7-KETO for Weight Control
Why Use
Why Do Dieters Use It?*
Some dieters say that 7-KETO helps promote weight loss, when used along with a diet and exercise program.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
- DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is used by the body as a building block in the production of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Only those who have been tested and found to be low in DHEA should consider taking this supplement; for these people, 7-Keto (3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone) may improve metabolism and energy levels.
- While 7-KETO was developed to avoid the potential hormone-like effects of DHEA, it is still important to consult a physician familiar with its use.
- Some users have reported feeling “jittery” after taking as little as 100 mg of 7-Keto per day.
*Dieters and weight-management advocates may claim benefits for this supplement based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles.
Dosage & Side Effects
How Much Is Usually Taken by Dieters?
The ability of 7-KETO, a substance related to DHEA, to promote weight loss in overweight people has been investigated in one double-blind trial.1 Participants in the trial were advised to exercise three times per week for 45 minutes and to eat an 1,800-calorie-per-day diet. Each person was given either a placebo or 100 mg of 7-KETO twice daily. After eight weeks, those receiving 7-KETO had lost more weight and lowered their percentage of body fat further compared to those taking a placebo. These results may have been due to increases in levels of a thyroid hormone (T3) that plays a major role in determining a person’s metabolic rate, although the levels of T3 did not exceed the normal range.
Side Effects
A safety study in humans has shown that 7-KETO did not raise estrogen or testosterone levels or produce any other negative effects at levels up to 200 mg per day for eight weeks.2 Short-term animal studies also revealed no adverse effects with large amounts of 7-KETO.3, 4, 5 However, the long-term safety of 7-KETO for humans has not been demonstrated, and, because it is chemically related to steroid hormones, the potential for adverse effects must be considered. In addition, the increase in T3 levels resulting from taking 7-KETO could, in theory, produce adverse effects on the heart or promote bone loss. For these reasons, people wishing to take 7-KETO, particularly those who have a thyroid disorder or are taking thyroid hormone, should consult a physician.
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.
Interactions with Medicines
As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
More Resources
Where to Find It
7-KETO is available as a dietary supplement.
