Hormonal
Loss-of-function mutations in the myostatin (MSTN) gene cause excessive skeletal muscle growth (hypertrophy) and increased strength by removing the natural inhibition on muscle development.
This paper describes a rare genetic condition (myostatin deficiency) that causes massive muscle growth. For the average person, this is not a viable or safe intervention. However, understanding that myostatin limits growth suggests that therapies blocking it (under medical supervision) might help those with muscle-wasting diseases, but it is not a recommendation for healthy individuals seeking hypertrophy.
Loss-of-function mutations in the myostatin gene lead to excessive muscle growth, a rare condition called myostatin-induced muscle hypertrophy. This condition is characterized by increased muscle mass and reduced body fat in humans [6].
Why this rating
Supported by multiple animal models (mice, cattle, sheep) and documented human cases, though human data is limited to rare mutations.
Source
Myostatin-driven muscle hypertrophy: a double-edged sword in muscle physiology
Ghisulal Dewasi et al. · Journal of Rare Diseases · 2025
DOI 10.1007/s44162-025-00086-x
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- Therapeutic inhibition of myostatin using inhibitors or antibodies is a potential treatment for muscle-wasting disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, sarcopenia, and cachexia, but long-term safety and functional integrity are concerns.Moderate
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