Dinitrophenol (DNP): A Hazardous Path to Weight Loss

Dinitrophenol, commonly known as DNP or 2,4-Dinitrophenol, once had a controversial stint in the early 1930s, being discussed for its potential in weight loss. However, today, the tables have turned, and it stands as a prohibited substance within the human domain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes 2,4-Dinitrophenol as an industrial chemical, finding its application in herbicides, dyes, wood preservation, and, curiously enough, explosives.

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I am not surprise that it is regarded as an explosive since other explosive have nitro in them, such as Nitroglycerin, the explosive in Dynamite, as well as the same Nitro which is used in Nitro Car. Although it is regarded as an explosive, it is used by a lot of people for weight loss. Let me state that it doesn't have any therapeutic importance, so it is not needed for weight loss, as its risk outweighs its gain when it comes to weight loss. There have not been a case where people say they were able to do what they could not do by themselves in the past in recent times when they take DNP but there have been cases of fatality when it is taken in excess, and excess can be something as little as a second dose.

There was a case of a man in 2015 who accidentally took at least 2 of his normal doses of DNP and he was using it for weight loss but had stopped checking his weight. He was used to taken the drug that he could tell with his eyes the dosage he was going to take. The mistake happened as a result of the eye dosage, after which he decided to take a nap in the afternoon, woke up in the middle of the night and then took another dose of DNP. DNP doesn't directly causes neurotoxicity but it led to in and out of consciousness for him.

Soon he was admitted but at admission, his temperature was still normal but 8 hours after arrival his temperature got up to 38.6 degree Celsius. He was administered Dantrolene, and his hyperthermia resolved. DNP in the body uncouples oxidative phosphorylation in the mithochondria thereby preventing ATP synthase. DNP leads to an increase in oxygen consumption which in turn leads to increase respiratory rate, diaphoresis, vasodilation, and hyperglycemia, in response to the stimulus. Leading to the breakdown of glycogen in the liver and muscles to release water.

The perils associated with DNP arise from hyperthermia, potentially causing permanent kidney damage and cognitive impairments due to neuroinflammation. Currently, no known antidote exists for excessive Dinitrophenol use. Cases where Dantrolene played a role might be considered fortunate, but research on this hazardous substance continues, underscoring the critical need for awareness and preventive measures in the realm of weight loss practices.

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6468406/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9628710/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21739343/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30948257/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/2-4-dinitrophenol
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3550200/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5291118/