From the Guidelines
Young, healthy men taking Ostarine (Enobosarm) can expect increased lean body mass and physical performance, but with significant health risks, including testosterone suppression and potential liver damage. The effects of Ostarine have been studied in various contexts, including its potential to increase lean body mass and improve physical performance 1. In a phase 2 trial, enobosarm, the first-in-class agent, showed increased lean body mass as well as increased power and speed on a stair climbing test 1. However, the use of Ostarine is not without risks, and its effects on testosterone levels and liver function are particularly concerning. Key points to consider when evaluating the effects of Ostarine include:
- Increased lean body mass and physical performance
- Testosterone suppression, with levels potentially dropping by 30-70%
- Elevated liver enzymes, indicating potential liver damage
- Increased cholesterol levels, particularly LDL or "bad" cholesterol
- Decreased HDL or "good" cholesterol
- Potential long-term health consequences, which remain largely unknown due to limited research It is essential to weigh these potential benefits against the significant health risks associated with Ostarine use, particularly in young, healthy men. The lack of FDA approval and the ban by most sports organizations further emphasize the need for caution when considering the use of this substance.
From the Research
Effects of Ostarine (Enobosarm) on Young, Healthy Men
- Studies have shown that Ostarine (Enobosarm) can cause liver injury in young, healthy men, as reported in cases of significant cholestatic liver injury associated with its use 2, 3.
- The use of Ostarine (Enobosarm) has been linked to increased muscle mass and improved physical function in healthy and diseased individuals, including those with cancer-related muscle wasting 4.
- However, there is limited research on the specific effects of Ostarine (Enobosarm) on young, healthy men, with most studies focusing on its potential therapeutic applications in cancer patients and other clinical populations.
- One study investigated the effect of Ostarine (Enobosarm) on adipocyte metabolism in Wistar rats, finding that it had a significant effect on lipid metabolism, downregulating the expression of leptin and adiponectin mRNAs and decreasing their release from rat adipocytes 5.
- Another study on the effects of fasting-mimicking diet on healthy young adults did not involve the use of Ostarine (Enobosarm) and therefore does not provide relevant information on its effects 6.