The present invention relates to the use of a
growth hormone (GH)
secretagogue, such as a
ghrelin-like compound, for the preparation of a medicament for the prophylaxis or treatment of
ghrelin deficiency, and / or undesirable symptoms associated therewith, in an individual at risk of acquiring partial or complete
ghrelin deficiency resulting from a
medical treatment and / or from a
pathological condition. The present invention also relates to use of a
secretagogue compound for the preparation of a medicament for the prophylaxis or treatment of one or more of: loss of
fat mass, loss of
lean body mass,
weight loss,
cachexia, loss of
appetite, immunological dysfunction,
malnutrition, disrupted
sleep pattern, sleepiness, reduction in
intestinal absorption and / or intestinal mobility problems in an individual suffering from, or at risk of suffering from, ghrelin deficiency. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a
secretagogue, such as a ghrelin-like compound, for the production of a medicament for preventing weight increase in an individual either: a) being converted from a hyperthyroidic state to euthyroid state, or b) in remission from being converted from a hyperthyroidic state to euthyroid state.