OtherThermogenicOralProhormone metabolite

7-Keto-DHEA (7-Oxo-DHEA)

Also known as 7-oxo-DHEA · 7-ketodehydroepiandrosterone · 7-oxoprasterone

Written by enwyReviewed 5 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

A DHEA metabolite marketed for fat loss that, unlike DHEA, does not convert to androgens or estrogens. Human evidence for weight loss is limited to a few small industry-linked trials; the appeal is that it sidesteps the hormonal side effects of DHEA.

01 Overview

7-Keto-DHEA (3-acetyl-7-oxo-DHEA in its common supplement form) is a naturally occurring metabolite of DHEA that lacks the 17-keto reduction pathway to testosterone. Because it is not converted to sex steroids, it is promoted as a 'non-hormonal' thermogenic aimed at resting metabolic rate and fat loss.

The supporting human data are thin: a small number of short randomised trials, several funded by supplement interests, reported modest weight and body-fat reductions alongside a calorie-restricted diet. Independent replication is scarce, so effects should be treated as unproven. It is legal as a supplement in the US.

02 Mechanism

Proposed to increase thermogenesis by upregulating heat-producing enzymes (including glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and thyroid hormone activity; it is not converted to androgens or estrogens.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Common	100–200 mg/day	Oral	Split dose; the range used in the small weight-loss trials.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Modest fat loss with dietTwo small RCTs reported greater weight/fat loss than placebo when combined with exercise and diet; independent replication is lacking.	~2-3 kg over baseline in small trials	Disputed
No androgen or estrogen conversionDoes not raise testosterone or estradiol, distinguishing it from DHEA.	Not steroidogenic	Preclinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence	Countermeasures
Mild thyroid axis shiftReports of transient changes in free T3/T4 without clear clinical significance.	Mild	Uncommon	Anecdotal
Nausea and gastrointestinal upsetOccasional nausea reported at higher doses.	Mild	Uncommon	Anecdotal

06 Legal status

United States

Dietary supplement

Not scheduled as an anabolic steroid; sold OTC. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

7-Keto DHEA and thermogenesis / weight lossCurr Ther Res, 2000

Effect of 7-oxo-DHEA on body compositionJ Nutr Biochem, 2007

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.