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. 

There is no existence of magic pills that can help lose weight overnight. But there are certain dietary supplements that can help make the challenging tasks of weight loss regimen a bit easier. The effects of taking Rhodiola rosea for weight loss are often praised in natural medicine. But how does it work? Let’s explore together. 

In this article, we’ll be exploring the effects of taking Rhodiola rosea for weight loss according to research findings. But before we get into how rhodiola rosea can help lose weight, it’s worth knowing the basics of rhodiola a little bit more. So, let’s dig deeper. 

Table of contents 

• What is rhodiola rosea? 
• Active compounds in rhodiola rosea 
• Effects of taking rhodiola rosea for weight loss 
• How to use rhodiola supplements 
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What is rhodiola rosea?

Rhodiola rosea is a stress-busting medicinal herb that goes by many different names such as king’s crown, arctic root, golden root, and rose root. It has long been used as an effective adaptogen in traditional medicine. Adaptogens help the body to make it more efficient in dealing with stress.

The root extract of rhodiola rosea has been shown to have many beneficial effects on the body, including, but aren’t limited to: 

• Assisting in burning belly and visceral fat and supporting natural weight loss 
• Balancing the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol   
• Improving brain function and reducing negative emotions such as anxiety and depression 
• Enhancing energy and sports performance, while attenuating physical and mental fatigue  

Active compounds in Rhodiola rosea

The therapeutic properties that demonstrate potential health benefits come from the active compounds of the root of the Rhodiola rosea plant. There are more than forty types of chemical compounds found in the root of the plant. The most prevalent and studied ingredients seem to be rosavin, rosin, rosarin, rhodiolin, and salidroside. Most of rhodiola's health benefits seem to come from these ingredients. 

These chemical compounds found in rhodiola root are responsible for their adaptogenic, anxiolytic, relaxing, as well as slightly stimulating effects on the body. 

Effects of taking rhodiola rosea for weight loss

Rhodiola rosea helps people lose weight naturally in many different ways. Some effects are direct, while others are indirect but supporting. 

As a powerful adaptogen, it either helps the body to inhibit the pathogenic pathways that play a part in storing fats in the body or helps to increase the bodily functions that burn stored fats and convert them into usable molecules so that the body can use them as fuel. 

The effects of taking rhodiola rosea for weight loss are not only beneficial in terms of physical but also in terms of mental as well. A positive mindset along with a strong mentality is also an integral part of any weight loss regimen. 

Here are some proven ways how rhodiola can help people lose weight naturally:  

• Increases fat burning no matter whether it is belly fat or visceral
• Helps reduce the levels of cortisol, high levels of which contribute to obesity and overweight 
• Improves sports and athletic performance that helps increase fat metabolism 
• Increases energy that encourages physical movement and exercise 
• Acts as a safe stimulant that helps overcome physical and mental fatigue  
• Alleviates negative emotions such as anxiety and depression that affect metabolism as well as body weight 
• Increases testosterone levels that support lipid and glucose metabolism 
• Helps balance glucose metabolism so that sugar molecules do not get stored as fats 

A 2015 study published in Molecules concluded that Rhodiola rosea has anti-adipogenic effects that can prevent fat cell formation in the body, as well as lipolytic effects that can encourage the body to use the stored fats.   

Another study conducted recently in 2021 revealed evidence that Rhodiola rosea has the potential to mimic exercise that can activate cellular functions which leads to the improvement of muscle dysfunction caused by high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity. 

How to use rhodiola supplements

Rhodiola rosea is available in the form of teas, liquid extracts (tinctures), pills, or capsules. Most clinicians recommend capsules or pills as this is the easiest way to maintain a proper dose. 

However, in general, recommended dosages vary from 200 mg to 600 mg per day which can be taken into two to three divided doses throughout the day as well. Usually, rhodiola is recommended on an empty stomach or at least 15 mins prior to a meal.

Since the exact dosage of rhodiola supplements are individual, it’s recommended to consult with a licensed naturopathic doctor to determine what dose would be the best for you. 

Precautions and side effects 

Rhodiola rosea is considered generally safe and non-toxic for human use. There are no known reported serious side effects so far. However, some people may experience minimal side effects that are usually uncommon and easy to reverse. They may include stomach upset, flatulence, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. 

Since rhodiola has a slightly stimulating effect, it may cause jitteriness or difficulty sleeping in some people. To avoid these stimulating effects, do not take rhodiola supplements before bed. 

Like with all supplements, rhodiola may interact with other medications such as medications of high blood pressure (antihypertensive drugs) or medications for diabetes (antidiabetic drugs) and may produce some unwanted adverse effects if not taken cautiously. 

Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a certified naturopathic doctor before starting Rhodiola rosea for weight loss or any other reasons, especially if you’re on medications, pregnant, or breastfeeding.   

Final words 

Rhodiola is one of the most consumed herbal adaptogens that has been used in several traditional medicines for thousands of years. There are several benefits of taking rhodiola rosea for weight loss, including burning more fat, boosting energy, boosting testosterone levels, increasing the desire for physical activity, and balancing hormones that affect lipid and glucose metabolism. 

Since it has slight stimulating effects and may interact with other medications, consult with a certified naturopathic doctor to determine your best dose of rhodiola supplements for weight loss.

Here you can see Vorst’s specially formulated composition Stress Relief which contains pure and natural Rhodiola Rosea. 

Important resources: 

1. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/20/5/8409
2. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.646489/full
3. https://vitagene.com/blog/rhodiola-for-weight-loss/
4. https://www.mindlabpro.com/blogs/nootropics/does-rhodiola-rosea-help-with-weight-loss
5. https://draxe.com/nutrition/rhodiola-benefits-burning-fat-for-energy-and-beating-depression/
6. https://botanicalinstitute.org/adaptogens-for-weight-loss/
7. https://www.healthaid.co.uk/blogs/news/health-benefits-of-rhodiola-rosea
8. https://greatist.com/health/rhodiola-rosea#side-effects
9. https://www.malamachiropractic.com/3-reasons-to-consider-rhodiola/
10. https://puresport.co/blogs/ingredients/rhodiola-rosea
11. https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-rhodiola-rosea-and-its-side-effects