Losing unwanted fat from the body is undoubtedly one of the most common personal goals today. Whether it’s bodybuilders wanting to sculpt a more lean appearance, or those carrying a few extra lbs wanting to become healthier and feel more confident, fat loss is a major topic of discussion amongst many individuals.
Of course, the best way to lose weight and reduce body fat is the old fashioned way: through eating a healthy and balanced diet, and exercising regularly. However, over the past few years, there has been a notable increase in the use of food supplements and other fat loss aids that may be able to speed up the process.
One of the most popular choices? SARMs.
Can SARMs promote weight loss?
This is quite an interesting area. SARMS – or selective androgen receptor modulators – were first developed as a potential new treatment for diseases such as cancer which can cause significant weight loss, loss of muscle mass, and weakness. Therefore, it stands to reason that SARMs should increase weight, not reduce it.
And some of them do. There are many different types of SARM, and a number of them have demonstrated a strong ability to increase body weight. Take MK-677 Ibutamoren, for example. One study discovered that participants taking MK-677 gained an average of 2.7kg over an 8 week period. These findings have made MK-677 a chemical of interest for the treatment of disease-related weight loss.
However, some SARMs have the opposite effect, supporting weight loss while boosting muscle mass. So what are the best SARMs for fat loss and muscle gain?
- GW-501516 Cardarine
Cardarine is often considered to be the best SARM for weight loss, and it’s one of the most well-researched SARMs to date. In one study conducted on monkeys fed a high fat diet, it was found that those treated with Cardarine experienced significantly less weight gain than those in the control group. In other monkey studies, Cardarine has also been found to increase good cholesterol, reduce bad cholesterol, and lower levels of a type of fat in the blood known as triglycerides.
- S4 Andarine
Andarine is a lot less researched than Cardarine, meaning there is less evidence that this particular SARM can promote fat loss and weight loss. However, there is one very interesting research study demonstrating how supplementation of Andarine in mice can successfully reduce body fat while simultaneously increasing bone strength. Due to these effects, the UK Government has been noted as referring to S4 Andarine as a chemical that is capable of ‘turning your body into a fat burning furnace’.
How do SARMs reduce body fat?
The precise mechanism that Cardarine and Andarine use to lower body weight and reduce fat isn’t 100% understood. However, it is likely to be the result of two distinct processes that come together to produce the desired weight loss effects.
The first is that some SARMs like Cardarine have been found to help regulate food intake to avoid overeating, and lower insulin sensitivity. A big appetite and high levels of insulin sensitivity have long been thought to contribute to weight gain.
The second is that SARMs have demonstrated an ability to build muscle mass in much the same way as steroids, but in a somewhat safer manner and with fewer unwanted side effects. The more muscle a person has, the more fat the body naturally burns, even when resting. This means that a SARM’s ability to increase muscle could help to burn more fat, resulting in a leaner, healthier appearance.
Can SARMs be used for fat loss?
SARMs are legal to purchase in the UK as they are classified as research chemicals. However, they have not been approved for fat loss or weight loss purposes – or for any other purpose – by either the European Medicine Agency (EMA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it is important to purchase SARMs with caution.
