"Lessons in Getting and Staying Lean"

Questions and Answers About a Novel Approach to Breaking Through Sticking Points and Losing Those Last Stubborn Pounds to Achieve and Maintain Your Ideal Bodyfat Levels

— Interview from Real SOLUTIONS Magazine with John L. Zenk, M.D.

A recent study indicated that when you lose a mere 10% of your bodyweight, your metabolism drops by a staggering 15%. That's why trying to lose those last 8 to 10 stubborn pounds of bodyfat can seem literally impossible - like you've "hit a wall." What's happening? Your metabolic system is always seeking balance. So whenever you try to lose weight, your body instantly fights back. It's a complex biological process whereby your body is forcing you back to your original weight-a phenomenon, which doctors have termed your body's "set point." However, a new scientific discovery has found it is possible to shift or "re-set" the position of the set point to help stimulate a more youthful, active metabolism... and it has researchers and dieters excited about the potential to permanently and naturally achieve and maintain an ideal bodyweight.

In our first issue of Real SOLUTIONS, Dr. John Zenk revealed to us a new, breakthrough, patented supplement for increasing the body's metabolic rate-safely and naturally… to aid in weight loss and bodyfat reduction-called 7-Keto™. To say the least, the response (and questions) we received shortly after was almost overwhelming. People from all walks wanted to know more about it, asking, "How does it work? What does the research say? How do I use it? And is it safe?"

So, in an effort to bring you the most accurate, up-to-date, straightforward answers to your questions, we called on the 7-Keto expert himself, Dr. John Zenk, to answer your most frequently asked questions on breaking through the body's set point, new research on bodyfat reduction, weight loss, using 7-Keto, and more.

Real SOLUTIONS: In your opinion, why are so many Americans seemingly losing the war against fat?

Dr. John Zenk: Americans love to "super-size" their meals. We also are extremely busy-eating on the run, so fast food meals have become a way of life for many families. And oftentimes, once we are home, we sit on the couch, clutch the remote, and watch TV while almost unconscientiously snacking on high-calorie, highly processed foods. Compound this with a lifestyle of inactivity, which only adds to more weight woes. To be quite blunt, it adds up to the "fattening of America." The obesity epidemic that's plagued America seems to be a grim consequence of Western affluence, over-consumption, and inactivity.

RS: Isn't losing weight as simple as balancing the calories you take in with the energy you expend to burn them off?

Dr. Zenk: Interestingly, this old theory of calories in versus calories burned is being replaced with a new, more complex view that every person's weight has a "set point" that is resistant over short periods to either gain or lose but may shift with age. This process is more technically referred to as "metabolic adaptation." The position of this set point is under the control of our bodies' natural feedback mechanisms, which ultimately control our metabolisms and our appetites.

Set-point theory states an individual's metabolism will adjust itself to maintain a weight it's comfortable with. If calories are restricted, the metabolic rate falls in an attempt to preserve fat stores. This is nature's way of preventing starvation. Once weight is lost and calories are no longer restricted, the metabolic rate rises once more. Many studies have sought to evaluate if the set point can be altered, and some have gone as far as clinically monitoring the caloric intake and exercise of candidates-and found that most individuals can't lose weight permanently.

RS: So, let's get this straight... Is the set-point mechanism the reason people find it so hard to lose weight and keep it off, especially those last 10 lbs or so?

Dr. Zenk: It's the primary reason it's so difficult for people to lose weight and keep it off. Basically, even though we can override the set point and achieve significant weight loss, unless the original position of the set point changes, our bodies will automatically seek the preexisting weight level when the diet or caloric restriction stops. Since it appears this set point increases to higher weight levels as we age and also considering metabolic rate decreases as we age, it follows that enhancing our metabolism to more youthful levels would lower that set point. This favorable shift in the set point would then naturally allow the body to stay within a favorable weight or bodyfat range after achieving this goal.

RS: Is there any way to adjust or "shift" the set point?

Dr. Zenk: First let me say scientists who study metabolism and current therapies in fat loss recognize losing excess weight is difficult. Indeed, as many as 95% of people who diet gain back unwanted weight, getting caught in endless cycles of yo-yo dieting. However, the good news is, though research in the area of weight set-point adjustments is early, there are some promising possibilities on the horizon. The most encouraging effects I've witnessed to date are with use of a new, patented dietary supplement called 7-Keto (or its full name: 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone).

In recent studies, 7-Keto increased the activity of enzymes associated with metabolism (the body's primary fat-burning mechanism). About 60% to 75% of our total energy needs are met through our basal or resting metabolic rate (the rate the body burns calories as opposed to storing them as bodyfat). Even a minor shift in the metabolic rate may have a dramatic impact on calories burned.

Surprisingly, the interest in the possible role of DHEA and its derivatives (e.g., 7-Keto) in bodyweight regulation dates back more than 30 years. In some experiments, DHEA caused laboratory animals to eat more yet suppressed their weight gain. In one study without DHEA, a 50% reduction in food intake was necessary to achieve the same degree of bodyweight changes seen in the rats given DHEA but given the same amount of food.

RS: What is 7-Keto; and why is it so different from DHEA?

Dr. Zenk: 7-Keto is a clinically proven, safe, naturally occurring metabolite of the pro-hormone DHEA. But make no mistake, 7-Keto is not DHEA. Based on the 10 years of diligent research and development by Dr. Henry Lardy of the University of Wisconsin Institute of Enzyme Research, we know 7-Keto offers many of DHEA's benefits (e.g., weight loss, bodyfat reduction, memory enhancement, improved immune functioning, etc.) but without conversion into the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone.

As for weight loss and bodyfat reduction, Dr. Lardy's research shows 7-Keto is even more potent than its parent compound DHEA for stimulating enzymes in the liver responsible for thermogenesis (burning calories), which increases the body's metabolic efficiency. As a result, Dr. Lardy was awarded a prestigious U.S. patent on 7-Keto as a method of promoting weight control without affecting appetite or inducing the synthesis of sex hormones.

"My most careful scientific research on the key ingredients in Lean System 7, confirms that this is truly a unique and promising new formula for reducing bodyfat!" — John L. Zenk, M.D., Internal Medicine Certified American Board of Internal Medicine

RS: Why not use stimulants or other similar weight-loss aids that are so popular today?

Dr. Zenk: Widely used and available in many of today's more popular over-the-counter weight-loss formulas is a chemical called ephedrine (or its herbal counterparts ephedra and/or ma huang). Its primary mechanism in the body is to increase the release of noradrenaline, a hormone responsible for a laundry list of medical nightmares, such as severely affecting the heart rate, blood pressure, and sympathetic nervous system, to name only a few. In fact, since its introduction in the late 1980's, the FDA has received over 1,400 Adverse Event reports, each complaining of harsh side effects, including several startling reports of strokes.

From this data and complaints from users, it's clear to me that stimulant-based, amphetamine-like substances, such as ephedrine, are not the safest way to achieve weight loss.

As well, one should note that the stimulant-based diet pills' first line of defense in weight loss is to stimulate hormones in the brain that suppress appetite. Individuals can lose weight with this method, but they need to keep in mind that suppression of appetite, while it may be effective over the short term, can have unhealthy, detrimental side effects and cannot be taken long term. In addition, their effects are often short-lived and have little if any effect on the body's weight set point.

What's also quite unique about 7-Keto, unlike these short-lived compounds, is that it follows a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model with first order absorption and no lag phase.. Which basically means that upon repeated dosing, the compound does not accumulate but rather is maintained at a "steady-state" plasma level. What that means is that you will always have a steady state (therapeutic) blood level of 7-Keto, staying active, when you take it twice daily with no up and downs out of the therapeutic range. Not many supplements have pharmacokinetic analysis similar to what pharmaceutical drugs have.

RS: What scientific research supports 7-Keto as an effective weight-loss aid?

Dr. Zenk: A recent clinical trial, published in Current Therapeutic Research, evaluated 7-Keto's effect on weight loss in healthy human subjects, conducted by an independent clinical research group. Two groups of 15 subjects, average age of 44.5 years, were given either 7-Keto or a placebo. Participants exercised 3 times a week and followed an 1,800-calorie diet. Each subject in the treatment group received 100 mg of 7-Keto twice daily. Study results at four and eight weeks indicated a statistically significant decrease in bodyweight and bodyfat in the 7-Keto group and no similar effect in the placebo group. By the eighth week, the group receiving 7-Keto lost an average of 200% more bodyfat than those participants who did not take the supplement yet followed the same diet and exercise regimen. Not only was this significantly greater than the placebo group, but these results were equal to or greater than those obtained from many other so-called natural and medical weight-loss remedies. Equally important, 7-Keto was well tolerated, with no reported side effects.

In yet another impressive clinical study recently published in the Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, subjects who were given 7-Keto lost three times more bodyweight and bodyfat than subjects in the placebo group. Weight loss and bodyfat reductions of the participants who used 7-Keto were likely a result of the significant increase in "T3" thyroid hormone activity, as there was no affect on T3 thyroid hormone in the placebo group. Additionally, T3 was not increased outside of acceptable normal ranges. The significant and clinically safe elevation in T3 in this study indicates a probable mechanism of action for 7-Keto-induced weight loss. (show graph of 7-keto, three times more effective than placebo)

RS: Why does T3 thyroid hormone aid in weight loss?

Dr. Zenk: Since T3 is a potent stimulator of metabolism, this degree of elevated T3 production probably "upregulated" the metabolic rate of these subjects. This, in essence, then acts as a modulator of the weight set point, decreasing it to levels associated normally with T3 levels of a younger individual. The mechanism for 7-Keto to increase T3 is not clearly understood, but I would suspect it is linked to its ability to antagonize glucocorticoid action on the hypothalamus, which has the end result of increasing the levels of T3. Again, it should be noted, this significant yet safe increase in T3 activity is one of the reasons people using 7-Keto lost weight. Their metabolism and set point had been reset to a higher level, and they were therefore able to resist any metabolic adaptations.

RS: Can people take 7-Keto on its own and expect to lose weight?

Dr. Zenk: There are no magic bullets in weight loss. 7-Keto cannot produce weight loss without a healthful diet and regular exercise. However, 7-Keto "jump starts" weight loss, making the hard work of dieting and exercise a little easier by making the metabolism of fat more efficient. Think of comparing weight loss with 7-Keto to that of compound interest on a savings account. Very little happens for a short while; in the case of 7-Keto, it can take from two to four weeks; then all of a sudden, exponential improvements are made.

RS: What is the recommended dosage for 7-Keto, and is it safe for long-term use?

Dr. Zenk: Participants in the most common weight-loss studies took 100 mg of 7-Keto twice daily. However, some users have confirmed similar results at doses of 50 mg, taken twice daily.

What's more, since 7-Keto's impact on T3 thyroid hormone facilitates a shift in one's weight set point, it helps keep pounds off now and in the future. After individuals lose weight and/or reach a desired bodyfat level after approximately 8 to 12 weeks of use, they can reduce the amount of 7-Keto used though they must still exercise and follow a sensible diet. If bodyweight begins to increase, 7-Keto can be used again as needed to support metabolic rate.

Both experimental and clinical trials indicate 7-Keto is safe for long-term use. Toxicology studies using 7-Keto found no adverse effects even in doses that would equal 140,000 mg in an average-sized adult. Blood chemistry and liver function remained normal.

RS: Where can people find 7-Keto?

Dr. Zenk: Until now, 7-Keto has not been made widely available, although it has been manufactured under a few select brand names. Because of its expensive price to produce, coupled with the complexities of manufacturing 7-Keto, its supply has been rather limited. It is, however, beginning to be distributed on a limited basis from a company called iSatori Global Technologies. Their researchers have formulated a unique, promising new product called Lean System 7, which features 7-Keto with other equally impressive ingredients to work synergistically and enhance the body's metabolism and thus burn more fat, continually. According to iSatori Global Technologies, since its introduction in March of 2002, Lean System 7 has received numerous anecdotal reports from users of improved body composition and weight loss. If you'd like more information about Lean System 7 or 7-Keto, I suggest you read the product's frequently asked questions here.

RS: I want to thank you, and I'm certain our readers want to thank you, for spending valuable time with us today, and we really look forward to hearing from you again in the near future with more exciting discoveries, as well as new research on 7-Keto.

Dr. Zenk: I appreciate your taking the time to listen. And, it would be my pleasure to speak to you again soon.

John L. Zenk, M.D., is a board-certified doctor of internal medicine with over 20 years of clinical experience. His expertise is integrating conventional and alternative medicine with a special interest in anti-aging and obesity research. Dr. Zenk is the author of Living Longer in the Boomer Age and contributing author of The Doctors' Prescription of Healthy Living (Advanced Research Press).

References Cited:

Baulieu, E.E., and Robel, P., "Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) as Neuroactive Neurosteroids (comment)," Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 95.8 (1998) : 4089-91.

Bennett, W.T., "Beyond Overeating," NEJM 332 (1995) : 673-4.

Bobyleva, V., et al., "The Effects of the Ergosteroid 7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone on Mitochondrial Membrane Potential: Possible Relationship to Thermogenesis," Arch Biochem Biophys 341.1 (1997) : 122-8.

Carlos, W.S., et al., "Challenges in Obesity Management," South Med J 91.8 (1998) : 710-20.

Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health Examination Statistics, 1998.

Cleary, M.P., and Zisk, J.F., "Anti-Obesity Effect of Two Different Levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Lean and Obese Middle-Aged Female Zucker Rats. Int J Obes 10 (1986) : 193-204.

Davidson, M., et al., "Safety and Pharmacokinetic Study with Escalating Doses of 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone in Healthy Male Volunteers," Clin Invest Med 23 (2000) : 300-310.

Guyton, A.C., and Hall, J.E., "Obesity," Textbook of Medical Physiology (Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company, 1998) : 893-4.

Kalman, D.S., et al., "A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study of 3-Acetyl-7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone in Healthy Overweight Adults," Curr Ther Res 61.7 (2000) : 435-42.

Kassirer, J.P., and Angell, M., "Losing Weight-An Ill Fated New Year's Resolution," NEJM 338 (1998) : 52-4.

Khorram, O., "DHEA: A Hormone with Multiple Effects," Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 8.5 (1996) : 351-4.

Kroboth, P.D., et al., "DHEA and DHEA-S: A Review," J Clin Pharmacol 39.4 (1999) : 327-48.

Lardy, H., et al., "Induction of Thermogenic Enzymes by DHEA and its Metabolites," Ann N Y Acad Sci 775 (1995) : 171-9.

Lardy, H., et al., "The Effects of the Ergosteriod 7-Oxo-Dehydroepiandrosterone on Mitochondrial Membrane Potential: Possible Relationship to Thermogensis," Arch of Biochem and Biophysics 341 (1997) : 122-8.

Lardy, H., et al., "Ergosteroids. II: Biologically Active Metabolites and Synthetic Derivatives of Dehydroepiandrosterone," Steroids 63.3 (1998) : 158-65.

Lardy, H., et al., "Ergosteriods: Induction of Thermogenic Enzymes in Liver of Rats Treated with Steroids Derived from Dehydroepiandrosterone," Proc Natl Acd Sci 92 (1996) : 6617-9.

Leibel, R.L., et al., "Changes in Energy Expenditure Resulting from Altered Body Weight," N Engl J Med 332 (1995) : 621-8.