CLA, Exercise Aid Weight Loss

MINNEAPOLIS--Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) combined with treadmill exercise may decrease fat mass and increase lean muscle tissue, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition (7, 135:1124-1130, 2005).

Researchers used safflower oil as a control (0.5 percent) and mixed isomers of CLA (0.4 percent) along with treadmill exercise to determine the effects of CLA combined with exercise on mice fed a high-fat diet. CLA supplementation alone lowered fat mass, confirming results of other studies; fat mass decreased further with CLA and exercise. Lean mass did not increase with exercise or CLA alone, but increased significantly when CLA and exercise were combined. Researchers concluded the fat reduction and lean muscle increase effected by CLA and exercise may be linked to decreased serum leptin and exercise-induced increases in oxygen consumption and energy expenditure.