Keto Dhea For Weight Loss: Does It Work?

7-Keto-DHEA is a supplement that has been commercially advertised as supporting weight loss. It is a naturally occurring metabolite of the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. It has been suggested that 7-keto-DHEA may promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat. However, there is currently no clear answer as to whether 7-keto-DHEA is effective for weight loss, and further studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.

7-Keto DHEA's effects on metabolism

7-Keto-DHEA is a steroid prohormone derived from the metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto-DHEA is not converted into testosterone or estrogen by the human body. This distinction has led supplement suppliers to investigate its potential as a weight-loss aid, with claims that it can increase thermogenesis and metabolic rate.

Effects on Metabolism

The exact mechanism by which 7-Keto-DHEA affects metabolism is not yet fully understood. However, several studies and reviews have proposed some possible explanations for its weight loss potential.

One proposed mechanism involves an increase in thermogenesis, which leads to an elevation in energy expenditure and, consequently, fat and weight loss. 7-Keto-DHEA is believed to increase the levels of thermogenic enzymes, particularly mitochondrial sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (mGPDH) and cytosolic malic enzyme. This enhances thermogenesis by disrupting the electron transport chain and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. As a result, energy is dissipated as heat instead of being stored as fat.

Another possible mechanism is through the regulation of cortisol activity. 7-Keto-DHEA is thought to inhibit the enzyme 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 β-HSD 1), which converts cortisone to active cortisol. Elevated blood levels of glucocorticoids are associated with insulin resistance and obesity. By inhibiting this enzyme, 7-Keto-DHEA may help reduce the production of active glucocorticoids, thereby potentially reducing obesity.

Additionally, 7-Keto-DHEA may increase the levels of uncoupling proteins, which allow protons to enter the mitochondrial matrix without synthesizing ATP, further contributing to thermogenesis.

Evidence from Studies

A few studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of 7-Keto-DHEA on metabolism and weight loss. A systematic review of four clinical trials found that half of them showed a significant reduction in body weight, with one study reporting 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 review concluded that the evidence was insufficient to provide a clear answer regarding the efficacy of 7-Keto-DHEA for weight loss.

Customer reviews of 7-Keto-DHEA supplements are mixed, with some people reporting weight loss, increased energy, and normalized hormone levels, while others saw no noticeable effects or experienced negative side effects such as headaches and irritability.

Safety and Precautions

While 7-Keto-DHEA appears to be generally well-tolerated with a low side-effect profile, changes in blood hormone parameters have been reported. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it due to a lack of clinical evidence regarding its safety and efficacy, especially for long-term use.

Pregnant or lactating women should not take 7-Keto-DHEA, and it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.

Safety and side effects

7-keto-DHEA is possibly safe when used for up to eight weeks and is well-tolerated in the short term. However, there is insufficient information to determine its safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is recommended that they avoid it.

No serious adverse effects have been reported in studies on 7-keto-DHEA. The side effects possibly related to the treatment include nausea and vertigo. Other reported adverse effects include urticaria, metallic taste, heartburn, flatulence, and palpitation. The studies found no significant changes in vital signs, liver and renal function, or hematological profile. One study reported an increase in triiodothyronine (T3) within the normal range, but this was not observed in more recent studies.

While 7-keto-DHEA is generally well-tolerated, there are some considerations to keep in mind. It has been suggested to trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs, and is listed as a prohibited anabolic agent by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA). This means that individuals involved in sports and subject to performance-enhancing drug tests should avoid taking 7-keto-DHEA supplements.

Additionally, 7-keto-DHEA may affect hormone levels when used as a gel. Studies have shown that it can affect sex hormones, cholesterol, and thyroid function in men when applied to the skin. The effects on women are unknown. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using 7-keto-DHEA as a gel.

Weight loss studies

Several studies have been conducted to determine the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on body weight and its potential as a weight loss supplement. Here is a summary of the key findings:

Systematic Review:

A 2023 systematic review by Jeyaprakash et al. analysed the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on body weight. The review included four studies with a low risk of bias out of 686 studies identified. Two of the four studies showed a significant reduction in body weight, with one study reporting a decrease in body fat percentage and another reporting a decrease in BMI. Additionally, two studies stated an increase in resting metabolic rate. No serious adverse effects were reported. However, the review concluded that the evidence was insufficient to determine the effectiveness of 7-keto-DHEA for weight loss, and further studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.

Randomized Controlled Trials:

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to investigate the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on weight loss. Here are some key findings from these RCTs:

• Zenk et al. (2007): This RCT found a significant increase in resting metabolic rate in participants taking 7-keto-DHEA compared to placebo. However, there was no significant difference in basal metabolic rate between the two groups.
• Kalman et al. (2000): The study reported a 4.4% weight loss and a significant reduction in body fat percentage after eight weeks of taking 7-keto-DHEA.
• Zenk et al. (2002): This RCT found a significant decrease in BMI in participants taking 7-keto-DHEA compared to placebo.

Other Studies:

In addition to the systematic review and RCTs, there have been other studies investigating the potential weight loss effects of 7-keto-DHEA:

• Bobyleva et al.: This study reported weight loss in rats after intake of 7-keto-DHEA, suggesting its potential for weight loss.
• Davidson et al.: Investigated the safety of 7-keto-DHEA in humans and found no serious adverse effects at doses up to 200 mg per day for eight weeks.
• Sulcova et al.: Reported changes in blood hormone parameters after administering 7-keto-DHEA transdermally for eight days, which contradicts the findings of Davidson et al. who found no such changes.

Overall Conclusion:

While some studies suggest that 7-keto-DHEA may promote weight loss and increase metabolic rate, the current evidence is mixed, and further research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety for therapeutic use. Additionally, it is important to note that 7-keto-DHEA is not recommended for pregnant women or children.

DHEA vs 7-Keto DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 7-Keto-DHEA (7-Keto) are often promoted as weight-loss supplements. However, there is limited evidence supporting their effectiveness for this purpose. Here is a comparison of DHEA vs 7-Keto DHEA in terms of their uses, effectiveness, and safety:

Uses

DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. It is a precursor to the hormones androgen and estrogen, which are involved in several biological processes. On the other hand, 7-Keto is a metabolite of DHEA that does not convert into sex hormones. Instead, it may promote weight loss by increasing the body's metabolism and converting energy into heat rather than storing it as fat.

Effectiveness

Research suggests that DHEA can be beneficial for people with adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough vital hormones. Additionally, DHEA has been studied for its potential benefits in treating depression and obesity, although further research is needed. In contrast, 7-Keto has been shown to increase the levels of the thyroid hormone T3, which regulates metabolism and may contribute to weight loss. Some studies have found that 7-Keto supplementation led to significant weight loss, reduced body fat percentage, and decreased BMI. However, other studies have shown conflicting results, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Safety

DHEA is considered possibly safe when used in small amounts and for short durations, typically up to a few months. Higher doses or prolonged use may lead to side effects such as acne, upset stomach, high blood pressure, and liver damage. It is not recommended for women with hormone-related conditions or for children under 18. On the other hand, 7-Keto is generally well-tolerated and possibly safe for short-term use, up to 8 weeks. However, there is limited information about its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid its use during these periods.

7-Keto DHEA dosage

7-Keto DHEA is a supplement that may increase your metabolism and lead to weight loss. It is produced naturally in the body from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone that comes from the adrenal glands located on top of each of the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA does not actively interact with sex hormones.

There is limited research on the effectiveness of 7-Keto DHEA for weight loss. One study found that 33 overweight adults who received 200 mg/day of 7-Keto DHEA supplements for 8 weeks, along with diet and exercise, reduced weight more than those who only dieted and exercised, with no adverse effects. Another study of 40 subjects found that 7-Keto, both alone and in combination with other supplements, increased the metabolic rate, helping to burn more calories. The subjects were also on a calorie-restricted diet.

In one eight-week study, 30 overweight people on a calorie-restricted diet who exercised three days per week lost more weight when taking 200 mg per day of 7-Keto DHEA than a control group. In a similar study, researchers looked at the effects of a supplement containing 7-keto-DHEA combined with seven other ingredients. While all participants adhered to a reduced-calorie diet and exercised three days per week, those who received the supplement lost significantly more weight than the placebo group. However, it is unclear whether this effect can be attributed to 7-Keto DHEA alone.

Most 7-keto-DHEA supplements on the market contain 100 mg per serving and commonly recommend taking two servings per day with food. One study showed that the supplement was well-tolerated in men at doses up to 200 mg per day for four weeks.

It is important to note that 7-keto-DHEA supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use, and regulatory bodies do not assure the quality, safety, and efficacy of supplements. Additionally, 7-keto-DHEA supplements have been suggested to trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs, and are therefore banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA).

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