Keto Dhea: Effective Weight Loss Or Just Hype?

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that is claimed to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. It is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, which is available in synthetic form. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into sex hormones such as androgen and estrogen. While it is suggested to have a positive impact on weight loss, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.

7-keto-DHEA's effectiveness in boosting metabolism

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement that may increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. Instead, it has thermogenic properties, converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat.

Early studies on mice have shown that DHEA prevents fat gain due to its heat-producing properties. This led to further research on the thermogenic properties of 7-keto-DHEA, which is two-and-a-half times more thermogenic than DHEA.

To date, only two studies have examined the effects of 7-keto-DHEA on metabolism in humans. The first study found that participants who took a 100 mg supplement of 7-keto-DHEA for eight weeks lost significantly more weight than those given a placebo. However, there was no difference in basal metabolic rate (BMR) between the two groups. BMR is the number of calories the body needs to perform basic functions.

The second study found that 7-keto-DHEA increased the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of overweight individuals. RMR is a less accurate measure of metabolism than BMR but is still useful. This study found that 7-keto-DHEA increased metabolism by 1.4% above baseline levels, resulting in an extra 96 calories burned per day or 672 calories per week.

While these initial results suggest that 7-keto-DHEA may have the potential to increase metabolism, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. It is important to note that 7-keto-DHEA is likely safe and has a low risk of serious side effects when taken orally for up to eight weeks. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women or children.

Safety considerations for pregnant women and children

Safety considerations for pregnant and breastfeeding women

7-keto-DHEA is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks and is well-tolerated when used short-term. However, there is not enough reliable information to determine whether 7-keto-DHEA is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. As a result, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid using it.

Safety considerations for children

There is no information available on the safety of 7-keto-DHEA for children. However, it is important to note that 7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body, and unlike DHEA, it is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. This means that when taken as an oral supplement, it does not increase the amount of these hormones in the blood.

7-keto-DHEA's influence on sex hormones

7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. It does, however, maintain DHEA's thermogenic properties, which can increase the production of heat in the body by promoting metabolism.

While 7-keto-DHEA does not affect hormone levels in the body when taken as an oral supplement, it may influence them if applied to the skin as a gel. Several studies have shown that when applied topically, 7-keto-DHEA can affect sex hormones, cholesterol, and thyroid function in men. The effects of 7-keto-DHEA gel on women are unknown.

DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that is abundant in the body and largely produced by the adrenal glands. While it doesn't seem to have much of a function on its own, it is a vital precursor for other hormones, particularly sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. DHEA production typically peaks in your mid-20s and gradually declines with age.

Due to its metabolism-boosting properties, 7-keto-DHEA may aid in weight loss. In one eight-week study, participants who received 200 mg per day of 7-keto-DHEA lost significantly more weight than those in the placebo group. However, it is important to note that the evidence is still limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of 7-keto-DHEA on weight loss and metabolism.

The supplement's ability to aid weight loss

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical produced by glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into hormones like androgen and estrogen. Instead, it may promote weight loss by increasing the body's metabolism and converting more energy into heat rather than storing it as fat.

Several studies have examined the effects of 7-keto-DHEA on weight loss. One study found that participants who took 200 mg per day of 7-keto-DHEA for eight weeks lost significantly more weight (2.88 kg) than those in the placebo group (0.97 kg). Another study found that participants who took a supplement containing 7-keto-DHEA and other ingredients lost significantly more weight (2.2 kg) than those in the placebo group (0.72 kg). However, it is unclear whether this effect can be attributed solely to 7-keto-DHEA.

A systematic review of the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on body weight found that out of six relevant studies, four showed a significant reduction in body weight, with one study finding a decrease in body fat percentage and another reporting a decrease in BMI. Two studies also stated an increase in resting metabolic rate. However, the authors concluded that, while 7-keto-DHEA has been commercially advertised as a weight loss supplement, there is insufficient evidence to support its efficacy, and further studies are needed.

In terms of safety, 7-keto-DHEA has been found to be well-tolerated in humans at doses up to 200 mg per day for four weeks, with no serious adverse effects reported. However, some people have reported feeling "jittery" after taking as little as 100 mg per day. It is important to note that the long-term safety of 7-keto-DHEA has not been established, and it may affect hormones when used as a gel rather than an oral supplement.

The lack of scientific evidence supporting its use

While 7-keto-DHEA is widely promoted as a supplement to boost metabolism and aid weight loss, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting its use.

Firstly, it is important to distinguish 7-keto-DHEA from its "parent compound" DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which can be converted into sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. It is available as a synthetic supplement, but its use is generally discouraged due to its significant risks and unproven benefits.

On the other hand, 7-keto-DHEA is a derivative of DHEA that is not converted into sex hormones. It is formed when DHEA is broken down into smaller parts, and it maintains DHEA's thermogenic properties, which increase the production of heat in the body by promoting metabolism.

Although preliminary studies suggest that 7-keto-DHEA may safely promote thermogenesis and support weight loss, there have been very few clinical trials of the supplement, and no long-term investigations have been conducted. The studies that have been published are quite small, with the largest including only 30 participants. As a result, our understanding of the effects of 7-keto-DHEA is limited.

Additionally, it is important to note that 7-keto-DHEA is not approved by the FDA for medical use, and regulatory bodies do not assure the quality, safety, and efficacy of supplements. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any supplement, including 7-keto-DHEA.

In conclusion, while 7-keto-DHEA has been touted as a potential weight-loss aid, the lack of extensive scientific evidence makes it difficult to support its use as a safe and effective supplement for boosting metabolism and losing weight. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of 7-keto-DHEA on the human body.

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