Clenbuterol For Weight Loss: How It Works, Benefits, And Side Effects

Desperation can sometimes lead to disasters! One such classic example is using clenbuterol for weight loss. A shocking fact is that many countries have not approved this pill to be used for weight loss (1). Despite this, its use is gaining traction among fitness freaks and bodybuilders for faster weight loss (2). So, does clenbuterol really help lose weight? If yes, what are the adverse effects that follow? Keep reading to know more.

In This Article

What Is Clenbuterol?

Clenbuterol, popularly known as Clen, is a bronchodilator and decongestant. It is a steroid-like substance, but not a steroid, and falls in the β2-agonist category. This drug causes the bronchial muscles to dilate (widen)and smoothen, thus opening up the airway. It is usually taken to prevent asthma attacks (3). It stimulates the beta-2 adrenergic receptors and has anti-catabolic and thermogenic effects. Clenbuterol is available in the market as clenbuterol hydrochloride (4). 

How Does Clenbuterol Aid Weight Loss? Is it Safe?

Clenbuterol is a thermogenic stimulant. Thermogenic chemicals are thought to increase the body’s metabolic rate and BMR. Increased energy and BMR make you lose weight (4). A study conducted on horses concluded that the administration of clenbuterol (0.8𝜇/kg) helps reduce body fat with no significant effect on body weight (5). Other studies conducted on horses and mice have found that long-term use of clenbuterol increases the gene expression of muscle components and lipid metabolizing enzymes, which causes lipolysis (fat breakdown) (6), (7), (8). So, it can be concluded that clenbuterol stimulates skeletal muscle growth, boosts metabolism, and aids in weight loss.

Very limited studies have been done on humans to prove the weight-loss effects of clenbuterol, which is why it is banned by the FDA for human consumption. It is not safe to consume clenbuterol for weight loss without consulting doctor as its usage is very restricted.