How will taking Clenbuterol help or hurt my bodybuilding journey?

Dear Interested, 

Bodybuilders often use clenbuterol to add muscle mass and lose fat without the side effects associated with other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) like testosterone. That said, this drug isn’t without risks. There are adverse and potentially long-term side effects to consider when deciding to take clenbuterol, such as increases in blood pressure and reduced heart capacity. Read on to learn more about how clenbuterol is used and how it affects the body. 

What is clenbuterol? 

Clenbuterol is a medication normally prescribed for asthma in humans. It’s available in pill or capsule form and is used to open airways to make it easier to breathe.  

Clenbuterol is not legal in the United States (US) and is a banned substance in bodybuilding, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Therefore, testing positive can disqualify you from competition. 

Why do bodybuilders use clenbuterol?  

Bodybuilders use clenbuterol because it’s believed to quickly increase muscle mass and encourage fat loss at the same time. This happens because clenbuterol stimulates muscle growth and processes food so that your body develops muscle instead of fat. Clenbuterol also helps your body burn more fat for energy and increases your basal metabolic rate, or how many calories you burn at rest. Though it may seem to happen quickly, these effects don’t last over time. 

PED use is common in bodybuilding, with more than half of competitors admitting to using them. This could lead bodybuilders to believe that they need to use PEDs to develop a competitive physique. Social media may also play a role in normalizing and even promoting the use of clenbuterol by highlighting the positive effects without explaining the health risks.  

What are the adverse effects of using clenbuterol?  

Common side effects of clenbuterol include high blood pressure, low potassium levels, headache, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms can be signs that clenbuterol is putting more stress on your body and can impactmuscle and heart function.  

Clenbuterol can negatively affect heart health and exercise capacity after just two weeks of use. Having a healthy heart is important for your overall well-being and can help you participate in the sport for a longer time. Plus, a healthy heart allows you to push exercise intensity enough to build muscle, which is necessary to create a competitive physique.   

Long-term clenbuterol use can lead to life-threatening complications that require medical care. These include dangerous increases in blood pressure, fluid build-up in the lungs, seizures, and even psychosis.  

What else do you need to know about clenbuterol? 

Despite the risks, some body builders may choose to use clenbuterol. If you decide to use clenbuterol, you may consider working with a health care professional who specializes in PED use. They may be able to help you safeguard your health and suggest other alternatives to help you achieve your physique goals. 

Because it’s not available in the United States (US), some people buy it online. Buying it online can run the risk of getting versions of clenbuterol mixed with other substances. Some fat burners may also contain clenbuterol, which can result in taking more than intended if you’re taking both substances separately.  

Enhanced or not, bodybuilding requires hard training and specific nutrition. Working with a personal trainer, exercise physiologist, or registered dietitian may be more helpful in getting you to your goals safely! 

Happy building,