Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment. 

Though DIM is best known for its hormone-balancing effects on the body in both men as well as women, there is a close link between DIM and weight loss. Studies suggest that hormone imbalance is one of the most prevalent causes of unhealthy body composition, leading to weight gain or creating conditions that make it difficult for your body to lose weight. 

In this article, we’ll explore the link between DIM and weight loss and how it can help with weight loss. But before we get into the effects of DIM on weight loss, it’s important to know the basics of DIM a little bit more. So, let’s get started.  

Table of contents 

• What is DIM? 
• What does DIM do in the body? 
• The link between DIM and weight loss 
• How DIM can help with weight loss 
• How to use DIM supplements  
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What is DIM? 

DIM is the abbreviated form of diindolylmethane which is a natural compound produced in the body as a result of the breakdown of cruciferous vegetables. When a person eats cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and collard greens, the glucosinolate glucobrassicin found in these vegetables gets broken down and a compound called indole 3 carbinol or I3C is produced. DIM is eventually produced by the breakdown of indole 3 carbinol through the stomach acid. 

Multiple studies have shown DIM or indole 3 carbinol intake can significantly affect the estrogen levels in the body and may help with managing and preventing symptoms of a wide variety of hormone sensitivity including hormone-sensitive breast and prostate issues and even certain types of cancers.  

Though cruciferous vegetables can produce DIM at relatively high levels and are considered the primary source of DIM, a person needs to eat loads of vegetables, sometimes a truckful, per day to reap its health benefits, which is literally not possible. For this reason, DIM is widely sold as concentrated dietary supplements and people who are looking to manage or prevent specific hormonal conditions may seek to use concentrated forms of DIM supplements.    

What does DIM do in the body? 

Although research on DIM is still in ongoing condition and the exact mechanism of it in the body is yet to come, its effects on estrogen levels are quite clear so far. 

DIM has been found to have a significant ability to induce the production of 2-hydroxyestrone which is considered a potentially beneficial form of estrogen and to inhibit the effects of 16-hydroxyestrone which is considered a potentially harmful form of estrogen. 

Moreover, DIM can reduce the activity of aromatase, an enzyme that plays a key role in converting testosterone into estrogen in the body. All of these DIM’s effects on estrogen may help keep estrogen dominance in control and maintain a healthy hormone balance in the body. 

The link between DIM and weight loss

Many people think weight loss is as simple as just eating less and getting into more exercise, but there are a number of weight-loss obstacles that have nothing to do with how much you eat or how long you workout. One of the most overlooked but deadly factors that hugely contribute to weight gain and often act as potent resistance for weight loss is hormonal imbalances. 

Major hormones that affect body weight include insulin, cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Imbalances between sex hormones particularly estrogen dominance may cause weight gain and associated symptoms in both males as well as females. DIM has a tremendous ability to keep your estrogen levels in check and thus can potentially help in maintaining a healthy balance between estrogen and testosterone levels as well as weight loss.   

How DIM can help with weight loss 

DIM shows a miraculous ability to balance estrogen levels and can help estrogen-induced weight gain since research suggests an imbalance of estrogen levels - either too high or too low - can increase the risk of weight gain in both men as well as women. 

A 2010 review published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology summarized that an imbalance in estrogen plays an important role in regulating body fat distribution and weight and may result in an increased risk of developing obesity and associated complications. 

In addition, DIM can also increase the process of fat-burning called lyposis in the body which can hugely help in breaking down fat molecules and inhibiting fat accumulation and thus can greatly in weight loss. 

A recent 2017 study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research concluded that DIM has the potential to treat and prevent obesity. 

How to use DIM supplements 

Dosages of DIM supplements may range from 100 mg to 900 per day depending on the specific health conditions. However, most clinicians recommend 200 mg per day to get started with DIM supplements for weight loss. 

Precautions and side effects 

DIM is likely safe and well-tolerated in recommended doses. Some side effects have been found associated with higher doses that may include headache, nausea, increased bowel movements, skin rash, and vomiting. But these are not common. 

Besides, DIM may interact with hormone medications and therapies. Therefore, it’s essential to seek medical supervision before starting DIM supplements for weight loss regardless of medical history. 

Final words

DIM represents a promising weight loss supplement that works wonders in correcting hormonal imbalances and regulating body weight. Though more research is still needed, there are several studies that support the benefits of DIM for weight loss, specifically weight gain caused by hormonal imbalances. Since it affects hormone levels, it’s essential to consult with a licensed natural health practitioner prior to starting DIM supplements for weight loss.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural DIM 200 mg Vegan Capsules. 

Important resources: 

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960076009002982?via%3Dihub
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28586165/
3. https://drhyman.com/blog/2016/08/05/how-to-fix-your-hormones-and-lose-weight/
4. https://insightthermographyok.com/blog/can-dim-help-you-lose-weight-fast/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20found%20that%20DIM,to%20shedding%20a%20few%20pounds!
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dim-supplement#uses-benefits
6. https://denvervein.com/dim-supplement-how-long-does-it-take-to-work/
7. https://pellecome.com/2020/12/01/how-do-i-balance-my-hormones-to-lose-weight/
8. https://daveasprey.com/benefits-diindolylmethane-dim-supplement/
9. https://nootriment.com/dim-for-weight-loss/
10. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321837