Ashwagandha For Weight Loss - Does It Work?

Ashwagandha is a herb that originates in India but can be found in several parts of the Middle East and Africa. It’s a small evergreen plant with yellow flowers and roots which can be processed into powder or an extract and taken as a supplement.

Ashwagandha is an ‘adaptogen’ which means it helps to respond to stressful situations and maintain overall balance. This is the main rationale for why ashwagandha supplementation may have indirect beneficial effects on weight loss through its adaptive properties on markers of health and well-being.

With this, does ashwagandha make you lose weight? Whilst research is still evolving, promising studies have shown higher amounts of weight loss following ashwagandha supplementation compared to a placebo. Whilst more studies are still needed to draw firm conclusions, some potential mechanisms have been suggested which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

Weight loss is a dynamic process meaning that it can be influenced by many factors that can change with daily activity. These are the main purported mechanisms that may indirectly contribute:

Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals or reactive oxygen species accumulate in the body. These are both known as harmful compounds and can damage DNA and cells.

Oxidative stress has been linked to a number of detrimental effects including chronic disease and faster aging. Alongside this, it’s thought to possibly contribute to obesity by changing food intake behaviors and contributing to white adipose tissue build-up.

Ashwagandha has antioxidant properties, meaning it helps to fight the build-up of free radicals and lowers oxidative stress. Promising studies show increased activity of beneficial antioxidants like glutathione with ashwagandha supplementation. 

Throughout each day, we use glucose as fuel for exercise and daily activity. The level of blood glucose in our body is efficiently managed by insulin and glucagon. Insulin signals our cells to take in glucose by binding to a receptor and activating glucose transporters which in result lowers our blood glucose level. Glucagon works to counterbalance this by breaking glycogen (stored glucose) back into glucose which is then released into the bloodstream when there is such a need.

When our insulin levels are consistently elevated, our ability to burn fat as energy is impaired therefore it can contribute to fat storage and weight gain.

Supplementing with ashwagandha may have a positive effect on our blood glucose and insulin control, with a meta-analysis of 24 studies showing reductions in blood glucose and insulin following supplementation.

Ashwagandha can be taken as tablets, capsules, powder, and liquid. It can also be ground up raw and added to various liquids.

Studies looking into the beneficial effects of ashwagandha have tended to use daily amounts of 250-600 mg split into two doses. The clinically relevant dose is suggested to be 600 mg per day for 8 to 12 weeks, with studies suggesting this as the sweet spot with little side effects.

Here’s how to take it in different forms:

As Tablets/Capsules: 

1. Take the tablets or capsules with water and swallow whole
2. Following a meal is the best time to take ashwagandha for weight loss to reduce the possibility of unwanted side effects such as GI distress

As Powder:

1. Add the powder to a glass of hot water and let simmer
2. Stir well and consume twice daily
3. You may also mix it with other liquids depending on your taste preference

Supplements such as ashwagandha should be taken whilst following the fundamentals of nutrition according to your health goals. They are not designed to replace parts of the diet or make up for poor adherence. When trying to lose weight, here are the conditions needed to ensure successful weight loss:

To lose weight successfully, you need to burn more calories than you consume. This is known as a calorie deficit or being in a negative energy balance. If you eat more calories than you burn, you’ll be in a calorie surplus/positive energy balance and won’t lose weight.

Whilst this sounds simple enough, multiple factors can contribute, making weight loss a dynamic process that requires sustained focus to be successful.

Generally speaking, there are two main ways to achieve a calorie deficit. These are - increasing calorie expenditure or lowering calorie intake, with both helping to achieve the same goal. Whilst it’s up to you to decide your approach, many well-known experts suggest a balance of both. Aside from calorie expenditure, exercising regularly provides a host of health benefits such as reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Alongside this, mental benefits include improvements in mood and quality of life.

Remember that setting a realistic weight loss goal that's easy to manage and measurable is important to ensure long term adherence. If there isn’t a specific need, look to set a smaller more sustainable rate of weight loss that you can stick to long term rather than an aggressive weight loss strategy that’s hard to maintain.

Consuming adequate protein or even increasing it above your normal intake has a host of proven benefits that help support successful weight loss.

Protein is highly satiating which basically means it helps to suppress your appetite by keeping you fuller for longer. This can lead to a reduction in calorie intake without you even knowing you are doing it. Multiple studies have shown a lower calorie intake when participants eat a higher protein amount.

The reduction in calorie intake can help you to maintain a negative energy balance and therefore increase your chances of successful weight loss.

Alongside this, protein has a much higher thermic effect of food than carbohydrates and fat. This is basically the amount of calories you use to digest and metabolize your food after eating it.

This alongside several other mechanisms increases your metabolic rate meaning you burn more calories over the course of a day. Whilst the amount varies between individuals, studies estimate that a higher protein diet leads to approximately 5% extra calories burned each day.

One of the most overlooked factors influencing successful weight loss is dietary adherence. This is how much you’re able to stick to a certain diet or diet routine to achieve a certain goal which in this case is weight loss.

Whatever diet you choose to follow, it's only good if you’re able to stick to it for a sustained period. If you can't, then it’s useless. When it comes to diet flexibility and adherence, there are three common problems. These are diets that are too complicated, diets that require too much change, and diets with unrealistic goals. Let’s take a look at these in more detail.

Overcomplicated diets focusing on too many factors tend to lose focus on the important basics. Before focusing on the smaller points that make slight differences such as nutrient timing and supplements, make sure the basics are followed first. In the case of weight loss, this is energy balance and macronutrient composition.

If you are trying to follow a diet plan that requires major changes to your lifestyle, it's likely that you’re not going to enjoy it and feel overwhelmed. Too many drastic changes to your lifestyle is not the best way to ensure enjoyment and therefore adherence. Introduce manageable changes slowly into your routine.

Lastly, make sure to set manageable weight loss goals. Split them into short, medium, and long-term goals that are achievable and relevant to your overall goal of weight loss. Unrealistic goals that require a huge calorie deficit result in poor adherence.

The Transparent Labs KSM-66 uses patented organic ashwagandha root which gives you at least 5% bioactive withanolides. Each capsule contains 600mg which is the clinically relevant dose used in studies.

Each tub contains 60 servings, with all ingredients clearly stated on the back of the tub. There are no artificial flavors, colorings, or sweeteners present.

Ashwagandha may indirectly help with weight loss via several potential mechanisms which include reductions in cortisol levels, improved sleep, and beneficial antioxidant properties.

Supplementing with ashwagandha should go alongside a sustained calorie deficit, adequate protein intake, and a flexible dietary approach to ensure long-term successful weight loss.

Ashwagandha is a herb that’s been used in traditional medicine for years. It’s known as an adaptogen meaning that it can help our body to adapt to stress.

Potential indirect mechanisms for ashwagandha and weight loss include reductions in cortisol, improved sleep quality, lower oxidative stress, and better blood glucose metabolism.

Weight loss is a dynamic process requiring a sustained calorie deficit, adequate protein intake, and good dietary adherence. Supplements such as ashwagandha should be used to help with weight loss and not as a replacement for the fundamentals of nutrition.

Have you taken ashwagandha before? Has it made a difference to your training? Let me know about your experiences below in the comments section.

Also read:

• Can Ashwagandha Increase Testosterone
• Ashwagandha or Tongkat Ali
• Rhodiola vs Ashwagandha
• When Does Ashwagandha Start Working
• Do I Take Ashwagandha in the Morning or Night
• How to Use Ashwagandha for Testosterone
• Ashwagandha for Weight Loss
• Is Ashwagandha a Natural Steroid
• Ashwagandha for Muscle Growth
• Ashwagandha for Weight Gain

References:

1.  Dnyanraj Choudhary, "Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract", National Library of Medicine,  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871210/, Published: Aprel 6 2016  
2.  Eline S. van der Valk, "Stress and Obesity: Are There More Susceptible Individuals?", National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958156/, Published: Aprel 16 2018
3.  Adrian L. Lopresti, "An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract", National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/, Published online 2019 Sep 13 
4.  Kae Ling Cheah, "Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis", PLOS ONE, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0257843, Published: September 24 2021
5.  Wafaa Ahmed, " Antioxidant activity and apoptotic induction as mechanisms of action of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) against a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line", National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6091842/, Published online 2018 Feb 2
6. Sharanbasappa Durg, "Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of scientific evidence from experimental research to clinical application", National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975514/, Epub 2020 Jan 23.
7.  K.Chandrasekhar, "A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults", National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/,  Published online 2012 Jul;
8.  Jaysing Salve, "Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study", National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32021735/, Published online 2019 Dec 25
9.  Dominik H Pesta, "A high-protein diet for reducing body fat: mechanisms and possible caveats", National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258944/, Published online 2014 Nov 19
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