Clenbuterol for weight loss – Effects, Risks and Side Effects

In the world of bodybuilding, there is one beta2-agonist class of drugs that is well renowned for its weight loss potential, this drug is called Clenbuterol or simply Clen. Aside from Clenbuterol for weight loss benefits, this drug also helps with muscle development even as this anabolic steroid-like drug reduces body fat.

While there is still some debate and reservations as to Clenbuterol steroid use in human beings, this drug has long been used in the treatment of horses with airway obstruction issues. However, while Clen is a prescription medication used in Europe for the management of asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD, in the USA, this drug is yet to be approved for human use by the FDA.

Effects of Clenbuterol Steroid Use

Clenbuterol steroid use as a performance-enhancing drug has a positive effect on both the body fat and muscles of the user. Clen is known to help with body fat reduction and lean muscle mass development.

When orally administered, Clenbuterol will remain active in the user for a period of up to one week. This is why Clen is a preferred weight loss supplement amongst athletes including powerlifters and bodybuilders. Clen can be taken to great effect a few weeks before the commencement of a competitive event with detectable traces of the drug clearing up from the system before the event begins.

It is interesting to note that Clen is also used in the livestock industry to develop lean meat in cattle, although there are now strict laws and enforcement with regards to this practice.

Apart from developing lean muscle mass and reducing body fat, Clenbuterol steroid use is also known to help in rapidly repairing damaged muscle tissue making the drug an important addition in a stack of anabolic steroids.

The effect of Clen use on body fat is reflected in a process called repartitioning. This is a process in which the body fat is substituted for lean muscle mass through the quick metabolism of the fatty tissue.

Risks and Side Effects of using Clenbuterol for Weight Loss

There are several risks and side effects of using Clenbuterol in a cutting cycle with a recommended daily dosage of 0.06 to 0.12 mg. While the adverse side effects of Clen become more pronounced with a misuse or abuse of the drug, the common risks involved when using Clen include;

1. Increased anxiety levels,
2. An electrolyte imbalance,
3. Tremors,
4. Chest pains,
5. Heart palpitations,
6. Rapid breathing,
7. A raised heart rate.

Today Clenbuterol steroid use in sports has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency or WADA. So for competitive bodybuilding, the use of this drug could see bodybuilders being caught for doping and penalised for their actions. Apart from health risks, the use of Clen in itself is a risk to the career of athletes.