Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a drug that may help treat obesity. Although DHEA is not an indicated treatment for obesity, it is possible that some of the secondary effects of this drug may help you lose weight. Currently available studies, however, do not support the use of DHEA as a treatment for obesity.
DHEA
DHEA is an androsterone secreted by your adrenal glands. DHEA is also a precursor molecule that your body converts to hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. The decrease or cessation of this molecule can have a dramatic effect on your body including weight gain, memory loss, mood imbalances, hair loss and diminished sex drive. DHEA functions differently in men and women, and the amount of DHEA naturally produced by your body naturally decreases as you age.
Obesity
Obesity occurs when your body mass index exceeds a certain level. According to MayoClinic.com, the minimum threshold for obesity is a BMI equal to or greater than 30. A BMI equal to or exceeding 40 classifies you as morbidly obese. You generally become obese overtime, and unless you have a thyroid condition or another disorder preventing your body from metabolizing food properly, you can lose weight and reduce your BMI. Your risk of developing secondary ailments including diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis increases as a result of obesity.
DHEA and Weight Reduction
According to "Integrative Medicine," DHEA may help you increase muscle mass and reduce body fat. However, currently available clinical studies do not support the use of DHEA to treat obesity in humans. DHEA increases hormones in your body including testosterone. Testosterone helps you body build and maintain muscle mass. Muscle loss or deterioration reduces your body's metabolic rate. DHEA may help fight obesity by preventing muscle loss. Muscle loss can lead to increased fat in your body and eventually obesity.
Dosage And Side Effects
Dosage for DHEA varies. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," prescribing doses of DHEA range from 25 to 600 mg depending on the condition. Since DHEA is not indicated for the treatment of obesity, no such recommendation exists for the drug's use in treating obesity. DHEA side effects include excessive hair growth or loss, acne, high blood pressure and menstrual cycle changes. If you take DHEA and experience any side effects, immediately discontinue use and speak with your doctor.
References
- MayoClinic.com: DHEA; April 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Obesity; October 2010
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2002
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper, Eugene Braunwald, Stephen Hauser, Dan Longo, J. Larry Jameson and Anthony Fauci; 2004
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