Kratom and weight loss: effects and studies

Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is gaining increasing popularity due to its diverse effects on the body and mind. Many people are interested in whether kratom can help with weight loss. In this article, we will explore this together.

What is kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree originating from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Its leaves contain alkaloids, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act on the central nervous system. In traditional medicine, it is used for increasing energy, improving mood, and pain relief.

How weight loss works

Weight loss is a process in which the body burns more energy than it takes in through food. This energy deficit leads to gradual burning of fat stores and a reduction in body weight. Key factors include:

• Diet
• Physical activity
• Metabolism
• Hormonal balance

For example, an increased metabolism can accelerate calorie burning, while a stable mood and quality sleep help regulate appetite. This illustrates why substances that affect energy, appetite, or mood may have an indirect effect on weight loss.

How kratom affects weight loss

There are several ways in which kratom may support weight loss:

1. Appetite suppression

Some studies suggest that kratom may influence appetite. For example, a study published on WebMD states that using kratom may lead to reduced appetite and subsequent weight loss. This effect may be beneficial for some users trying to reduce body weight.

2. Effect on metabolism

Scientific studies have examined the effect of kratom on metabolism and body weight. A meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that kratom use was associated with significant reductions in BMI compared to healthy individuals. This effect was more pronounced in users from Thailand than those from Malaysia.

3. Body weight and BMI adjustment

Studies have shown that people using kratom may have a lower BMI than those not exposed to the plant.

Indirect effects of kratom that may aid weight loss

In addition to direct effects, kratom has other properties that may indirectly support weight loss:

• Increased energy and motivation for activity – Kratom may act as a mild stimulant, so people feel more active and may exercise more.

• Improved mood and reduced stress – Stress and low mood often lead to overeating. By affecting mood, kratom may reduce “emotional” eating.

• Support for better sleep – Some effects of kratom may help with relaxation and higher-quality sleep, which is an important factor in regulating weight and hormones.

Kratom and metabolic syndrome

Studies also suggest that kratom may have a positive impact on certain metabolic markers related to weight loss:

• Lower triglyceride levels
• Higher levels of “good” HDL cholesterol
• Smaller waist circumference

All of this may indicate that kratom promotes a healthier metabolic profile, which is key for maintaining weight and overall health.

Summary

Kratom may help with weight loss in several ways:

1. Reduces appetite, so you consume fewer calories.
2. Slightly increases metabolism, supporting calorie burning.
3. Helps increase energy and motivation for activity.
4. Supports better mood and may reduce stress-related overeating.
5. May positively affect metabolic markers, such as triglycerides and HDL cholesterol.

Although kratom is not a miraculous weight loss solution, its combination of effects may be of interest to some people as part of a healthy lifestyle.