Can Ketamine Really Cause Weight Loss? Research and Risks

Can Ketamine Cause Weight Loss?

Ketamine has become an increasingly popular treatment for depression and other mental health conditions in recent years. Some people have also begun exploring the use of ketamine for weight loss purposes. But can ketamine actually lead to weight loss? Let's take a closer look at the evidence.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication primarily used for anesthesia during surgery and for pain relief. It was first approved for medical use in the 1970s. In recent years, ketamine has gained popularity as an off-label treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.

Ketamine is unique among antidepressants because it can provide rapid relief from depression symptoms within hours, while most antidepressants take weeks to become fully effective. It works by blocking NMDA receptors and increasing levels of glutamate in the brain, which leads to downstream effects on mood and cognition.

The most common ways to administer ketamine for depression include intravenous infusions, intranasal sprays, and oral tablets or liquids. Ketamine infusions are typically administered in a controlled medical setting due to the dissociative effects that can occur at higher doses.

Ketamine's Effects on Weight

There is some preliminary evidence that ketamine may influence body weight and metabolism:

• Animal studies have found that ketamine activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), which increases fat burning and heat production in the body.
• Ketamine interacts with the opioid system, which is involved in regulating feeding behaviors and body weight.
• Small studies in humans have observed short-term appetite suppression and weight loss during or immediately after ketamine treatment.
• Anecdotal reports from some people who use ketamine describe effects like suppressed appetite, nausea, increased metabolism, and weight loss.

However, the effects of ketamine on weight are complex and not fully understood. Larger, more rigorous studies are still needed.

Potential Mechanisms for Ketamine-Induced Weight Loss

There are a few possible ways ketamine could potentially promote weight loss:

1. Appetite Suppression

Ketamine may suppress appetite by interacting with hunger and satiety hormones like ghrelin, leptin and neuropeptide Y. This could reduce overall calorie intake.

2. Increased Metabolism

Animal research indicates ketamine activates brown fat, which increases fat burning. Greater fat oxidation and energy expenditure may translate to weight loss over time.

3. Nausea

Some people experience nausea as a side effect of ketamine. This can temporarily suppress appetite and cause weight loss.

4. Psychological Effects

For people with depression, ketamine may provide mood-boosting effects that increase motivation for self-care and healthy behaviors like proper nutrition and exercise.

Weight Loss Clinical Trials

There have been a few small clinical trials examining ketamine's potential weight loss effects in humans:

• A 2020 study in 15 people with obesity found a significant reduction in body weight, appetite and fat mass after 10 ketamine infusions over 5 weeks.
• Another 2020 study followed 17 patients undergoing ketamine therapy for bipolar depression. 65% of them experienced weight loss during the study period.
• A 2021 case report described unexpected weight loss in a patient receiving oral ketamine for depression.

While results seem promising, these studies are very small and brief. Larger, longer-term trials are still needed to confirm ketamine's weight loss effects.

Potential Weight Loss Benefits

Using ketamine for weight loss, if effective, could have several advantages:

• Rapid results - Some research shows ketamine may activate fat burning and reduce appetite quickly, leading to initial weight loss within a few weeks.
• Dual benefits - Ketamine may simultaneously improve mood and promote weight loss in people with obesity and depression.
• Minimal side effects - Ketamine does not typically cause long-term adverse effects or withdrawal when used properly under medical supervision.

For some people who have struggled to lose weight with diet, exercise or other weight loss medications, ketamine could provide a much-needed boost to their efforts.

Potential Weight Loss Risks and Drawbacks

However, there are some potential downsides to consider as well:

• Short term effects - Many of ketamine's observed weight loss effects are short term. Maintaining long term weight loss may require ongoing ketamine treatment.
• Limited research - Larger clinical trials on ketamine for weight loss are still sparse, so its effectiveness and safety for this purpose needs further study.
• Side effects - Ketamine can cause side effects like anxiety, dizziness, nausea and dissociation, especially at higher doses.
• Abuse potential - There is some risk of abuse and dependence in susceptible individuals if ketamine is used long-term.

As with any medication, it's important to weigh the potential pros and cons of using ketamine for weight loss with the guidance of a knowledgeable physician.

Dosing Considerations for Weight Loss

There is no standard dosing protocol for using ketamine specifically for weight loss purposes. Reported doses have varied widely in research studies and anecdotal accounts.

Some general dosage considerations if using ketamine for weight loss include:

• Lower, more frequent doses may provide appetite suppression and other benefits with less risk of side effects.
• Higher intermittent doses like intravenous infusions could jumpstart initial weight loss but may not help maintain it.
• Oral ketamine offers more convenience but is less potent than intravenous or intranasal routes.
• Doses should be individually tailored and monitored closely by an experienced provider.

Ketamine's dissociative effects make self-administration in higher doses very risky. Professional medical supervision is strongly recommended for safety.

Enhancing Ketamine's Weight Loss Effects

To improve ketamine's effectiveness for sustainable long-term weight loss, it is best combined with comprehensive lifestyle changes like:

• Healthy eating - Focus on whole, minimally processed foods. Reduce empty calorie intake.
• Regular exercise - Aim for 150-300 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking.
• Behavioral therapy - Address root causes of overeating and obstacles to weight loss.
• Stress management - Use techniques like meditation, yoga and mindfulness to reduce cortisol.

Making positive lifestyle modifications maximizes ketamine's weight loss benefits while also fostering overall physical and mental health.

The Bottom Line

Some emerging evidence suggests ketamine could aid short-term weight loss through appetite suppression, increased metabolism and other mechanisms. However, larger clinical studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Ketamine should only be used for weight loss under medical supervision. It likely works best paired with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise for long-term success.

While ketamine is a promising option, individuals should also consider proven strategies like CBT for weight loss, FDA-approved weight loss medications and bariatric surgery if needed. A comprehensive approach offers the best results.

In moderation, ketamine may provide a jumpstart on the path to weight loss for some people. But more research is required to fully understand its effects, safety profile and optimal use for this purpose.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.