Does 7 keto DHEA really work?

Finding a way to slim down and increase your metabolism sounds like a pretty good idea to most people. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 50% of men and women were trying to lose weight between 2013-2016. Yet, for a lot of dieters, it doesn't work. While there are no quick fixes, some dietary supplements can boost your weight loss.

One of those supplements is 7-keto-DHEA or simply 7-keto. As with all dietary and health supplements, many ask, does 7-keto-DHEA really work? The quick answer is yes, it can, and here's the research to prove it.

What is DHEA?

DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands and the precursor to androgen (testosterone), estrogen, and progesterone. What this means is the DHEA changes into sex hormones. Hormones are vital messengers in the body, and when an imbalance occurs can cause dramatic changes, some leading to serious health problems. 

Women with excess estrogen, for example, may be going into menopause and experience hot flashes, weight gain, vaginal atrophy (dryness), and more. Men experiencing low testosterone may feel depressed, exhibit no sexual energy, and have weak muscles.

Men and women use DHEA creams to slow down aging, increase sex drive, generate muscle, and combat some health concerns. Yet, the use is controversial because DHEA builds hormones, and having too much or too little of estrogen, testosterone, or progesterone causes your body to become imbalanced. However, 7-keto-DHEA is not DHEA, exactly.

DHEA vs 7-keto-DHEA

Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA doesn't interact or build hormones in the body when taken as a supplement. 7-keto-DHEA is a metabolite of DHEA. When you apply 7-keto-DHEA to the skin or received by the mouth, you don't have to worry about it increasing your hormone levels.

Since 7-keto-DHEA doesn't produce hormones, many of the side effects concerns associated with supplementing with DHEA over a long period may not be a concern. This is one of the reasons 7-keto-DHEA is popular.

7-keto-DHEA thermogenic properties

Thermogenesis is the process of the body heating up to burn calories. When your body generates heat, your metabolism increases, leading to fat loss. Research shows that 7-keto-DHEA has thermogenic properties.

Research results indicate that DHEA stops weight gain in mice because of its thermogenic properties. In another study, researchers determined that 7-keto-DHEA contained two times the thermogenic potential than DHEA. The discovery that 7-keto-DHEA has heat-generating capabilities led to other research on how it affects metabolism and aids weight loss. 

Can help increase metabolism

Increasing your metabolism helps weight loss by consuming calories faster. In a double-blind study, a group of overweight people took 7-Keto (100 mg) for eight weeks and lost a lot more weight than those not taking the supplement. The small study did show that there wasn't a difference in the basal metabolic rate (BMR) in those who took 7-keto and those who didn't. BMR references the total amount of calories you need to coordinate simple functions that maintain life like pumping blood and breathing. 

But, further research shows that 7-Keto boosts the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of overweight men and women. RMR is another useful tool to determine the metabolic rate, but may not be as accurate as BMR. 

What the study revealed was that 7-Keto stopped the lowering of metabolism that can happen when reducing calories. Also, it boosted metabolism by 1.4% beyond normal levels. This can mean close to an extra 100 calories burned each day or about 700 a week.

You need to burn 3,500 to lose one pound, so if you combine a healthy diet and regular exercise with 7-keto-DHEA, you may be giving your metabolism the boost it needs to lose weight faster.

Can boost weight loss

Since 7-keto-DHEA may help boost metabolism, it can promote weight loss. In one study that lasted eight weeks, 30 individuals received 200 mg of 7-Keto each day while consuming a calorie-restricted diet. All exercised three days per week. For those taking the 7-Keto, shed 6.3 pounds, and the placebo group lost 2.1 pounds in comparison. 

In another study, scientists studied the outcomes of using a 7-Keto supplement that also had seven other ingredients thought to be beneficial when combined with the compound. As in the first study, the overweight men and women lost weight, but those who adhered to the 7-keto-DHEA plus other additives lost more weight.

Each group consumed fewer calories and exercised three times a week. Since this 7-Keto had other ingredients, it's unclear if the 7-Keto caused the higher weight loss. Regardless, 7-Keto seems to boost fat loss.

Safety of 7-keto-DHEA

As with any dietary supplement, looking at the safety and side effects is normal. Since 7-keto-DHEA doesn't produce hormones like DHEA by itself, some of the side effects may not be present. Doctors and researchers have determined the 7-keto-DHEA is likely safe and little to no side effects. If you do have side effects, the most common ones reported are heartburn,  nausea, and a metallic taste.

7-keto-DHEA dose

The exact dose depends on your doctor’s recommendations or the instructions on the 7-Keto cream or tablet. For weight loss, Web MD recommends 100 mg twice per day. Remember to follow packaging instructions, and if you have any concerns, speak to your health care professional.

Other 7-keto DHEA benefits

Besides metabolism boosting and fat loss encouragement 7-Keto has some other health benefits. Some of these positive outcomes include:

•     Improves the immune system
•     Decreases signs of aging
•     Lowers depression and anxiety
•     Eases post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
•     Improves memory and cognitive abilities
•     Increases muscle mass
•     Generates muscles

Important to remember

7-keto-DHEA is a supplement with few side effects that may increase metabolism and increase weight loss, among other benefits. Research is still burgeoning, but results indicate that 7-keto DHEA really works. 7-Keto is different from DHEA in that it doesn't interact with the hormones in your body. 7-Keto creams are safe and effective and may give you the boost you need to live a healthy and active life.