Pathological regional adipose tissue accumulation associated with HIV-associated dysmorphic/dysmetabolic syndrome (HADDS) which may occur with or without subcutaneous adipose tissue lipodystrophy (and which is also described as HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome or HARS and other specific medical terms), is treated by administering an effective amount of human growth hormone or other substance which binds to and initiates signalling of the hGH receptor. Alternatively, a substance which stimulates production of endogenous hGH, such as human growth hormone releasing hormone, may be administered. HADDS and related syndromes include abnormal adipose tissue accumulation in the visceral, submandibular, supraclavicular, pectoral, mammary and/or dorsocervical (buffalo hump) area, and/or with subcutaneous lipomas, with or without associated metabolic or other physiologic abnormalities.