Which hormone is commonly associated with bodybuilding and intake?

Which hormone is commonly associated with bodybuilding and intake?

• A. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)
• B. Adrenaline
• C. Thyroxine
• D. Cortisol

Answer: (A)

IGF-1 promotes muscle growth by signaling muscle cells to ramp up protein synthesis and by activating satellite cells, which contribute to muscle fiber growth. It’s released in response to growth hormone and acts on muscle through its receptor to trigger the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, driving hypertrophy. Nutrition matters because protein intake and insulin levels can enhance IGF-1 signaling, making it a central part of how dietary intake supports muscle gains. In contrast, adrenaline mainly drives quick energy and alertness, thyroid hormone increases metabolic rate (and can affect muscle mass indirectly), and cortisol tends to break down muscle when chronic, so they’re less directly tied to the anabolic process of bodybuilding.

IGF-1 promotes muscle growth by signaling muscle cells to ramp up protein synthesis and by activating satellite cells, which contribute to muscle fiber growth. It’s released in response to growth hormone and acts on muscle through its receptor to trigger the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, driving hypertrophy. Nutrition matters because protein intake and insulin levels can enhance IGF-1 signaling, making it a central part of how dietary intake supports muscle gains. In contrast, adrenaline mainly drives quick energy and alertness, thyroid hormone increases metabolic rate (and can affect muscle mass indirectly), and cortisol tends to break down muscle when chronic, so they’re less directly tied to the anabolic process of bodybuilding.