We live in a society obsessed with image. In this desire to lose weight, any substance that is presented as a possible fat burner becomes a trend. This has happened, for example, with clenbuterol. However, this improper use is not without side effects.
However, it is important to know the side effects of clenbuterol before starting to consume it. Having a real idea of what it is, what its uses are and whether it actually has beneficial effects is vital.
What is clenbuterol?
José Antonio López, dietician-nutritionist specialized in high performance sports nutrition and member of the Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, responds concisely: “Clembuterol is a bronchodilator and central nervous system stimulant drug. As we see, there is no trace of concepts such as fat burners or ‘miracle’ substances for losing weight.
What is clenbuterol used for?
Being a bronchodilator, its use has to do with the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma in humans. It also has a similar use in animals, especially horses.
But where does the connection between clenbuterol and weight loss come from? By stimulating the central nervous system and increasing metabolism and the use of fat as an energy source, this drug has led to other non-medical uses. “Some athletes and bodybuilders use it as an agent to increase muscle mass and increase lipid metabolism,” says López, professor of the Master of Lifelong Training in Nutrition and Dietetics in Sports at the University of Valencia.
Its use for this purpose – emphasizes the expert – is prohibited in sports competitions “due to its potentially dangerous effects on health and its ability to improve performance,” concludes José Antonio López. That is to say, it is a doping substance, even though in some gym locker rooms its ‘fabulous’ effects are whispered about or some users resort to clenbuterol in the gym. gym.
Pharmacological uses in humans and animals
Use in humans
- Bronchial asthma treatment. As a bronchodilator, “clenbuterol dilates the airways and makes breathing easier in people with bronchial asthma or other obstructive respiratory diseases,” says López.
- Chronic obstructive respiratory disorders. It can also be used in the treatment of other chronic obstructive respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.
Use in animals
As a bronchodilator, it is used to treat equine COPD. It has also been used “in farm animals to improve feed efficiency and promote muscle growth. Its use for this purpose is banned in many countries, including Spain due to concerns about food safety and public health.”
In this sense, López warns that “the use of clenbuterol in animals intended for human consumption can pose risks to public health, since it can leave residues of the drug in animal tissues. “This may pose a risk to people who consume contaminated meat.” This is why strict limits have been established for this use.
What are its clenbuterol side effects in humans?
When used in higher doses than recommended or for long periods, it may have side effects in some people. The severity and frequency of these effects will vary depending on the dose, duration of treatment, and each person’s individual sensitivity.
Therefore, says the expert, “it is always essential to use clenbuterol under the supervision of a doctor and follow the recommended dosage instructions.”
The most common side effects are the following:
- fine tremors on the hands, especially at higher doses.
- tachycardia. It can increase the heart rate, with palpitations and a feeling of rapid heartbeat.
- insomnia, Due to its stimulating effect on the central nervous system, it can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- excessive sweatingespecially in people more prone to sweating.
- Headacheseven migraines.
- Nausea and vomiting. “Some people may experience stomach upset, nausea or vomiting as a side effect.”
- Dizziness. Or a feeling of vertigo.
- Hypertension. “At high doses, clenbuterol can raise blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with pre-existing hypertension or cardiovascular conditions.”
- Cardiac arrhythmias. “It happens in rare cases, but they can be dangerous and life-threatening.”
Is it useful for losing weight?
It is true that it is sometimes used in order to lose weight. But the effectiveness of clenbuterol for weight loss is not fully supported by solid scientific evidence. “Some users report experiencing weight loss when taking clenbuterol, but this may be due to its stimulating effect on metabolism and appetite suppression.”
In this regard, López bluntly emphasizes that “clenbuterol is not a medication approved specifically for weight loss. “Its use for this purpose is associated with significant health risks.”
Does it improve sports performance?
“It is believed that clenbuterol may increase aerobic capacity by dilating the airways and improving oxygen delivery to tissues. This circumstance could result in better resistance and exercise capacity,” says the dietician-nutritionist.
Now, “the use of clenbuterol with the aim of improving sports performance is banned in most sports competitions due to its potentially dangerous health effects and its ability to illegally enhance performance.” Therefore, “the risks associated with its use outweigh the possible benefits,” he concludes.
Does it have any kind of effect in terms of sexual relations?
The sexual effects of clenbuterol They are not proven. In fact, some people taking clenbuterol “may experience side effects such as anxiety, nervousness, or insomnia, which could indirectly affect their sexual desire or their ability to have satisfactory sexual relations.”
Is it legal to buy it for personal use?
All of the above leads us to a clear conclusion: purchasing clenbuterol without a prescription is strongly discouraged due to the health risks associated with its uncontrolled use, “including serious side effects such as tachycardia, hypertension, tremors and other cardiovascular problems.” In fact, it can only be legally obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
Doping: is there a safe dose?
“In the context of sports doping, there is no safe dosage of clenbuterol. In fact, it is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and many sports organizations,” says the expert. Even at relatively low doses, it can have significant adverse effects.
Additionally, it can build up in the body over time. “This increases the risk of side effects. Therefore, in the context of sports doping, any use of clenbuterol is prohibited and is considered a high-risk practice for both the health and safety of the sport,” concludes José Antonio López.
The ALDI Council
A good training plan accompanied by a healthy diet and supervised by a sports dietitian-nutritionist is the safest way to achieve your sporting achievements without risking your health.
José Antonio López Gómez. Dietitian-Nutritionist with a University degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master in Nutrition and Endocrinology from the University of Vigo. He is a specialist in high performance sports nutrition. He works with professional athletes, many of them Olympians, and is CEO of ManáLab BCN. He is a member of the Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a teacher of the Master of Lifelong Training in Nutrition and Dietetics in Sports at the University of Valencia and has been 9 times Galician BTT XCO Champion. Twitter: @JoseALopezDN Instagram: @jalopez_DN Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jose-antonio-lopez-gomez-a3ab3442
