Clenbuterol has recently gained popularity as the slimming drug of choice for Hollywoods “beautiful people” due to its ability to reduce fat (adipose tissue) quickly. This wont surprise certain athletes or body builders as they have known about it for years. Heres how it works.

Not a steroid hormone but a beta-2-symphatomimetic clenbuterol also has a strong anti-catabolic effect which inhibits the rate at which protein is reduced in the muscle cell causing cell enlargement. It is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that causes an increase in aerobic capacity, an increase in blood pressure and oxygen transportation and greater CNS (central nervous system) stimulation. clenbuterol also increases the manufacture and secretion of cathecholamines (catabolic hormones) such as epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. This in turn increases aerobic capacity and in conjunction with the heightened state of the CNS leads to greater stimulation of the skeletal muscle system.

Secreted from the adrenal region, catabolic hormones have many functions; not least of these is their ability to very specifically alter the contractile character of smooth muscle. Some will be inhibited whilst others will be stimulated. For example the smooth muscles of the bronchial tree will be inhibited. This is said to have a soothing effect in patients with breathing difficulties and as such is administered as a decongestant and bronchodilator.

Clenbuterol will also inhibit and reverse the effects of insulin resulting in a release of glycogen into the circulatory system. It also impairs the ability to store or use more glycogen and increases the rate at which protein and fat (adipose tissue) are consumed due to the increased metabolic functions of the subject.

Clenbuterol is very efficient at burning fat as it slightly increases body temperature. This increase in temperature forces the body to burn fat for this process. A rise of 1.0ë F in body temperature can result in a 5% reduction of adipose tissue (fat). Due to this ability to burn fat without dieting it is now a popular, if illegal, drug with slimmers. If used in conjunction with a sensible diet and cardiovascular exercise it produces very good results.

Body builders also appreciate the higher metabolic rate as it burns more calories, essential for a leaner, tighter physique with cuts and striations. Be aware also of the fact that whilst fat is taken from adipose tissue most protein loss will occur in muscle tissue. As with all catabolic hormones muscle loss is inevitable. With this in mind it is often used for a 3 week period during a cycle of anabolic steroids that will preserve the lean muscle mass whilst still removing fat.

Because aerobic capacity and oxygen transportation are also increased, clenbuterol is also very attractive to athletes involved in endurance sports where a boost is required. Also popular with distance runners and a firm favourite of cyclists in it`s liquid form.

Tests conducted on animals revealed that clenbuterol also acted as an anabolic capable of imparting muscle gain. As the opposite would appear to be the case in humans it must be pointed out that the animals were fed dosages considerably higher than would be tolerated by humans. Also under fierce discussion is the possibility of a ”beta-3” receptor not found in humans. Dosages taken by people are measured in micrograms with the dosage building to a maximum daily intake before reducing once again to the original daily dose. A period of 3 weeks on 3 weeks off would appear to be very popular as clenbuterol becomes less effective as the body becomes more tolerant. Body homeostasis will attempt to negate the functions of clenbuterol. The off period ensures that the body remains receptive to the effects and benefits you wish to achieve. A typical 21 day regime may be as follows: 40/40/40/60/60/60/80/80/80/100/100/100/80/80/80/60/60/60/40/40/40 mcg daily followed by 21 days rest. Dosages should not exceed 160 mcg for men 120 mcg for women. One should also decrease the dose if the side effects make it necessary.

Side effects can include:

Headaches

Muscular tremors (especially hand shakes)

Muscular cramps

Nervousness

Insomnia

Sweating

Increased appetite

Nausea

Palpitations

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Possible cardiac hypertrophy as clenbuterol also targets cardiac and smooth muscle fibres

Heart muscle necrosis has been demonstrated in animal studies

Given the added pressures put on the body due to increased metabolic rate, body temperature etc it is not recommended that people with heart conditions and/or high blood pressure use any performance related products without prior medical consultation. Also be aware that there are possible liver toxicity issues if clenbuterol is “stacked” with accutane, anti-biotics, 17-alpha-alkylated steroids, or other hepatoxic elements.