and quality of life. Ghrelin, a 'hunger hormone,' also stimulates growth hormone (GH) release, which plays a crucial role in muscle maintenance and metabolism. While injectable GH has been studied, its side effects and administration challenges limit widespread use. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the efficacy of an oral ghrelin mimetic in improving body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adults.

The study found significant improvements in body composition and functional parameters in the treatment group compared to placebo. Participants receiving the oral ghrelin mimetic showed an average increase in lean body mass of 2.7 kg (p<0.001), while the placebo group experienced no significant change. Fat mass was also significantly reduced by 1.5 kg (p=0.003) in the treatment group. The most impactful finding was a 25% increase in serum IGF-1 levels and a 3.2-fold increase in mean 24-hour growth hormone secretion in the ghrelin mimetic group, confirming its mechanism of action. Furthermore, grip strength improved by 10% (p=0.01) and self-reported physical function scores increased by 18% (p<0.01) compared to placebo, indicating functional benefits. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported more frequently than in the placebo group.