Supersize me, or maybe not?

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In developed nations, obesity is reaching epidemic proportions. Millions of Americans continue with weight issues and obesity. Obesity itself has been linked to numerous health conditions including osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, sleep apnea, as well as cardiovascular disease. To address this burgeoning problem, consumers have been inundated with both fad diets as well as the latest ‘miracle diet’ pills.  For those who are unwilling or unable to choose the simplest weight loss solution–eating a lower calorie well-balanced diet combined with a regular exercise plan, then the ‘quick fix’ option of fad diet books and supplements is simply too hard to resist.

For others who have already chosen to live a healthy live style including a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, this may simply not be enough to help them reach their weight loss goals.  Among the huge variety of dietary ingredients targeted towards weight loss, which ones actually may work?

To answer this question, I will first present the results of a recent study on a standardized Phaseolus vulgaris extract, then provide a list of other dietary supplements that I’ve already posted on (click the names to follow the respective links).  The results of this recent randomized controlled trial on Phaseolus Vulgaris extract, suggest that it may help people to both lose unwanted body fat while maintaining their muscle mass:

“AIMS: The present research study examines a dietary supplement containing 445 mg of Phaseolus vulgaris extract derived from the white kidney bean, previously shown to inhibit the activity of the digestive enzyme alpha amylase, on body composition of overweight human subjects.”

“RESULTS: After 30 days, subjects receiving Phaseolus vulgaris extract with a carbohydrate-rich, 2000- to 2200-calorie diet had significantly (p<0.001) greater reduction of body weight, BMI, fat mass, adipose tissue thickness, and waist,/hip/ thigh circumferences while maintaining lean body mass compared to subjects receiving placebo. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Phaseolus vulgaris extract produces significant decrements in body weight and suggest decrements in fat mass in the face of maintained lean body mass.”

The study authors also offered some theories on how this extract may actually work:

“We believe the mechanism behind the weight loss relies on the reported a-amylase-inhibiting activity of the Phaseolus vulgaris extract.  Phaseolus vulgaris extract has been shown in vitro to inhibit the activity of a-amylase and may help promote weight loss by interfering with the digestion of complex carbohydrates to simple, absorbable sugars, potentially reducing carbohydrate-derived calories..”

Reference:

Celleno L, Tolaini MV, D’Amore A, Perricone NV, Preuss HG.  A Dietary supplement containing standardized Phaseolus vulgaris extract influences body composition of overweight men and women.  Int J Med Sci. 2007 Jan 24;4(1):45-52.

Some randomized controlled trials with positive results:

1. Phaseolus vulgaris extract
2. Green Tea
3. Conjugated Linoleic Acid
4. Yohimbe

The jury’s still out–potentially effective:

1. Hoodia Gordonii–Very popular ingredient in many dietary supplements, some studies suggest that it may act to suppress appetite, yet there is not a tremendous amount of research on this ingredient.
2. Grape Seed Extract

Thumbs down list:

1. Chromium Picolinate–To my recollection, chromium products were quite a fad maybe ten years ago.  Unfortunately, many studies have failed to support the putative weight loss benefits of this ingredient.

***This is by no means a comprehensive list or review of dietary supplements which work to promote weight loss.

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Filed under Natural Remedies, nutrition, weight loss

Tags: Chromium, conjugated linoleic acid, Diet, grape seed extract, green tea, health, hoodia gordonii, nutrition, supersize me, weight loss, yohimbe