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Understanding DNP: The Science and Impact of Dinitrophenol

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Diet pills attract people who aim to lose weight but have no time to spend a day at the gym. One of the diet pills that drew the public is DNP or Dinitrophenol. This drug can burn fat and suppress appetite, making it a quick solution for losing weight. DNP pills are highly effective. However, they also offer health dangers since this chemical is toxic and lethal.

Many people are unaware of the dangers of DNP. Online suppliers also advertise them as miracle weight loss pills, which attracts the public. They sell them under a different name to hide the DNP content and mislead buyers.

This article will cover the history of DNP, how it aids in weight loss, why it is lethal, and how science is dealing with the drug.

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What is Dinitrophenol (DNP)?​

DNP or 2,4-Dinitrophenol is a chemical that comes in yellow powder form. When sold as a supplement for weight loss, manufacturers form them into pills or capsules. It is a toxic chemical, making it illegal for human consumption. DNP affects the mitochondria as it enters the body.

The US government already banned the drug in 1938. Today, people seeking to lose weight can easily purchase them online without restrictions. Because of social consciousness, many young adults use them to reach their weight goals.

History of DNP​

The discovery of the weight loss properties of DNP was accidental. During the First World War, factories used them as a chemical for explosives. Other industries used them as chemicals for preserving wood and dyes. Factory workers exposed to this chemical lost weight due to excessive sweating and high body temperatures.

In 1933, these effects made Maurice Tainter and Windsor Cutting research its possibilities in weight loss. People could buy DNP over the counter until 1938. However, the US government pulled them out of the market because it showed serious complications and poisoning.

In the 1960s, Russian soldiers also used DNP to elevate their body temperatures during winter. They only considered weight loss as a side effect.
During the 1990s, the use of DNP was prevalent among bodybuilders. It was easy to buy from illegal sellers, and the availability of the internet made DNP users influence other bodybuilders because of its effect in shedding fats quickly while sculpting muscle mass.

Today, many people already died from overdosing on DNP. Among all diet supplements, DNP has the highest number of fatalities. Even with medical treatments for those who overdosed, treating them usually ends unsuccessfully. The toxicity in the patient's body progresses, leading to death.

DNP as Uncoupling Agent​

The primary function of DNP as an uncoupling agent is to make mitochondria leaky to proton. As the protons reach the mitochondria framework, the mitochondria find it hard to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), or the energy present in humans. Having low ATP is very lethal for humans.

Additionally, DNP increases the body's reactive oxygen species (ROS). High ROS kills body cells, which makes the body use more energy, which leads to weight loss. The mitochondrial uncoupling increases the metabolism rate and heat production of the body.

DNP and Weight Loss​

From Maurice Tainter and Windsor Cutting's research in 1933, DNP breaks down carbohydrates and fats, causing weight loss. An individual taking DNP can lose up to 1.5kg without dietary restrictions. The mitochondrial uncoupling impairs the production of valuable energy. Instead, the DNP releases it as body heat.

According to a 2018 study, heightened metabolic rate and increased metabolism cause weight loss in DNP use. The changes in the proton electrochemical gradient cause the body to dissipate the heat from calorie consumption instead of transforming it into energy. High body heat levels lead to hyperthermia, the main cause of death for many of its users.

Health Risks and Side Effects of DNP​

Though DNP provides promising weight loss effects, which can be a treatment option for obesity, the medical community is against this. Scientific studies backed DNP's severe risks and life-threatening consequences yet do not prove its safety.

Fatal Effects​

The primary health risk of DNP misuse is hyperthermia or increased body temperature. An individual that experiences severe hyperthermia is prone to seizures, muscle and brain damage, kidney failure, and bone marrow damage. Even with the best medical treatments, these health risks may be difficult to treat.

Though DNP toxicity may only be present if an individual overdoses, the mentioned fatal effects may develop gradually on continuous use of DNP.

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Other Side Effects​

Some people may also be sensitive to DNP. Even with few doses, its toxicity may cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, a feeling of suffocation, excessive sweating, and elevated heart rate. It may also cause potential damage to the cataract. Unfortunately, there are no antidotes to DNP toxicity.

Other side effects may seem tolerable and curable but may cause sudden coma or death. Chest pain caused by increased heart rate may lead to cardiac issues. On the other hand, the feeling of suffocation may lead to respiratory problems and, eventually, death.

Cases of Overdose​

People who died from DNP are primarily young adults. These people either suffer from an eating disorder or have body image issues.

Eloise Parry, a 21-year-old student, died in the hospital after taking eight pills of DNP. According to reports, Eloise experienced burning up from the inside after taking DNP she bought online. Her mother stated that Eloise had trouble breathing, and her heart stopped beating because of her increased metabolism. She also mentioned that Eloise didn't want to end her life but never understood the dangers of taking DNP pills.

Vaidotas Gerbutavicius, a 21-year-old man from London, also bought the pills online. According to his family, Vaidotas was vomiting yellow when they arrived at the hospital. His condition worsened rapidly, and doctors declared him in a coma. He died within two hours of being admitted.

Another case of DNP overdose is a 22-year-old male from Honolulu. He was rushed to the hospital, complaining of palpitations and excessive sweating. The patient told the nurse that he had been taking the pills for two weeks and had a double dose in the evening. His medical results showed elevated blood pressure, and his ECG showed sinus tachycardia. Despite the medicines, his heart rate did not return to normal, and his body temperature rose to 42.1°C. In less than five hours, he became asystolic and died.

Legal and Ethical Aspects of DNP​

DNP is a hazardous chemical. Many countries did not approve of the human consumption of drugs, especially for weight loss. Selling DNP is also illegal in many jurisdictions. Anyone caught selling may face heavy fines and lengthy jail time. However, its sale is still prevalent on many websites.

The US FDA and other international law enforcement agencies continue to act on websites that sell DNP and other potentially-dangerous drugs. These agencies conduct surprise inspections of International Mail Facilities to track down possible suppliers of DNP. The World Anti-Doping Agency also listed DNP as a prohibited drug in sports since 2015.

Losing weight prioritizes overall well-being and long-term health benefits. Healthcare professionals are ethically responsible for educating people about the health risks of DNP use and discouraging the public from purchasing. Additionally, individuals who choose DNP should be aware of its life-threatening effects to make a conscious decision.

DNP in Other Industries​

Manufacturers of different products use DNP as a chemical compound. In the textile industry, they use it as an organic compound to manufacture dyes. Herbicides and pesticides also contain DNP due to their ability to control pests, but the public later stopped their use because of safety concerns.

Since its discovery, people used DNP as a chemical additive in preserving wood. It protects timber from decaying and pest infestation. The chemical penetrates the wood, preventing the breeding of fungi, molds, and insects.

Current Research and Future Directions​

All scientific studies and research on DNP for human consumption discourage the public from using it as a weight loss supplement. With several deaths recorded, it is evident that consuming DNP will do more harm than good.

Gerald Shulman, an endocrinologist from Yale University, and his colleagues tested DNP on rats. Through this, they discovered that DNP increased the insulin sensitivity of their subject. The drug also reduced the rat's fat buildup and fibrosis. The researchers plan to conduct further studies that may eventually lead to human clinical trials.

Still, there are no proven benefits when it comes to human health.

Conclusion​

DNP is a tempting option for quick weight loss. With society being conscious about body shape, it is unsurprising that some still choose to buy DNP. However, the risks associated with these drugs far outweigh any potential benefits. Medical professionals still recommend safe and sustainable methods for weight loss, such as a healthy diet and exercise.


Bodybuilders are known for pushing the envelope when it comes to performance enhancing drugs. DNP, which is used as rat poison, is a drug which can have some pretty dramatic weight loss results. It can get you bone dry - literally! So how does Lee incorporate DNP into his drug regime? Is this his secret weapon in getting super shredded?

Frequently Asked Questions​

Can DNP be detected in drug tests?​

A regular urine drug test cannot detect DNP, but blood tests and toxicology screenings can. However, the use of DNP for human consumption is still discouraged.

Are there any alternatives to DNP for losing weight?​

Yes. The safest alternative to lose weight is to do it naturally. Consult a nutritionist for a healthy diet and have regular exercise routines to burn body fats.

Can DNP cause dependence?​

No scientific studies and research are available about DNP dependence since it may already cause lethal health effects even when taken at few doses.

Can DNP be purchased online?​

Purchasing and selling DNP is illegal because of its health risks. However, there are still websites that market and sell DNP illicitly.
 
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