Keto Dhea For Weight Loss: Does It Work?

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical formed in the body by the adrenal glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. It is commercially advertised as a dietary supplement to support weight loss, with claims that it can speed up metabolism and increase heat production in the body. However, there is limited evidence supporting these claims, and further studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.

Keto DHEA's effect on weight loss

Keto DHEAs effect on weight loss

Keto-DHEA, or 7-Keto-DHEA, is a supplement that has been advertised as supporting weight loss. It is a naturally occurring metabolite of the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and is produced in the brain, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. Instead, it is used for cell metabolism and brain functions.

The Evidence for Keto DHEA's Effect on Weight Loss

There is limited evidence for the weight loss effects of 7-keto-DHEA. A systematic review of the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on body weight found that out of 686 studies, only 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 stated an increase in resting metabolic rate. No serious adverse effects were reported. However, the authors concluded that further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of 7-keto-DHEA before it can be recommended for therapeutic use.

Other studies have also shown positive results for 7-keto-DHEA in weight loss. One study found that 7-keto-DHEA, along with diet and exercise, reduced weight more than diet and exercise alone with no adverse effects. Another study found that 7-keto-DHEA increased the metabolic rate, helping to burn more calories in overweight patients on a calorie-restricted diet.

In addition, animal studies have shown that 7-keto-DHEA stimulated weight loss in fully grown mice and reduced appetite, which is crucial for weight loss.

Safety and Side Effects

7-keto-DHEA is likely safe and has a low risk of serious side effects. It has been found to be well-tolerated in men at doses up to 200 mg per day for four weeks. However, some people have reported side effects such as nausea, heartburn, metallic taste, and hair loss. It is also important to note that 7-keto-DHEA supplements have been banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) for use in sports and may influence hormones in men when applied to the skin as a gel.

Dosage

The dosage of 200 mg per day for 4-8 weeks was found to be safe and produced mild benefits. In one study, older men received a dose of 25 mg of 7-keto daily in the form of a gel applied to the skin.

Safety and side effects

7-Keto-DHEA is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks and is well-tolerated in the short term. However, there is insufficient information to determine its safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women, so it is recommended that they avoid it.

There is limited research on the side effects of 7-Keto-DHEA. One study found that it was well-tolerated in men at doses of up to 200 mg per day for four weeks. The most common side effects in other studies were heartburn, metallic taste, and nausea. No serious adverse effects were reported in a systematic review of four studies, and no participants discontinued the trials due to side effects.

It is important to note that 7-Keto-DHEA has been suggested to trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs. As a result, the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) has listed it as a prohibited anabolic agent. Additionally, 7-Keto-DHEA applied to the skin as a gel may influence hormones in men.

Dosing and usage

The appropriate dose of 7-keto-DHEA depends on several factors, such as the user's age, health, and other conditions. There is currently insufficient scientific information to determine an appropriate dose. It is recommended to follow the directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

In studies, participants were given 7-keto-DHEA doses ranging from 102 to 200 mg per day. In one study, participants took 200 mg per day for eight weeks, resulting in an average weight loss of 2.88 kg. Another study found that taking 100 mg of 7-Keto per day for eight weeks led to significant weight loss compared to a placebo group. However, there was no difference in basal metabolic rate between the two groups.

It's important to note that natural products may not always be safe, and dosages can be crucial. Some users have reported side effects such as hair loss, growth of facial hair, headaches, ear pressure, increased heart rate, and anxiety. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking 7-keto-DHEA or any other supplement.

How it works

Keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical formed in the body by the adrenal glands near the kidneys. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. This means that taking 7-keto-DHEA does not increase the level of these hormones in the blood.

The process by which the body burns calories to produce heat is called thermogenesis. 7-keto-DHEA has been found to be two-and-a-half times more thermogenic than DHEA in test-tube studies. This suggests that 7-keto-DHEA may increase metabolism and lead to weight loss.

However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of 7-keto-DHEA for weight loss. Only two studies have looked at its effects on metabolism. The first study found that participants who took 100 mg of 7-keto-DHEA daily for eight weeks lost significantly more weight than those given a placebo, but 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. In another study, 7-keto-DHEA was found to increase the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of overweight people. RMR is a less accurate measure of metabolism than BMR, but it 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.

In an eight-week study of 30 overweight people on a calorie-restricted diet who exercised three days a week, those taking 200 mg of 7-keto-DHEA per day lost 6.3 pounds, compared to 2.1 pounds in the placebo group. In a similar study, participants who took a supplement containing 7-keto-DHEA combined with seven other ingredients lost significantly more weight than those in the placebo group. However, it is unclear whether this effect can be attributed to 7-keto-DHEA alone.

While 7-keto-DHEA is likely safe and has a low risk of serious side effects, there are some considerations to keep in mind. It has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) for use in sports as it may trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs. Additionally, 7-keto-DHEA may influence hormones in men when applied to the skin as a gel. It is also important to note that there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of 7-keto-DHEA for weight loss, and more studies are needed to determine its efficacy and safety.

Scientific evidence and studies

Keto-DHEA, or 7-Keto-DHEA, is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. It is commercially advertised as a dietary supplement to support weight loss. However, there is limited academic literature about 7-keto-DHEA in terms of weight loss. A systematic review of the impact of 7-keto-DHEA on body weight found that out of 686 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 stated an increase in resting metabolic rate. No serious adverse effects were reported.

The four studies that showed weight loss were randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. The studies enrolled 131 participants with ages ranging from 20 to 70 years, with women in the majority. The treated and placebo groups did not differ significantly at baseline. The studies were published from 2000 to 2007 and were all conducted in the USA. The duration ranged from one to eight weeks.

The systematic review concluded that, with the evidence currently available, no clear answer can be given regarding 7-keto-DHEA and weight loss. Further studies need to be conducted to clarify the efficacy and safety of this drug before it can be recommended for therapeutic use.

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