The Weight of the World: Block Party

As another approach to weight management, blocking the absorption and/or storage of fats and carbs  have garnered attention from researchers, manufacturers and consumers. The goal in this segment generally is not necessarily weight loss, but trading fat for lean body mass.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) limits fat storage in the body by inhibiting a lipase enzyme responsible for the breakdown of dietary fat, however CLA not only reduces fat deposits, but also promotes development of lean muscle mass. As evidence, adults who exercised regularly and supplemented daily with CLA (as Tonalin®, from BASF) for 12 weeks experienced significant body fat reduction, with no loss in overall weight.¹ In another trial, healthy adults who took Tonalin for seven weeks in conjunction with weight training experienced reduced body fat and increased lean muscle mass.² Body mass improvements in healthy adults in another trial were attributed to two years of CLA supplementation, not diet or exercise, while overweight or obese children (ages 6 to 10 years) had recued body fat after taking CLA.^3,4

Garcinia mangostana, known as mangosteen, combined with Sphaeranthus indicus may help block adipogenesis (formation of new fat) and the uptake of fat into mature fat cells, in addition to increasing lipolysis (breakdown) of stored fat, according to research accepted for publication by Obesity. Adult men and women with a BMI of 30 to 40 who took the extract blend (as Meratrim®, from InterHealth) daily and followed a calorie-controlled diet and moderate exercise regimen for eight weeks saw significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, and several lipid markers (cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose). Adiponectin was also increased.

A white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) extract marketed as Phase 2 Carb Controller, from Pharmachem Labs, targets carbohydrate absorption for improved weight management. In one trial, slightly overweight volunteers with stable weight for at least six months took Phase 2 or placebo before a primary, carb-rich meal for one month.5 Those taking Phase 2 had significantly more reduced body weight, BMI, fat mass, adipose tissue thickness and waist/hip/thigh circumference, along with increased lean muscle mass, compared to those taking placebo.

Green coffee bean extract is thought to possibly affect carb metabolism, via inhibition of inhibit amylasethe enzyme that breaks down carbsby the extracts chlorogenic and caffeic acids. A recent study found green coffee extract significantly reduced weight, BMI and percent body fat in overweight adults.⁶

The weight of the world, at least as it pertains to the value and reputation of natural weight management and health, is squarely on the shoulders of those undertaking the tireless and resource-heavy efforts to back ingredients with sound science. Many ingredients are supported by long histories of traditional use for appetite and weight control, but without the data backing them up, they can't build the shoulders the ingredients in this overview are constructing. More research on all of these ingredients is definitely still building confidence and trust in consumers and those who advise them on and care for their health.

References are listed on the next page.

1. Thom E. et al. Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat in healthy exercising humans." J Intl Med Res. 2001;29:392-6.

2. Pinkoski C et al. The effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation during resistance training." Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;38(2):339-48.

3. Gaullier JM et al. Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid for 24 months is well tolerated by and reduces body fat mass in healthy, overweight humans." J Nutr. 2005;135:778-84.

4. Racine NM et al. Effect of conjugated linoleic acid on body fat accretion in overweight or obese children." Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 May;91(5):1157-64.

5. lleno L et al. 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.

6. Vinson JA et al. "Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, linear dose, crossover study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a green coffee bean extract in overweight subjects." Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2012; 5:21-27.