IGF-1
IGF-1 is a hormone produced mainly by the liver that drives growth and repair — obesity changes its levels, and sustained weight loss helps normalise them.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is a hormone produced mainly by the liver that helps cells grow and repair. It works closely with growth hormone and is involved in building muscle and bone. Obesity changes IGF-1 levels, and both very high and very low levels can matter for health.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Insulin-like growth factor 1 is a polypeptide hormone predominantly synthesised in the liver under growth hormone stimulation; it mediates most of growth hormone's anabolic effects on muscle, bone and cartilage. In obesity, IGF-1 concentrations are often elevated, with reduced IGF-binding protein levels, driven by hyperinsulinaemia and altered growth hormone secretion; IGF-1 excess is a proposed mediator of obesity-associated cancer risk. Conversely, caloric restriction and sustained weight loss typically lower IGF-1 levels.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
IGF-1 links body fat, growth hormone and long-term health risks, and it is one of the reasons sustained weight loss is recommended beyond aesthetics. Your doctor can check it when investigating hormonal causes of weight gain.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: September 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
