R-lipoic acid and gaining weight

[augustlove]

I supplement r-lipoic acid, and have been for several years, 100-300 milligrams. I searched here, and some people report about noticable fat loss when on lipoic acid. However, for me I gain weight in the abdominal area it seems from this. I'm confused? I thought it would help increase insulin sensitivity, lowering plasma insulin.

 

[gjohnson5]

Sigh. Looks like another alter...

How do you come to the conclusion that increased abdominal area = increased insulin resistance?

R+alpha lipoic acid will shuttle carbohydrates to the muscle in such as way that can't normally happen. Increased lean muscle mass should be the result of extended use


Sounds like you gained lean muscle in the core area and hence a larger mid section

I supplement r-lipoic acid, and have been for several years, 100-300 milligrams. I searched here, and some people report about noticable fat loss when on lipoic acid. However, for me I gain weight in the abdominal area it seems from this. I'm confused? I thought it would help increase insulin sensitivity, lowering plasma insulin.

 

[augustlove]

Perhaps I didn't phrase it properly. Any speculation aside: I have been taking R-Lipoic acid for a few years on/off, and I have more belly fat when I'm *on* R-Lipoic acid than when I'm not.
I searched here, and some (a few) people post about an "ALA gut" (making it hard for those abs to show). BTW, i'm normal weight.

 

[gjohnson5]

Oops

r+alpha lipoic acid = increased PPAR-gamma activity , which leads to a 'caloric wasting" type situation. having said this , I find it implausable that alpha lipoic acid in any form "caused" a fat gain type situation. Aside from diet , exercise , htpertrophy, and water weight espeically if you use other supplements , gear. You still need to watch those variables. Stress causes cortisol release and the possibility of increased mid section

What you are saying is counter intuitive, but I'll look it up

Perhaps I didn't phrase it properly. Any speculation aside: I have been taking R-Lipoic acid for a few years on/off, and I have more belly fat when I'm *on* R-Lipoic acid than when I'm not.
I searched here, and some (a few) people post about an "alpha lipoic acid gut" (making it hard for those abs to show). BTW, i'm normal weight.