Exercising in a fasted state to increase growth hormone (GH) in order to promote muscle gain is ineffective, because GH does not stimulate hypertrophy and a fasted state prevents net muscle gain.

noli's read

Stuart Phillips, a recognized expert in exercise physiology, highlights here a crucial distinction between an acute hormonal increase and an actual effect on tissues. Research indeed shows that while fasted exercise can cause a transient rise in GH, this does not translate into superior muscle protein synthesis (RCT studies, e.g., West et al., 2010). To build muscle, the body requires a positive nitrogen balance, which is difficult to achieve without amino acid intake around training (meta-analysis on protein synthesis, Aragon & Schoenfeld, 2013). The idea that GH alone triggers muscle growth in healthy adults is a misinterpretation of endocrine mechanisms. It is correct that anabolism requires nutrients, making 'net zero' a fair description of the lack of substrate. The statement is scientifically sound and aims to reframe the importance of nutritional balance over hormonal hacks.

the sources

1. 1Hackett D, Hagstrom AD 2017
2. 2Vieira AF, Costa RR, Macedo RCO, Coconcelli L, Kruel LFM 2016