Picture this, you are dead tired and slouching on the sofa with the feeling of depression. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?
You like to grab a bag of chips, empty a tub of ice cream, and remain unmoveable throughout the day.
Well, if on a weight loss journey, you know you cannot afford this. It’s absolutely common to feel the wave of cravings when trying to lose weight.
While it’s appreciable to improve your diet and exercise regime for better results, we recommend you take 5 HTP to lose weight.
Though it is more related to mood, anxiety, and depression, people have witnessed 5-HTP benefits for weight loss.
In this blog, we bring the truth to the surface. Let’s dive right in to explore how does 5 HTP help you lose weight along with the research proofs of 5 HTP weight loss reviews.
10-Seconds Blog Outline
#1. 5-HTP is naturally found in the human body and with the help of the production of serotonin, can help with weight loss.
#2. Research shows that 5-HTP does help you lose weight by affecting satiety and calorie intake.
#3. Although people take 5-HTP for weight loss daily in small doses, its long-term usage (consecutively for many months) can have some side effects.
What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP is the short form for 5-Hydroxytryptophan which is an amino acid naturally produced by the body in the form of L-Tryptophan.
Normally, our everyday diets aren’t rich in 5-HTP, but seeds of the West African plant Griffonia simplicifolia are its richest natural source.
This is why a lot of weight loss pills and fat burners these days include Griffonnia in their natural blend.
It is also the precursor of serotonin, the feel-good hormone or neurotransmitter, that assists in regulating hunger and mood.
Because of this effect on brain chemicals, research suggests 5-HTP contributes to weight loss efforts.
But can 5-HTP help with weight loss for real? We are here to help you find the answer.
Does 5 HTP Help You Lose Weight?
Yes, you can take 5-HTP to lose weight, it does help to keep your weight on track.
Notably, 5-HTP increases the production of serotonin hormone by acting on the nervous system.
Again, serotonin is the regulator of mood and happiness that are directly related to cravings and appetite.
While a lack of serotonin can cause depression leading to hunger pangs, an increase in its level can enhance mood and suppress the appetite ultimately affecting weight loss.
In fact, some studies support this theory.
5 HTP Benefits for Weight Loss – Scientific Evidence
The observation of a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that oral administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) causes anorexia, weight loss, and a decline in food intake among obese subjects.
For this, 20 obese subjects were randomly assigned to take 900 mg/d of HTP for weight loss for 2 consecutive 6-week periods.
Reports show significant weight loss along with a decrease in carbohydrate intake as well as persisting early satiety.
Another study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements investigates to determine the effects of 5-HTP supplementation on body indices among exercise-trained men and women.
For this, 48 subjects were randomly treated with 100 mh 5-HTP daily or a placebo for 8 weeks. As a result, there was a significant decrease in the fat mass of the 5-HTP group.
A study published in the Journal of Neural Transmission evaluates the effect of oral 5-HTP administration on feeding behavior, weight loss, and mood.
For this 19 obese female subjects consumed either 8 mg/kg/day of 5-HTP or a placebo for 5 weeks without any dietary restrictions.
In the end, results suggest no change in the mod state but there are anorexia-related symptoms, a decrease in food intake, followed by weight loss.
These scientific proofs are enough to conclude that 5-HTP does help you lose weight.
Furthermore, these studies have something in common that highlights how taking 5-HTP benefits weight loss.
How Does 5-HTP Help You Lose Weight?
Notably, based on the studies discussed above, 5-HTP works in two ways to help with weight loss efforts.
#1. It Curbs Appetite and Stress-Related Eating
On consumption, 5-HTP is converted into serotonin an increase in the level of which enhances the moods and suppresses appetite.
As per the proponent of 5-HTP, it not only targets the desire for food but also controls stress-related eating.
In fact a study by Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 5-HTP can be successful in controlling excessive food intake sometimes generated by stress.
#2. Reduction in Calorie Intake
5-HTP consumption also focuses on slight calorie control by reducing the appetite.
It helps decrease the consumption of carbohydrates and fat and thus drags the calories below the maintenance level.
In a study done on 25 overweight non-insulin-dependent diabetic outpatients, consumption of 5-HTP (750 mg/d) reduces carbohydrate and fat intake resulting in weight loss.
Most people have to deal with uncontrollable cravings during their weight loss journey and it is absolutely normal. However, taking 5-HTP can be an effective remedy for it.
Now that we know does 5-HTP helps you lose weight and how it actually works, it is time to find out how safe is it.
Taking 5 HTP for Weight Loss
If you’re planning to take 5-HTP for weight loss, it’s important to include it in the right quantity for safer results.
According to numerous reports and 5-HTP for weight loss reviews, consuming 600-900mg of 5-HTP daily before meals can show significant results.
It is important to note that though 5-HTP is absolutely safe to consume, one might witness its side effects exceeding the recommended dosage.
Side effects of taking 5-HTP for weight loss include:
- Nausea
- Stomachaches
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Gas/Bloating
Not to mention, at times, 5-HTP long-term side effects can cause serotonin syndrome.
It increases the level of serotonin in the body resulting in more confusion, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and tremors which can be life-threatening.
Adding to it, if you are consuming anti-depressants, migraine medications, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider before taking 5-HTP for weight loss.
Or if you want to witness the 5 HTP benefits for weight loss, you can simply include weight loss supplements with 5 HTP in them.
Taking a supplement also alleviates the possibility of overdosing or supplementing the wrong way. The following weight loss supplements contain 5 HTP in optimal doses, and the daily serving (not more than 200mg) is within the safe limits.
Supplementing with 5-HTP for Weight Loss
Supplementing with 5-HTP for weight loss is easier and more effective than consuming its powder or natural sources.
All you have to do is look for weight loss supplements with 5-HTP that actually work.
Phen24 and Hourglass Fit are the two popular supplements that can help you lose weight safely and also include 5-HTP.
#1. Phen24
Phen24 is a 24-hour fat-burning formula that supports your metabolism both during the day and night to help lose weight.
For this, the Phen24 includes a separate formula for daytime and nighttime to control hunger, and cravings, and boost fat burn.
Notably, the Phen24 nighttime formula includes Griffonia, which is the richest natural source of 5-HTP.
Considering the popularity of the supplement, people look for Phen24 on Walmart, GNC, and Amazon, which are some of the most popular online retailers; however, the best place to get it is its official website.
#2. Hourglass Fit
Hourglass Fit is another formula that guarantees a healthy fat burn leading to weight loss.
The caffeine-free weight loss formula includes 150mg 5-HTP (extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds) per serving along with numerous vitamins and minerals.
This dosage is neither too high nor too low. Females taking the supplement find the formula to be effective for diet management because the supplement also contains glucomannan and chromium.
Hourglass Fit offers energy boosts and calorie control for achieving a fit physique. The results women share often include a flat stomach, hourglass physique, and toned legs and glutes.
The extra punch of cayenne pepper in the formula gives it an added boost of thermogenesis that can be highly useful for those who are looking for fast fat burn.
You can see the Hourglass Fit before and after pics to witness the amazing results shared by its users after the recommended use.
These supplements provide the weight loss benefits of 5-HTP along with other nutrients that accelerate your efforts and assist in faster results.
So, if you’re considering 5-HTP for weight loss, here are some of the frequently asked questions that might help.
FAQs
5-HTP can be a useful addition to your weight loss efforts. However, only when you know the full truth about using it will you be able to harness the most benefits out of the supplementation.
Because 5-HTP is a little less known for weight loss, addressing the following queries might be of use to you before you decide to start taking 5 HTP.
#1. Who Is 5-HTP for?
It is for those who are unable to control cravings, deal with stress-induced eating habits, and have frequent nighttime hunger pangs.
#2. How long does 5-htp take to work for weight loss?
It takes around 2-3 months to witness significant weight loss reduction through 5-htp.
#3. How long does 5-HTP stay in your system?
It has a half-life and therefore stays for around 2.2 to 7/4 hours in the system.
#4. Is it OK to take 5-HTP every day?
Controlled consumption, i.e., 150mg to 600mg of 5-HTP is safe to consume every day.
#5. Does 5-HTP affect hormones?
Yes. 5-HTP can produce a secretion of serotonin hormone and also result in the rise of plasma HGH. 5-HTP can be an effective way to lose weight.
Conclusion
5-HTP supplementation can serve weight loss benefits by suppressing the appetite and controlling the calorie intake.
It is an effective method for those having a hard time controlling their appetite and cravings.
However, 5-HTP consumption also triggers anorexia effects if used in more than the recommended dosage.
Therefore it is best to stick to the right quantity or simply switch to weight loss supplements with 5-HTP.
Also, don’t forget to focus on diet and exercise for better results. Weight loss is a multi-faceted process and will require more than just managing the appetite for achieving body goals.