Cardarine Before and After Results (4 Transformations)

Cardarine, otherwise known as GW501516, is a PPARδ agonist that can significantly increase fat loss (lipolysis) and muscular endurance (Chen et al., 2015). Cardarine is a unique compound because it improves athletic performance without the cardiotoxic side effects commonly associated with endurance-boosting drugs.

For educational purposes, we have republished several before-and-after photos of users who have utilized Cardarine. Consequently, researchers can understand how much fat loss is possible during a Cardarine cycle and identify effective dosages, assisting their study objectives.

The following users have submitted their before-and-after pictures via email or published them on Reddit. To have your Cardarine transformation featured on this page, please contact us.

Cardarine Before and After #1

This Reddit user’s cycle:

Weeks	Cardarine dosage
1–12	20 mg/day

In total, this user reported losing 40 pounds and developing visible abdominals within 12 weeks. He appears to have lost approximately 10% of his body fat.

Cardarine is unlikely to cause this level of fat loss on its own. More commonly, we see this type of transformation in users who combine supplementation with regular cardiovascular training and a calorie deficit.

Cardarine Before and After #2

This Reddit user’s cycle:

Weeks	Cardarine dosage
1–4	10 mg/day

He reported losing 20 pounds in 4 weeks, with his body fat percentage decreasing by approximately 3–4%. These results are particularly notable considering the low dosage and short cycle duration.

He experienced significant improvements in endurance during his cardiovascular workouts after the second week of supplementation.

This user is displaying visible six-pack abdominals in the after photo; however, he was already relatively lean in the before photo. Therefore, men are unlikely to achieve defined abdominals from a Cardarine cycle if they have more than 15% body fat before supplementation.

Disclosure: We do not permit any form of advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. We monetize our practice through doctor consultations and meticulously selected supplement recommendations, which have yielded significant outcomes for our patients.

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Cardarine Before and After #3

The above user did not specify his Cardarine dose or cycle duration. However, he reports losing 90 pounds over 8 months by combining Cardarine with a long-term caloric deficit diet.

These results are unlikely to be replicated unless subjects consistently control their calorie intake during Cardarine supplementation.

Cardarine Before and After #4

This Reddit user reported losing 20 pounds following a cycle of Ostarine and Cardarine. His dosages are documented below.

Weeks	Cardarine dosage	Ostarine dosage
1–8	10 mg/day	20 mg/day

He utilized Cardarine alongside the following approximate macronutrient intake:

• 200 grams of protein
• 165 grams of carbohydrates
• 60 grams of dietary fat

This user also reported a noticeable improvement in endurance during cardiovascular workouts.

To address moderate testosterone suppression caused by Ostarine, he implemented an 8-week post-cycle therapy (PCT).

Our patients typically supplement with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), clomiphene citrate (Clomid), or aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to improve endogenous testosterone levels.

Dr. Erny Peibst, CEO of Inside Bodybuilding

This user’s Cardarine results are another example of significant fat loss when combined with cardiovascular training. We have observed Cardarine’s lipolytic effects diminish when users do not engage in aerobic exercise. Therefore, his transformation can also be attributed to his training split and not solely to Cardarine.

Cardarine is not FDA-approved, and thus it is an experimental drug. Consequently, its effects are not yet known. For harm reduction purposes, individuals should avoid purchasing Cardarine from websites that fail to provide certificates of analysis (COAs) from a third-party independent laboratory. Such testing significantly increases the likelihood that the substance purchased is present and in high quantities.

Dr. Erny Peibst

How Much Weight Loss Can You Experience?

The amount of weight loss experienced on Cardarine can be influenced by:

• Training
• Genetics
• Diet
• Cycle duration

It remains unclear whether a higher Cardarine dose of 20 mg/day is more effective for fat loss than 10 mg/day. Based on our patients’ results and the before-and-after pictures above, 20 mg may not give subjects significantly greater fat loss than 10 mg.

If subjects supplement with 10 mg/day of Cardarine for 8 weeks and follow a caloric deficit diet, they may lose approximately 20–30 pounds, based on our patients’ results.

Is Fat Loss From Cardarine Temporary or Permanent?

To maintain fat loss results from Cardarine, users may need to consume maintenance calories. Therefore, if subjects overeat after supplementation ceases, they will regain adipose tissue (fat). However, if individuals avoid eating in a calorie surplus post-cycle, they are likely to maintain their results.

We have observed that the endurance effects of Cardarine are partially temporary due to mitochondrial biogenesis. Our patients report retaining some improvements in stamina, which may be attributed to muscle memory.

How Tolerance Impacts Weight Loss on Cardarine

We have observed users experience significant weight loss during their first Cardarine cycle, while the second cycle tends to be less effective. These results suggest that the body develops a tolerance to the PPARδ agonist over time.

Users are advised against consuming very low calories during Cardarine supplementation to prevent a weakened immune system and muscle atrophy.

Dr. Erny Peibst

Cardarine Outcomes and Complications: Key Research Findings

• Improves heart (cardiovascular) health
• Liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity)
• Potentially cancerous (carcinogenic)

Improves Heart (Cardiovascular) Health

Cardarine may enhance lipid profiles by increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.

In a clinical study, a 10 mg dose of Cardarine resulted in a 16.9% increase in HDL levels (Olson et al., 2012).

Liver Toxicity (Hepatotoxicity)

Some users can take Cardarine, and their alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increase slightly after an 8-week cycle. However, more sensitive individuals may cycle it and experience abnormal liver function (hepatopathy). Therefore, Cardarine’s potential for hepatotoxicity varies from person to person, based on their:

• Liver condition
• Lifestyle habits
• Diet
• Genetics
• Dosage

In medical research, a connection has been observed between liver fibrosis (scarring) and Cardarine use (Kostadinova et al., 2012). Other studies suggest that it may protect the liver by regulating beta-oxidation, otherwise known as the breakdown of fat (Magliano et al., 2015). Therefore, why Cardarine is hepatotoxic to some users is not fully understood.

If a person’s liver is currently inflamed or damaged and they take Cardarine, their condition may worsen due to cellular proliferation. Studies indicate that 500 mg/day of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) can reduce ALT and AST enzyme levels, which may be beneficial during Cardarine cycles (Ma et al., 2016).

We have also found alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and milk thistle to be effective in preventing transaminitis. Our patients typically supplement with 1,200 mg/day of ALA or 600 mg/day of milk thistle during SARM or Cardarine cycles as a precaution for the liver. Additionally, subjects are advised to undergo liver function tests (LFTs) by a medical professional during supplementation to monitor liver enzymes.

Dr. Erny Peibst

Potentially Cancerous (Carcinogenic)

Research has shown that high doses of Cardarine have caused cancer in rodents. Therefore, there may be some carcinogenic risk associated with Cardarine.

Some users reduce the dose to 10 mg and perform short cycles of 4–6 weeks in an attempt to minimize potential carcinogenic risks. However, it remains unclear whether lower dosages provide such protection.

Until further research is conducted, Cardarine supplementation may pose certain risks.

It is plausible that a 20 mg dose of Cardarine may cause additional carcinogenicity compared to a 10 mg dose. Therefore, we recommend that users avoid utilizing high doses of Cardarine for maximum immunocompetence. Additionally, our immunocompromised patients have had success supplementing with vitamin D3, vitamin K2 (MK-7), and magnesium citrate.

Dr. Erny Peibst

Vitamin D3 increases natural killer (NK) cell levels, magnesium citrate improves the absorption of vitamin D3, and vitamin K2 prevents hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cardarine Exhibit Anabolic Effects in Research?

Research provides evidence that Cardarine may have anabolic effects, with users gaining approximately 1.3 kg of lean mass after taking 10 mg/day for 12 weeks (Olson et al., 2012).

Based on our conversations with bodybuilders who have used this PPARδ agonist, muscle gains appear to be mild, as demonstrated in the study cited above. Therefore, users seeking notable increases in muscle hypertrophy and strength may prefer SARMs over Cardarine.

Can Researchers Combine SARMs With Cardarine?

Yes, researchers can administer Cardarine with SARMs and other substances in authorized trials. Complementary research chemicals may include:

• Ostarine (MK-2866)
• RAD-140 (Testolone)
• Stenabolic (SR9009)

Ostarine and RAD-140 are SARMs, while Stenabolic is a Rev-ErbA agonist. A drawback of such stacks is that they can cause transaminitis (worsened liver enzyme levels); therefore, it is advisable to monitor users’ ALT and AST levels throughout the cycle.

Dr. Erny Peibst

A Cardarine and Ostarine stack may suit researchers seeking improvements in muscle mass and fat loss. A Cardarine and RAD-140 stack is likely to produce similar results to the Cardarine and Ostarine stack, but with increased anabolism. Cardarine and Stenabolic are an optimal duo for researchers seeking maximum fat loss.

Stacking Cardarine with anabolic steroids is likely to increase the risk of hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.

Our hypertensive patients typically adopt diets high in unsaturated fat and supplement with 4 g/day of fish oil to stabilize their blood pressure. We have also found vitamin D3, magnesium citrate, and vitamin K2 to be beneficial for the heart and immune system.

Dr. Erny Peibst

Can Women Supplement With Cardarine?

Cardarine is a banned substance; therefore, women are currently prohibited from taking it. However, they can experience fat loss and enhanced muscular endurance similar to men, although their doses might need to be adjusted based on body weight.

We have observed women supplementing with Cardarine at the dosages outlined below.

Weeks	Cardarine dosage
1–6	7.5 mg/day

We have not had any female patients experience masculinization from Cardarine. Nonetheless, pregnant women are strongly advised against taking it due to potential risks to developing fetuses.

Dr. Erny Peibst

Summary: A Research Chemical That Requires Caution

Cardarine is one of the most potent drugs we have observed for reducing fat mass. However, concerns exist regarding Cardarine’s potential carcinogenicity. Therefore, individuals are to be aware of the potential risks until further research is conducted. Cardarine’s effects on cellular proliferation, particularly in the pancreas, warrant special attention.

Dr. Erny Peibst

Resources

• Cardarine (GW501516): benefits, results, dosage, and side effects explained
• Cardarine results
• 1 month Cardarine results
• 12-week Cardarine before and after results
• 3-week Cardarine results

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