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Weight Management

Weighty Reminders

by Lisa Schofield | April 1, 2016

The desire and/or need to slim down remains a significant priority for millions of Americans who increasingly turn to health food retailers to help them succeed.

There is only one category of dietary supplements that address both health and vanity. The weight loss supplement industry has seen a substantial increase in popularity and revenues over the past few decades with the general public becoming more aware of their importance. According to nutritional industry statistics (Statista 2016), popular weight loss brands are reporting revenues in the high millions of U.S. dollars.

“There is a great demand for weight control supplements because of the growing obesity epidemic,” observed Jennifer Bradley Weinhardt, BS, MS, research & development specialist, Bluebonnet Nutrition Corporation in Texas. “Not only has obesity become a global public health problem, which affects millions of people worldwide, it is also an extremely costly public health issue.”

Currently, more than one-third (approximately 35 percent or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese, Weinhardt noted. New information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2014 showed that there are no states in the U.S. with a less than 20 percent prevalence of obesity; 23 states had a prevalence equal to or greater than 25 percent, and three states had an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or greater. From 2009 to 2012, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 2 to 5 years was 10.2 percent; 17.9 percent among children aged 6–11, and 19.4 percent among adolescents aged 12 to 19.

“This new information portrays a health care system that is continuing to be weighed down with those secondary complications associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and more,” Weinhardt stated.

And natural health retailers are witnessing growth in this sector as well. Sheryl Eaglewoman, wellness manager, Mountain Valley Foods in Montana, noted that, “The demand for, and the awareness of the availability of healthy weight control supplements is huge! With the American diet being mostly nutrient poor and full of empty calories, the number of people with an unhealthy weight is staggering. In fact, even here in northwest Montana, an area with a large number of sport enthusiasts, hikers and skiers, the number of people with unhealthy weight levels still outnumbers those within normal weight levels. Add in the amount of misleading advertising claims as well as the sale of stimulants and harsh laxatives as a way to lose weight, one can see that the need for education and awareness on how to balance diet and eating habits as well as lifestyle changes is enormous.”

Nick Bitz, ND, chief scientific officer at Youtheory in California, observed that the category is “struggling right now,” but said that healthy weight management will always remain a priority for millions of health-conscious Americans. He pointed to the void that Dr. Oz has left in the category (no more “Dr. Oz effect”), where retailers and consumers are seeking what’s next (after Garcinia cambogia, green coffee bean extract, and raspberry ketones).

“The need is still there and so the challenge is to create the demand for supplement solutions,” Bitz said. “Protein and fiber supplements have stepped in to fill the void in the weight management category. There seems to be a ‘back-to-basics’ mentality that is driving the decision-making right now.”

Why Are We So Fat?

New research on rats may have illuminated why people binge eat and give in to cravings. According to a press release (March 16, 2016), researchers at the University of Missouri (MU) recently discovered the chemical circuits and mechanisms in the brain that separate food consumption from cravings.

Understanding non-homeostatic eating—eating that is driven more by palatability, habit and food cues—and how it works in the brain may help neuroscientists determine how to control cravings, maintain healthier weights and promote healthier lifestyles.

“Non-homeostatic eating can be thought of as eating dessert after you’ve eaten an entire meal,” said Kyle Parker, investigator in the MU Bond Life Sciences Center. “I may know that I’m not hungry, but this dessert is delicious so I’m going to eat it anyway. We’re looking at what neural circuitry is involved in driving that behavior.”

In the study, the researchers found that rats with activated nucleus accumbens showed increased dopamine neuron activity, which is associated with motivated approach behavior. The team also found that the state of the basolateral amygdala had no effect on dopamine signaling levels. However, in the hypothalamus, Parker saw elevated levels of orexin-A, a molecule associated with appetite, only in rats with activated basolateral amygdala.

“We showed that what could be blocking the consumption behavior is this block of the orexin behavior,” Parker said. “Additionally, the results reinforced the theory that dopamine is involved in the craving phase while orexin-A is involved in the consumption phase.

“The results reinforced the idea that dopamine is involved in the approach—or the craving phase—and orexin-A in the consumption,” he said.

In the viewpoint of Vladimir Badmaev, MD, PhD, CEO of American Medical Holdings of New York, maker of FB3 in supplement and beverage forms, the reason why so many Americans are losing the battle with obesity may be as simple as the lack of distinction between the cause of obesity, and the risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing overweight or obese conditions. The calorie-dense Western-type diet, super-sizing meals, overeating, snacking and sedentary life style qualify as the risk-factors. However, a common cause of obesity may not completely be due to diets consumed but in the mechanism that directly and actively promotes obesity.

“Each of us has a natural protective metabolic mechanism against obesity which can be overwhelmed when the body is frequently barraged by foods, notably the nutrient-deficient convenience and snack foods,” Badmaev explained. “When we arrive at that turn-around point the body can respond with misguided pathological mechanisms, which in time become the cause of obesity and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. One such mechanism is due to excess dietary fatty acids that activate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), gradually incapacitate hepatocytes (liver cells), and compromise one of the major functions of the liver—oxidation and utilization of fat for energy. A liver burdened with accumulated fat clinically is referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).”

Weinhardt believes that the typical American’s modern, fast-paced lifestyle is driving the demand for weight control supplements. She blamed the increased need and desire for convenience, which makes purchasing and consuming pre-prepared foods, fast foods and take-out, or eating snack foods instead of meals the norm.

“These types of foods are detrimental not only to our waistline, but also to our health,” she emphasized. “In fact, poor diet along with obesity and physical inactivity are the leading contributors to health issues such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Americans today don’t have time to prepare healthy meals between work, soccer practice and family events. As a result, consumers are seeking lifestyle changes to help with weight management. These lifestyle changes include improving diet, eating in moderation, exercising and supplementing with healthy weight-management products.”

At her store, Eaglewoman observed that many of her customers seek to slim down to avoid further loss of health and to avoid further increased risk of disease. Others tell her they want to feel less uncomfortable during their daily work and chores, while some desire to be more active. “Still others want to be able to fit in their clothing, continue to appeal to their mates or to look good for the dating scene,” she said.

Another reason is that many people are still in the dark about carbohydrate consumption. Results of a recent survey of 1,200 Americans sponsored by the New Jersey manufacturer of Phase 2 Carb Controller (available through Natrol, Source Naturals, NOW Foods, Nature’s Way and others) conducted by polling company Customer Experience Partners, discovered that American consumers don’t consider excessive starch consumption as the primary weight gain culprit. When asked how likely various types of foods were to contribute to weight gain, sugars and fats received the highest percentage of responses, with starches coming in third.

In addition, while respondents felt starches only represented 23 percent of their daily diet, the survey showed many consumers may be eating more starchy foods than they realized, with 83 percent indicating they consumed a starchy food like bread within the most recent 48-hour period; 65 percent snacked on crackers, chips or pretzels; and nearly 60 percent ate potatoes in some form.

“Of everything we eat, highly refined and rapidly digestible starchy carbohydrates produce the most insulin,” said David Foreman, retired pharmacist, author and radio host of The Herbal Pharmacist. “This insulin puts fat cells into storage overdrive, promoting weight gain.

These motivations are wide and quite individualized—and when combined with the fearsome stats, create significant opportunities for retailers.

Product Rationales

In today’s product launch environment, brand manufacturers are much keener to exhaustively research effective mechanisms of action to provide desired results for weight loss claims. Badmaev explained that American Medical Holdings’s FB3 composition addresses a critical emerging target in dietary intervention to normalize body fat and the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system is controlled by one of the oldest structures in the brain, the limbic system, which regulates most basic functions commanding one’s daily life. The ECS regulates metabolic functions, satiety and energy homeostasis, and also regulates mood, memory and pain sensation.

A high-fat diet stimulates the ECS, which results in accelerated buildup of body fat; this creates a vicious cycle. Therefore, he asserted, normalizing the overactive ECS, preventing excess fat intake and body fat accumulation may prevent metabolic deterioration and obesity.

“Arguably, the stimulation of the ECS starts with excess dietary fatty acids that gradually incapacitate hepatocytes (liver cells), and compromise one of the major functions of the liver which is oxidation and utilization of fat for energy. A liver burdened with accumulated fat can be compared to a vacuum cleaner clogged with excess dirt. As a result, nutritional fat is deposited throughout the body, leading to a characteristic central or abdominal obesity pattern,” Badmaev said.

Based on a 2015 peer-review published study, Coleus forskohlii, Salacia reticulata, and Sesamum indicum (FB3) supply a safe, effective and synergistic method preventing excess body fat by limiting gastrointestinal dietary fat absorption. Another 2015 published clinical study on FB3’s component Coleus forskohlii indicates that it may improve insulin sensitivity in obese individuals which regulates lipid metabolism in the body. These clinical studies also show FB3 led to diminished food cravings and caloric intake.

This proprietary dietary supplement when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle may prevent excess body fat buildup by interfering with absorption of excess dietary fat; unabsorbed dietary fat is ultimately eliminated from the body. “The promise of FB3 is not in an immediate weight loss, but in a gradual deactivation—but not inhibition—of the endocannabinoid system, leading to improvement of metabolic functions and fatty acids oxidation putting the organism on the path to gradual regaining healthy body composition and loss of body fat and body weight,” Badmaev noted.

Tipping the Scales

There are a great many cases of individuals who attempt to do the right thing—eat a sensible diet and exercise, replacing sodas with water, etc.—but to no real avail. Stubborn cases can certainly be supported by specific supplements.

“Adding a nutritional supplement, such as Bluebonnet’s Skinny Garcinia Vegetable Capsules that supplies the body with the right nutrients for healthy weight management can be beneficial,” said Weinhardt.

Skinny Garcinia contains Super CitriMax, rich in hydroxycitric acid (HCA). This ingredient supports healthy levels of serotonin in the brain that helps to not only curb the appetite but also to promote a sense of well-being. HCA inhibits ATP-citrate lyase, which may reduce cellular fat production by decreasing fatty acid synthesis from glucose.

The formula also contains chromium picolinate, an essential nutrient required for normal sugar and fat metabolism. It works primarily by augmenting the action of insulin, promoting healthy glucose uptake by cells. If insulin is not as effective as normal, glucose remains in the bloodstream and is eventually stored in adipose tissue, adding to one’s girth. L-carnitine (an amino acid and B vitamin derivative) is included, said Weinhardt, because it is essential for the production of energy from fat.

“The production of energy from fat requires that fatty acids be transported from the cytosol of the cell into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation,” she explained. “The mitochondrion is part of the cell, which is commonly referred to as the ‘powerhouse,’ since this is where the energy (ATP) is ultimately produced. Beta-oxidation is the process of fatty acid breakdown or ‘fat burning.’ Although fatty acids need to enter the mitochondria for beta-oxidation, the fatty acids themselves are unable to penetrate the inner mitochondrial membrane. L-carnitine is essential in transporting long chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane for subsequent fat breakdown and energy production.”

Further, Skinny Garcinia includes the B vitamin derivatives choline and inositol, which enhance the mitochondria’s longevity so it will be able to maintain its production of ATP. Humans use approximately 40 kilograms of ATP a day, therefore its presence is essential, especially for those who are dieting, she pointed out. L-methionine, a sulphur-containing amino acid, is a catalyst for choline and inositol, to work effectively together by enhancing the body’s capacity to burn stored fatty acids for energy. Also included are the electrolytes potassium and magnesium that may help offset electrolyte imbalances that may occur during a weight-loss program that incorporates routine exercise.

According to Bitz, there’s a significant movement in the natural channel toward “food as medicine, the place where food and supplements intersect … which elevates food beyond its nutritional value into specific targeted health benefits/endpoints. This is combined by the movement for products to have clinical support. At Youtheory, we therefore created a product that is food-like, as citrus fruits are well-known and universally loved, and backed by human clinicals.”

Supporting healthy weight loss for a significant sector of the population also means supporting related health areas, such as cholesterol and blood sugar management. Himalaya USA offers LeanCare, which the company described as a synergistic formula designed to support people with modest excess weight. It is clinically shown to support cholesterol levels already within the normal range, as well as supports overall blood sugar balance already within the normal range, which can help reduce sugar cravings and occasional overeating. LeanCare supports the endocrine system and the thyroid gland, while its combination of garcinia, gymnema, fenugreek and guggul promote normal metabolic function.

Creative Bioscience of Utah provides a vast array of targeted nutritional supplements to support healthy weight loss and simultaneous energy utilization. According to the company’s website, its Meratrim 1234 was shown in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies to be safe and effective for weight management. Meratrim is a combination of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana. Research data shows that Meratrim may help people reach their weight-management goals in as little as two weeks. The studies also showed that participants receiving Meratrim instead of the placebo steadily experienced better weight loss over an eight-week period.

Creative Bioscience’s 1234 Diet Drops contains a proprietary blend of ingredients that are clinically supported to promote fat metabolism and provide essential nutrition. Based on scientific research, the goal of 1234 Diet Drops is to burn fat and then maintain ideal body weight.

According to the website, “Dieters choose a calorie plan to fit their situation. Customers have testified that following the 1234 Diet Protocol helps them slim down with more energy, less hunger and fewer cravings. Typically, people will do either a 23-day or 44-day cycle, which has been clinically recommended. 1234 Diet Drops is meant for people of adult age.” “Weight loss is easy if you know your body type,” asserted Dr. Cass Ingram, author of The Body Shape Diet. “The type or hormone type determines your metabolism, what you should eat, what you shouldn’t eat, and what supplements you should take,” he said. For example, a customer who is a thyroid type—slow metabolism—will pack on the pounds when he or she eats starch or wheat. This customer will lose weight by eating protein.

“It’s better for customers to understand their metabolisms and adapt their diets accordingly. Two super foods that do assist weight loss are red palm oil and yacon syrup, preferably raw,” Ingram added.

Illinois-based North American Herb & Spice’s Yac-o-Power PLUS is a raw concentrate (33:1) of organic Peruvian yacon root. According to the company, it is a source of prebiotic inulin, and includes the plant-based probiotic complex Ecologic 500, which supports a healthy digestive tract as a food for the good bacteria. Yac-o-Power PLUS is fortified with organic yellow maca and wild camu camu. While sweet and flavorful, Yacón is low in calories because it contains high levels of oligofructose (inulin), a form of sugar that is not metabolized readily by the human body. VR

For More Information:
American Medical Holdings, www.badmaevtradition.com
Bluebonnet Nutrition Corp., (281) 240-3332
Creative Bioscience, (877) 744-1224
Himalaya USA, (800) 869-4640
North American Herb & Spice, (800) 243-5242
Youtheory, (714) 361-4660

Extra! Extra! – Weighty Promotions

Extra! Extra! – Lessons from My Fat Dad Author

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