How effective is yohimbine HCL for weight loss results? Yohimbine refers to an alkaloid found in the pausinystalia yohimbe tree, which grows in western Africa.
Yohimbine hydrochloride is used in supplements and prescription medications. It is sometimes featured in diet pills as an appetite suppressant and metabolism booster.
While there is significant anecdotal evidence of its use for fat loss, there is insufficient scientific evidence to back claims or positive reviews. Only one study has documented an effect for weight loss so far.
Taking Yohimbine pills for weight loss is also associated with a high risk of side effects. Results from a small number of studies suggest the supplement may be dangerous for some individuals.



- Helps promote fat loss
- Increases energy & suppresses appetite
- Promotes sex drive & performance
Uses of Yohimbine
Related Topics
- What is Yohimbine?
- Does Yohimbe Work?
- Yohimbine HCL
- Yohimbine Bark
- Yohimbe Extract
- Yohimbe Supplement
- Yohimbine Tablets
- Effects and Benefits
- Potential Side Effects
- Yohimbe Dosages
- Yohimbine Dosages
- Yohimbine for Weight Loss
- Yohimbe for Bodybuilding
- Yohimbe for Sexual Health
- Yohimbine Safety
- Yohimbine Reviews
- Is Yohimbine Safe?
- Buy Yohimbine
- Primaforce Yohimbine HCL
The original use of yohimbine extract was as a sexual performance enhancer and for increasing libido in men and women.
The bark of the plant was traditionally made into a tea and used as an aphrodisiac to treat erectile dysfunction in men and low sex drive in women. [1]
Yohimbine is purported to help with weight loss, but more research is needed to rate efficacy for this application. [2]
When used in combination with diet and exercise, the supplement may increase metabolic rate, reduce appetite and encourage the body to burn excess fat.
The supplement is also used to improve athletic performance, depression, increase energy levels and manage certain types of hypertension. [3]
Many of these uses are based on traditional or historical usage. Not all uses are supported by available clinical evidence.
Benefits of Yohimbine for Weight Loss
Limited scientific information backs up the claims that yohimbine supplements can support weight loss.
In one research study, the effects of yohimbine on body composition and athletic performance was measured in competitive soccer players.
Twenty soccer players were assigned to the treatment group or to the placebo group. Individuals in the treatment group received 20 mg of Yohimbine per day, taken in two equal doses for 21 days.
After the treatment period, results were recorded for body mass, muscle mass, and percentage of body fat. The participants were also observed for exercise performance markers.
While there was no reported change in body mass, muscle mass or exercise performance, there was a statistically significant change in fat mass.
Body fat composition in the treatment group was reduced from 9.3% (+/- 1.1%) to 7.1% (+/- 2.2%). This was significantly lower than those in the placebo group as well. This means that there was a positive effect of yohimbine for fat loss in the study.
However, the results from one study are insufficient to rate the efficacy of this supplement for weight loss. More studies are needed to validate the effects of Yohimbine HCL as a diet pill.
How Does Yohimbine Promote Fat Loss?
Yohimbine may work to support weight loss due to its stimulant effects. Research shows that Yohimbine blocks presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors.
As a result, it may help suppress and control appetite, which can make it easier to eat fewer calories and achieve a negative caloric balance.
This supplement is also purported to enhance the body’s basal metabolic rate, especially when combined with other stimulants, such as ephedrine and caffeine in an ECY stack.
Blocking presynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors also impacts fat storage. In theory, the supplement reduces the amount of fat your body stores and impacts hormone levels to improve your weight loss results.
Yohimbine weight loss reviews suggest that it may help bodybuilders during a cutting cycle when used appropriately with diet and exercise. The results will vary depending on the individual.
Potential Side Effects and Health Risks
If taking Yohimbine for weight loss results, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. Yohimbine can cause side effects when used at high dosage levels or when taken for long periods of time.
Some users report that it is well tolerated with no adverse effects, but others have experience side effects even at suggested dosages. [4]
The supplement may cause negative side effects [1], which include:
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- General anxiety
- Sleeplessness
Yohimbine may also cause dangerous interactions when individuals take medications or use additional supplements for weight loss goals.
Negative side effects may develop at lower dosages of the supplement when taken with an anti-depressant medication. Yohimbine HCL supplements may also interact with medications for kidney failure, high blood pressure or certain mental health conditions. [4]
Serious health risks may develop in certain individuals. Any individual who experiences severe side effects, like chest pains or irregular heart beet, should seek immediate medical attention.
Taking yohimbine in large dosages could cause organ failure, difficulty breathing, heart failure, seizures, paralysis and death. [5] Always take any supplements containing yohimbine as directed to limit the risk of taking an excessively large dosage.
Individuals with any health conditions or a history of health conditions should discuss the supplement with a doctor prior to using it for weight loss.
Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers should avoid the supplement due to a lack of safety information.
How to Take Yohimbine for Weight Loss
If your doctor has cleared you for use of yohimbine HCL for weight loss, ask them for the dosage they recommend to reduce the rism of side effects.
Dosages of between 5 to 10 mg per day are typically used for weight loss. Take a lower dosage when using other medications or when directed by a doctor. [5]
Most users recommend starting with the lowest possible dose of Yohimbine for weight loss. Once your body has become accustomed to the effects of this supplement, users may increase the dosage slowly to a maximum of 20 mg per day.
The supplement is usually taken orally in a pill or tablet form or made into a tea with the bark of the pausinystalia yohimbe tree.
The tea requires roughly 5 teaspoons of the tree bark for every one pint of water.
When used with other alkaline supplements, the effect of the supplement may increase. Use a lower dosage when using the supplement with other alkaline supplements or dietary changes. [4]
If you are taking medications or have pre-existing health conditions, discuss the supplement and appropriate dosage with a medical professional.
Certain conditions may require a lower dosage for a similar effect and a dose of 10 mg may increase the risk of certain health risks.
Yohimbine supplements may improve weight loss results, but only when used as directed by a medical professional. Due to the potential side effects and health risks associated with the supplement, it may not be the right solution to assist with weight loss goals.
- https://nccih.nih.gov/health/yohimbe, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), Yohimbe, Created February 2007, Updated July 2012.
- http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2190009, University of Michigan Health System, Yohimbe, Last Reviewed June 3, 2015
- Natural Medicines Database, Yohimbe, November 7, 2015
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2541171/?page=1, P.A. De Smet and O.S. Smeets.
- Potential Risks of Health Food Products Containing Yohimbe Extracts, October 8, 1994.
- http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-yohimbe, Reviewed by Dr. David Kiefer, MD, May 1, 2015.
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment