Clenbuterol for Weight Loss
The pressure to be slim and attractive often leads people to resort to extreme measures to lose weight. One weight-loss aid that has recently garnered attention is clenbuterol, which has actually been a secret weapon of female bodybuilders for decades. Users report that clenbuterol can result in rapid weight loss along with lean muscle growth, however there is some controversy surrounding its use as a weight loss aid and it is not approved for use by humans in the United States. Clenbuterol is primarily used to treat respiratory diseases in horses.
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The Facts
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Clenbuterol is a thermogenic drug that can have similar side effects as ephedrine. As it is not approved for use in the U.S., users must buy it illegally online or in another country, such as Mexico, where it is sold over the counter.
Clenbuterol has also been used illegally by farmers to increase the muscle-to-fat ratio in animals, especially cattle. However, it has been banned for that use as it can cause food poisoning if it's ingested by humans.
How it works
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Clenbuterol induces weight loss by increasing the rate at which fat is metabolized. It also increases aerobic abilities and stimulates the central nervous system. Clenbuterol works similarly to a stimulant like caffeine but it lasts longer and the side effects are prolonged. It's a very potent medication but loses effectiveness quickly over time. Clenbuterol is often used by female bodybuilders for a month at a time with monthlong breaks in between.
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Side Effects
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Serious cardiovascular and neurological side effects of using clenbuterol include increased heart rate, hypertension, and muscle tremors, nausea, dizziness, stomach irritation, anxiety and psychosis.
Black Market
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The use of clenbuterol is controversial and not advised as it benefits the black market and promotes illegal drug markets. In addition, when drugs are obtained from the black market, there is no quality control.
Warning
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As clenbuterol is not approved for human use, it is best to avoid taking it. The DEA reports several incidents of serious illness in Europe that are related to the illicit administration of clenbuterol to livestock.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Megan VerHoef
