Clenbuterol used for weight loss poses risks, understand

In the search for quick results, some people end up resorting to some drugs that can help lose weight. This is the case of those who have been betting on Clenbuterol (or Clenbuterol) which, although it does not have this objective, is a drug that can induce weight loss.

Rafaella Câmara, nutritionist at AzimuteMed (a healthcare company that performs patient-oriented services and develops customized programs for the pharmaceutical industry, health plan operators, companies and brokers), explains that Clenbuterol is a drug intended for the treatment of respiratory compromise. , used as a decongestant and bronchodilator. “Patients with chronic diseases, such as asthma, use this substance in order to open the obstructed airways, thus facilitating breathing”, she says.

The nutritionist also highlights that it is also known as Vitapulmin or Pulmonil, for veterinary use, used in the treatment of respiratory disorders in animals.

Cristiano Rabelo Nogueira, pulmonologist recognized by the Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Tisiology (SBPT), PhD from the Federal University of the State of São Paulo (Unifesp) and managing partner of Clínica Pulmonare, emphasizes that Clenbuterol is a beta-two adrenergic agonist, prescribed usually for the treatment of asthma and its main effects are decongestant and bronchodilator action.

“The substance acts almost specifically on beta-2 adrenergic receptors, causing bronchiolar relaxation, increased motility of the respiratory epithelium, increased secretion of fluid from the respiratory tract, stabilization of mast cells, inhibition of histamine release, vascular dilatation, increased release of adrenergic neurotransmitters and myocardial activation”, adds the pulmonologist.

In Brazil, explains Nogueira, Clenbuterol is only available for veterinary use. But still, some people have used this drug with the aim of losing weight.

Does Clenbuterol Lose Weight?

Nogueira explains that Clenbuterol is also considered an anorectic drug (that is, capable of inducing weight loss). “Its thermogenic effect increases blood pressure through the heart muscle and body temperature, due to the excess secretion of norepinephrine and other catabolic hormones from the adrenal region. Thus, there is a large daily caloric expenditure and, consequently, a slimming effect – already verified in animal studies”, he says.

In this way, adds the pulmonologist, some people use this drug in human beings, in order to obtain results similar to those obtained in the veterinary environment. “However, we should not use this medicine in individuals with the aim of losing weight. In addition to the various collaterals, it can lead to death,” he says.

Rafaella highlights that Clenbuterol (Clenbuterol) has potent and lasting effects as a stimulant and thermogenic, “it can increase aerobic capacity, stimulate the central nervous system and increase blood pressure and oxygen transport, increasing the rate of fats and proteins that are used by the body, at the same time that it reduces the stores of glycogen”, he says. “For all these characteristics, this medication is used – improperly – to aid in rapid weight loss”, she highlights.

Rafaella explains that the drug is usually found in the form of a gel or tablet, in a concentration of 20mcg/ml. “The usual dosage is between about 40-120 mg/day, it is usually used incrementally for fifteen (15) days and then a rest for another 15 days. This is done so that side effects can be controlled. For women the dosage is between 40-80mcg/day though, the side effects are the same,” she points out.

Side effects and risks of using Clenbuterol

Rafaella explains that the side effects differ from person to person. But the most common are:

• malaise;
• tremors;
• Headaches;
• Insomnia;
• Tachycardia;
• Vertigo;
• Anxiety;
• Fever.

It can also lead to more serious cases, such as:

• Myocardial infarction;
• Stroke, among others.

Clenbuterol contraindications

Nogueira highlights that the use of Clenbuterol should be avoided in humans, especially in individuals with cardiovascular problems, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke, patients with high blood pressure, arrhythmias and people with allergic sensitivity to this substance.

Rafaella emphasizes that patients with any cardiovascular risk should avoid the use of this substance. “The most common symptoms are: tachycardia, intense sweating and diuresis, increased blood pressure, headaches, tremors and the urge to vomit, and an increase in cardiorespiratory rate. Already the chronic problems, which can be aggravated by the continuous use of Clenbuterol, are: hypertension, urinary dysfunctions, sudden loss of electrolytes and dehydration ”, she says.

Where can I find Clenbuterol?

Rafaella points out that Clenbuterol (or Clenbuterol) is controlled by the health authorities of most countries. “It’s banned by the International Olympic Committee and is considered doping,” she says.

The nutritionist recalls that, in Brazil, it is a drug of exclusively veterinary origin (Vitapulmin/Pulmonil), and can be found in veterinary or agricultural stores, costing an average of 80 to 150 reais, depending on the region of the country.

Although it can be found on sale, it is worth remembering: Clenbuterol is a medication intended for people or animals with respiratory system problems and should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. The use as a slimming agent is totally rejected by health professionals. If in doubt, consult your doctor for more information about the drug.

Both in the case of Clenbuterol and other drugs that can offer a slimming effect, the orientation is the same: no one should give up health in search of vanity and no medication can be taken without authorization and medical advice.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.