Why Athletes and Bodybuilders Use Clenbuterol
Clenbuterol is a decongestant and bronchodilator prescribed to those suffering from chronic breathing disorders, particularly asthma, to make breathing easier. It is available in salt form as Clenbuterol hydrochloride, as well as in 20mcg tablets, in syrup, and in injectable form. Clenbuterol belongs to the broad group of sympathomimetic drugs, affecting the sympathetic nervous system in various ways, mediated by the distribution of adrenoceptors.
Other uses of Clenbuterol
Clenbuterol is a β2 adrenergic agonist with some similarities to ephedrine—a sympathomimetic amine used as an appetite suppressant, stimulant, decongestant, concentration aid, and treatment for hypotension related to anesthesia—but with more potent and longer-lasting effect as stimulant and as a thermogenic drug. Clenbuterol causes an increase in CNS stimulation, aerobic capacity, oxygen transportation, and blood pressure. It also increases the rate at with protein and fat is used up in the body and also helps slow down the storage of glycogen. Because of these effects, Clenbuterol is commonly used as a relaxant for smooth muscles, as well as an aid for weight loss. It is prescribed in dosages from 20-60 micrograms a day; a dose of more than 150 μg is not recommended.
Clenbuterol as a slimming aid
While Clenbuterol is approved for use in many countries as a broncholidator for asthma patients, the drug has been used as a weight loss drug or slimming aid. There are physical trainers who recommend Clenbuterol as a primary solution for achieving low body fat and better-looking “cuts.” In fact, it has become popular among bodybuilders and athletes.
How does it work?
Primarily a bronchodilator, Clenbuterol stimulates Beta-2 receptors, working selectively on the Beta-2-andrenergic receptors. Since it has minimal Beta-1 stimulating capability, Clenbuterol reduces airway obstruction without too much cardiovascular effect, making it a useful breathing aid for asthma patients. When Clenbuterol stimulates the Beta Receptors, it increases the body’s temperature and heat production in the Mitochondria, thereby increasing the body’s metabolic rate and decreasing a person’s appetite. Beta-2 agonists increase lypolysis or fat loss and stimulate fat cells, making it an attractive slimming aid. Unfortunately, Beta-2 agents such as Clenbuterol can decrease insulin sensitivity and may cause high blood sugar or hyperglycemic reactions. Clenbuterol is an effective repartitioning agent, which is most often used in athletic circles. It increases the ratio of Fat Free Mass (FFM) to Fat Mass, by decreasing fat and possibly increasing FFM (3). It has a biphastic elimination and is thus reduced in the body in two different stages. Since it is a central nervous system stimulant, it acts like adrenaline and shares many of the side effects of other CNS stimulants like ephedrine. Side effects of Clenbuterol may include palpitations, tremor, restlessness, headache, insomnia, increased perspiration, and muscle spasms.
How Clenbuterol is used by athletes
Athletes usually use Clenbuterol after steroid treatment to balance the catabolic phase and obtain maximum muscle mass and strength. Clenbuterol can burn fat even without dieting because it slightly increases the body’s temperature. This magnifies the effect of amdrogenic/anabolic steroids, thus some bodybuilders take these simultaneously. Clenbuterol is not approved by the FDA for medical use or as a fat loss supplement.