Can 7-Keto-DHEA Really Boost Your Metabolism and Help You Lose Weight?
If you’ve ever wandered through the supplement aisle or scrolled Instagram ads promising easy fat loss, you’ve probably come across 7-Keto-DHEA. It’s often hyped as a metabolism booster that can help shed pounds without messing with your hormones. Sounds pretty great, right?
But does it actually work? And is it safe? Let’s break it down.
So, What Is 7-Keto-DHEA Anyway?
7-Keto-DHEA is a natural byproduct of DHEA, one of the most abundant hormones in your body. DHEA helps make testosterone and estrogen, but 7-Keto is a little different — it doesn’t interact with those sex hormones when taken as a supplement.
That’s one reason it caught researchers’ attention as a potential weight loss aid. It might offer some of the metabolism-boosting benefits of DHEA without the hormone-related side effects.
It’s Got Some Fat-Burning Potential
Animal studies first suggested that DHEA could help prevent fat gain by increasing thermogenesis — basically, your body’s ability to burn calories by producing heat.
Even better, one study found that 7-Keto was 2.5 times more thermogenic than DHEA itself. That discovery opened the door to human studies to see if it could actually rev up metabolism in real life.
Can It Really Boost Your Metabolism?
Okay, here’s where things get a little murky. So far, only a couple of small studies have looked at this:
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In one, people taking 100 mg of 7-Keto a day for eight weeks lost more weight than those taking a placebo. But oddly, their basal metabolic rate (BMR) — the number of calories your body burns at rest — didn’t budge.
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Another study found better news: 7-Keto increased resting metabolic rate (RMR) by about 96 calories a day. Not a huge number, but hey, it’s something. The catch? The study only lasted seven days.
So while the early results are interesting, we need more solid research to know for sure.
Can It Help You Lose Weight?
There’s a little more evidence here. In one study, overweight folks on a calorie-restricted diet and exercise plan who took 200 mg of 7-Keto daily lost about 6.3 pounds in eight weeks, compared to 2.1 pounds for the placebo group.
Another trial combined 7-Keto with a handful of other supplements and saw greater weight loss too — but since it wasn’t just 7-Keto on its own, it’s tough to say what did what.
Bottom line: It might give your weight loss efforts a little boost if you’re already dieting and exercising, but it’s not a magic pill.
Is It Safe?
For the most part, yes — at least when taken by mouth in normal doses:
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Up to 200 mg per day seems well-tolerated.
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Some people report mild side effects like heartburn, nausea, or a weird metallic taste.
Heads-Up for Athletes
If you’re a competitive athlete, you’ll want to skip this one. 7-Keto is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it can trigger positive tests for anabolic agents. Definitely not worth the risk if you’re getting tested.
And Be Careful with the Gel
While oral supplements don’t seem to mess with hormone levels, 7-Keto gels might. Studies in men found that applying it to the skin can affect testosterone, cholesterol, and thyroid hormones. Not much is known about how it affects women this way, so it’s a good idea to check with your doctor first if you’re considering it.
The Takeaway
7-Keto-DHEA shows some promise as a metabolism booster and weight loss aid, especially when paired with healthy habits like a calorie-controlled diet and regular workouts.
But — and it’s a big but — the research is still pretty limited. It’s not a guaranteed fat burner, and it’s definitely not a replacement for solid nutrition and exercise.
If you’re curious about trying it, talk to us, especially if you’re an athlete or thinking about using it as a gel.