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Are 7-Keto-DHEA supplements effective for weight loss? Research suggests that this compound acts as a fat burner and can increase metabolism.
7-Keto-DHEA is a molecule that forms when the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is metabolized.
DHEA is required for the production of the hormone androstenedione, which then gets converted into the sex hormones estrogen or testosterone. It is an important molecule for the regulation of certain body functions.
7-Keto-DHEA is a non-hormonal metabolite, which does not break down into these sex hormones. This makes it better to use as a dietary supplement compared to DHEA because it lowers the risk of adverse reactions caused by changes in hormone levels.
7-Keto-DHEA has been shown to increase metabolic rate, which had led to its use in supplement form for weight loss. Consumers can take 7-Keto-DHEA orally to support fat loss as part of a healthy diet.
Those who are interested in taking 7-Keto-DHEA for weight loss should know more about its efficacy, as well as the risks associated with these products. Consumers should also know how it works to support weight loss.
Weight Loss
Muscle Growth
Energy- Increases thyroid hormone levels
- Boosts energy metabolism & fat loss
- Supports muscle growth & training
Top 7-Keto-DHEA Products* ❯7-Keto-DHEA for Weight Loss
7-Keto-DHEA has been used for weight loss, as well as building lean body mass, decreasing fat and building muscle mass.
It is mainly used for body fat reduction due to its involvement with regulating the activity of ‘thermogenic enzymes. Other uses for 7-Keto-DHEA include stimulating thyroid activity and managing adrenal fatigue.
7-Keto-DHEA has been shown to influence energy metabolism and may help promote weight loss and fat loss. It may work by increasing fat oxidation, resulting in more ATP being generated.
7-Keto-DHEA might also activate thermogenic enzymes in the liver that help the body burn calories in order to produce heat, which might help support weight loss results in humans.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, research on animals has suggested that 7-Keto-DHEA has the potential to increase thermogenesis and is roughly 2.5 times as active as DHEA in terms of inducing thermogenesis. [3]
The results of a 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that 7-Keto-DHEA increased resting metabolic rate when used in combination with a calorie-restricted diet. [1]
This increase in metabolism might result in a higher number of calories burned, especially when paired with a healthy diet and exercise, which can lead to body fat reduction.
However, this specific study was too short to evaluate the effect on body weight. While it was shown to reduce the decline in metabolism linked to consuming fewer calories, this specific trial was not able to directly assess the question of whether this supplement could boost fat loss results.
Two other studies have demonstrated a metabolism-boosting effect from using 7-Keto-DHEA supplements. In one trial, 200mg of this product was combined with green tea catechins, chromium, Vitamins D and C as well as calcium, resulting in a 3.4% increase in metabolic rate.
In another trial of the proprietary product Lean System 7, 17mg of 7-Keto-DHEA was stacked with the stimulants Yerba Mate, Piper Nigrum, Coleus Forskohlii, Citris Aurantium (6% Synephrine) and Guarana extract (22% caffeine). The supplement was reported to increase metabolism by 7.2% and resulted in a significant decrease in hip circumference.
Does 7-Keto-DHEA Work for Weight Loss?
In addition to increasing metabolism, 7-Keto-DHEA might also be effective for overall weight loss and fat loss.
A 2000 study that appeared in Current Therapeutic Research showed that a combination of 7-Keto-DHEA use and a weight-loss diet had greater efficacy for weight loss and a reduction in fat mass than the diet alone. Participants in the study took 200 MG of 7-Keto-DHEA for 8 weeks. [2]
In this study, 100 mg of 7-Keto-DHEA was taken twice per day for 8 weeks along with a mixed diet of 1,800 calories. Study participants were all obese adults and engaged in an exercise program consisting of cross training three days per week.
Over the course of the treatment period, both the group taking the supplement as well as individuals on a placebo lost weight. Those taking 7-Keto-DHEA pills lost 2.88kg of body weight compared to 0.97kg, which amounted to a 1.8% reduction in body fat percentage compared to 0.57% for the placebo group.
A further trial looked at the effects of this supplement in combination with asparagus extract, choline, inositol, and the amino acid L-Tyrosine. Participants received 200 mg of 7-Keto-DHEA twice per day and followed a calorie-restricted diet and exercise program.
Like the previous study, participants in the treatment group lost more weight than those using the placebo. However, because this trial used 7-Keto-DHEA in combination with other supplements, it is not possible to know how much of this fat loss effect was attributable to this ingredient.
How to Take 7-Keto-DHEA to Lose Weight
7-Keto-DHEA for weight loss is available in oral supplement forms, such as capsules and tablets. Brands that offer 7-Keto-DHEA products include NOW Foods, Beverly International, Nutrigold, Life Extension and Best Naturals.
These products can be found on Amazon, GNC and other online retailers. They are also available in local stores that sell supplements.
Some products only have 7-Keto-DHEA, while others include other ingredients that also help promote weight loss and fat burning, such as green tea extract, bromelain and guarana extract.
The doses for these products range from 25 MG to 100 MG per serving. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, doses of 100 MG two times a day have been used for weight loss purposes. [3] However, there is no standard dosage for 7-Keto-DHEA.
Consumers who want to take these supplements for weight loss should discuss safe dosages with their doctor before using them. The recommended safe amount to use will be based on an individual’s age, weight, health and other factors.
A large percentage of consumers who have taken 7-Keto-DHEA products for weight loss indicate that they have been effective to some degree. Some consumers have also stated that these products helped increase lean muscle mass.
A small percentage of consumers reported that 7-Keto-DHEA for weight loss was not effective. Some users experience adverse effects and discontinue use of the product as well.
Side Effects of 7-Keto-DHEA
7-Keto-DHEA is used as a weight loss alternative for those who are unable to take DHEA due to the potential side effects it causes from hormonal changes.
This includes individuals with diabetes, breast cancer or other conditions that affect hormones and those who take estrogens, antidepressants or other medications that affect hormone levels.
Since 7-Keto-DHEA is not broken down into estrogens and testosterone, it does not carry the same risks as oral DHEA pill use,. Some of these risks can include menstrual cycle changes in women and aggression in men.
Consumers with thyroid disorders should note that 7-Keto-DHEA might increase the levels of T3 hormone released by the thyroid. According to the University of Michigan Health System, this could theoretically lead to a higher risk of bone loss or harmful effects on the heart, especially if thyroid hormones remain elevated for long periods of time. [4]
Those with thyroid disorders should consult with their doctor before taking 7-Keto-DHEA for weight loss.
7-Keto-DHEA should not be used on a long-term basis due to a lack of information on the long-term effects of this supplement. This product should also not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing, since its effects on women in these conditions is not known.
The University of Michigan Health System states that doses of 200 MG or less taken for 8 weeks or less in humans is generally well tolerated and not known to cause adverse effects. [4]
Before using 7-Keto-DHEA or any dietary supplement to help you lose weight, it is important to check with your doctor to determine whether this product is appropriate for you. Always follow doctor recommendations for achieving healthy weight loss goals.
- Zenk, J.L. et al. HUM5007, a novel combination of thermogenic compounds, and 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone: each increases the resting metabolic rate of overweight adults. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2007. Sep; 18(9); 629-34.
- Kaiman, D.S, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy overweight adults. Current Therapeutic Research. 2000. Jul; 61(7); 435-442.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. 7-Keto-DHEA. 2015.
- University of Michigan Health System. 7-Keto: Side Effects. 2015.
Article last updated on: July 9th, 2018 by Nootriment
