If you’ve found your way to this article, it’s quite likely that you have seen someone claiming that shilajit can help with weight loss.
Now, it may seem odd as we sell the stuff, but we’re going to be honest: if you’re looking for a supplement to help you lose weight, shilajit probably isn’t the way to go. And no, we’re not about to bait and switch and sell you something else instead.
That’s not to say that there’s absolutely zero evidence for shialjit and weight loss, just that it’s only from animal studies and the doses would be far beyond what is considered reasonable for humans once we actually extract them out. And there are even a few benefits to taking shilajit while dieting, but it's not directly weight loss.
TL:DR on Shilajit Weight Loss
- The only studies that show it helps with weight loss and fat breakdown are animal studies.
- Human trials show shilajit can boost energy levels and increase testosterone levels in men, and working out harder and moving more can help with weight loss.
- Shilajit has been shown to help retain lean muscle mass while dieting.
- In general the supplement shouldn’t be promoted for weight loss without exercise.
What Shilajit Actually Does
Shilajit is a natural resin packed with fulvic acid, minerals, and bioactive compounds that have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
It’s known for improving energy production, immune boosting and overall vitality. There’s some good evidence it can help improve testosterone levels and athletic performance, which can indirectly help with weight loss, but shilajit does not “burn fat”.
Shilajit has also been shown to have apoptogenic qualities, meaning it helps lower cortisol, which can theoretically help with better sleep, which can indirectly help with appetite reduction, but again, any weight loss is then a result of you eating less. Not the shilajit persay.
The Misinformation Around Shilajit and Fat Loss
As mentioned in the intro, quite a few people are talking about shilajit being a fat burner. And if you’ve seen this we stress that this is where we need to look at the specific studies.
While there is some evidence that it can support metabolic function and energy levels, that’s not the same as actively promoting weight loss.
What Studies Are People Talking About?
One of the most commonly cited studies suggesting a link between shilajit and weight loss was conducted on hyperlipidemic albino rats. Yup, albino rats, and we’re talking about doses of 200mg/kg of body weight. Or about 80mg per pound. That would be about 2.5g a day for an average sized adult (based on standard models for adapting animal doses to humans). Which is 5 times the dose we typically recommend for a human. And that’s not to mention the fact that obviously rats and humans are very different biologically.
Additional Research on Shilajit and Lipid Metabolism
Another one we often see was one done on pigs, yes pigs, and it’s been done on fulvic acid specifically, the results indicate that it does lead to a reduction in both fat levels and triglyceride levels, but again, it’s animal research so not something that people should be using in their marketing.
Can Shilajit Support Weight Loss in Any Way?
Well, as we said in the TL:DR yes, but only if you’re using it as a work out aid to help you maintain a strong calorie deficit. That means eating less than you burn.
So, if you’re focusing on improving your energy levels, endurance, and muscle retention while dieting, then shilajit might have a place in your regimen. It’s not a fat burner, but it may help with energy levels, making it easier to maintain an active lifestyle.
Additionally, some research suggests that shilajit might play a role in maintaining lean muscle mass, which is crucial when you’re in a calorie deficit. More muscle means a slightly higher resting metabolic rate, but again, this is an indirect effect—not a magic solution.
Shilajit's Established Benefits
Beyond weight management, shilajit has been recognized for several health benefits:
· Antioxidant Properties: Shilajit exhibits antioxidant activity, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
· Testosterone Production (Males): Shilajit has shown that it can help with testosterone levels in several clinically controlled trials, however, it should be standardized for fulvic acid and dibenzo alpha pyrones (like ours, sorry we know that’s a plug).
· Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some research suggests that shilajit has anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in reducing inflammation.
· Adaptogenic Qualities: Shilajit is considered an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and promoting overall balance.
· Immunomodulatory Effects: Shilajit may modulate the immune system, enhancing the body's defense mechanisms.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a supplement to specifically help with weight loss the shilajit probably isn’t it. If you’re interested in it for other reasons—like energy, endurance, or general well-being—then it could be worth considering. Just don’t fall for the exaggerated claims you’ll see floating around online.
As always, weight loss comes down to proper nutrition, exercise, and consistency. Arguably, glucomannan can help you feel full if used properly, and there’s some reasonable evidence around caffeine both suppressing appetite and boosting energy (thus movement), but these aren’t exactly a magic solution either.