The effect of body mass index on the diagnosis of GH deficiency in patients at risk due to a pituitary insult.

Objectives: Diminished GH response to stimulation has been demonstrated in obesity, leading to erroneous diagnosis of GH deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on GH responsiveness in patients at risk for pituitary function deficits.

Methods: A total of 59 healthy subjects and 75 patients with a pituitary insult underwent insulin tolerance test or pyridostigmine+GHRH test in order to assess GH secretory reserve.