Low Levels of DHEA Hormone Linked to Weight Gain
DHEA levels start declining in people's twenties. Virtually everyone over age 35 experiences a significant reduction in DHEA. As people age they gain weight and their body composition slowly changes with increases in fat and reductioin in lean muscle mass. Several studies are starting to link these body composition changes with the lower levels of DHEA within the body.
Studies Show DHEA Effective for Weight Loss
There are several human studies now suggesting that DHEA supplementation can produce beneficial body composition changes. For example,
- Studies on rats and mice have shown that DHEA reduces abdominal visceral fat and protects against insulin resistance.
- A 6-month trial in aging men and women with low DHEA levels demonstrated that 50 mg of DHEA per day reversed age-related changes in fat mass (Villareal et al 2000).
- A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, Mo looked at the effect of DHEA supplementaion on insulin sensitivity and fat loss. The study evaluated 50 mg of DHEA per day for 6 months in 56 individuals with age-related decline in DHEA levels. Subjects were not asked to change their diet or exercise during the study. At the end of the six month study, people taking DHEA lost an average of two pounds compared to the people taking the placebo, who gained just over one pound. Although overall weight loss was minimal, results were more promising when fat loss around the abdomen was assessed. After six months, women taking DHEA lost 10% of their abdominal fat and men lost 7%. The study showed that DHEA was associated with significant decreases in visceral and subcutaneous fat and improved insulin sensitivity (Villareal et al 2004).
- A larger DHEA study involving 942 men in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study looked at men between the ages of 40 and 70, first in 1987 to 1989 and then again in 1995 to 1997. Researchers found that fat around the abdomen (called central obesity) was associated with lower DHEA levels.
DHEA Metabolite 7-keto DHEA May Also Be an Effective Weight Loss Tool
- A metabolite of DHEA called 7-keto DHEA has also attracted considerable attention for its value as a fat-loss supplement. Like DHEA, 7-keto DHEA levels dramatically decline with age. In animal studies, 7-keto DHEA has shown to boost fat-burning enzymes. Studies using 7-keto DHEA supplements produced encouraging results. A study conducted by John L. Zenk, MD of the Minnesota Applied Research Center llooked at the effect of a formula containing 7-oxo-DHEA, -tyrosine, asparagus root extract, choline bitartrate, inositol, copper gluconate, manganese, and potassium iodide on weight loss, body composition, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in overweight patients following a weight-reduction diet and exercise regimen. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy, overweight adults were given the 7-KetoDHEA formula or a placebo of maltodextrin and followed a calorie-restricted diet and an exercise program for 8 weeks. Body weight, body composition (by bioelectric impedance), and BMR (by indirect calorimetry) were measured at baseline, week 4, and week 8. A thyroid panel was done at baseline and week 8. The study showed that subjects taking the 7-Keto DHEA product lost significantly more weight after 8 weeks than those taking placebo (mean ± SD loss, 2.15 ± 2.38 kg and 0.72 ± 2.12 kg, respectively) (P = 0.038). The change in BMI in the 7-Keto DHEA treated group was significant compared with the change in the placebo group (mean ± SD decrease, 0.71 ± 0.79 kg/m2 and 0.01 ± 1.05 kg/m2, respectively) (P = 0.036). (zenk et al 2002)
- Another study assessed the effects of taking 100 mg of 7-keto DHEA or placebo twice daily for 60 days. Compared with placebo, the 7-keto group lost more body weight (6.3 lb vs. 2.1 lb). This study also found that supplementing with 7-keto DHEA was associated with a significantly greater percentage of body fat loss compared with the placebo group (Kalman et al 2000).
DHEA a Non Thermogenic Agent for Weight Loss
Unlike caffeine or ephedra, DHEA (and its metabolite, 7-keto DHEA) does not have a noradrenaline-induced central nervous system stimulating effect, nor does 7-keto increase heart rate or blood pressure, therefore it may be a safe alternative for weight loss for those with heart conditions that also have lower levels of DHEA.
Bottom Line on DHEA for Weight Loss
Although these DHEA Weight Loss Studies are showing promising preliminary results, until there is considerable more research on the safety and effectiveness of DHEA on the endocribe system people should proceed with caution and focus on the implementation of proven methods for weight loss, such as a healthy diet, with consistent exercise (both cardio and weightlifting).
DHEA References
Villareal DT, Holloszy JO. Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Nov 10;292(18):2243-8.
Villareal DT, Holloszy JO, Kohrt WM. Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2000 Nov;53(5):561-8.
Hansen PA, Han DH, Nolte LA, Chen M, Holloszy JO. DHEA protects against visceral obesity and muscle insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat diet. Am J Physiol. 1997 Nov;273(5 Pt 2):R1704-8.
Han DH, Hansen PA, Chen MM, Holloszy JO. DHEA treatment reduces fat accumulation and protects against insulin resistance in male rats. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1998 Jan;53(1):B19-24.
The effect of 7-Keto NaturaleanTM on weight loss: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Current Therapeutic Research
Volume 63, Issue 4, April 2002, Pages 263-272
Kalman DS, Colker CM, Swain MA, Torina GC, Shi Q. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study of 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone in Healthy Overweight Adults. Current Therapeutic Research 2000;61: 435-442.
