7-Keto DHEA for weight loss
Hair can be considered a barometer of health because hair cells are some of the fastest growing in the body. When the body is in crisis, the hair cells can shut down to redirect energy elsewhere. The types of situations that can cause hair loss include hormonal changes, poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, a variety of medications, surgery, and many medical conditions, but noticeably, thyroid disease.
After that point, the levels decline drastically in men and women. As people begin to age, their bodies produce less DHEA. These reduced levels have a direct effect on the aging process, including a decline in immune and memory functions. By age 80, people produce about 5 percent the amount of DHEA that they produced at age 30.

7-Keto is a natural form of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). The two are closely related with the exception that 7-Keto does not carry the adverse side effects sometimes associated with DHEA. For example, 7-Keto does not raise sex hormones because it does not convert into testosterone or estrogen.

Research suggests 7-Keto is advantageous in helping fight certain diseases, including heart-related problems, Diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and Lupus. A University of Tennessee study found that DHEA increased insulin sensitivity in post-menopausal women, suggesting it may help protect against non-insulin dependent diabetes. It therefore helps regulate blood sugar levels. It is also known to promote futile cycling, and increases activity in the thyroid. One of the most widely known benefits of 7-Keto is its role in strengthening the immune system. And other research suggests 7-Keto is a potent memory enhancer.

It is certain that 7-Keto is useful in sports nutrition. Known for its cardiovascular function benefits, 7-Keto improves lean body mass by reducing cortisol, a stress hormone that is an immune suppressive catabolic agent, and increasing testosterone-to-cortisol ratios. It may also enhance thermogenesis. A University of Southern California at San Diego study revealed that people who used 100 mg. of DHEA on a daily basis for six months lost fat and gained more muscle. Its anti-aging properties help keep people biologically young, thus regaining youthful vitality and offering a sense of well-being. A study conducted by the American College of Physicians over an eight-week period showed a significant loss of body fat and and weight. Of the thirty overweight adults tested, 15 were given 100 mg. of 7-Keto twice per day. The other 15 were given a matching placebo. All the subjects exercised three times per week for 60 minutes, performing cross-training aerobic and anaerobic activities. Body composition tests at the start, four-week and eight-week intervals revealed that those who exercised while taking 7-Keto saw a 1.8% body fat reduction. The other lost .57% body fat. None of the subjects experienced any side effects.

Studies suggest 7-Keto may also:

• reduce fatigue and boost energy
• prevent skin from wrinkling and avoid loss of muscularity
• fight allergic reactions, auto-immune disorders and asthma, and enhance liver catalase

References:
Alternative Medicine advisor, Aug. 1999 issue
Journal of Exercise Physiology; Vol. 2, No. 4; Oct., 1999
Miller WC Int Jobes Relat Metab Discord 21(10):941-947, 1997
Bobyleva V. Arch Biochem Biophys 341(1):122-128, 1997
Sahelian, Ray. M.D., DHEA: A Practical Guide, 1996