Can nutritional supplements work for weight loss? Here's a review of the evidence, and the top four supplements that are most likely to work for weight loss.
1. Coleus forskoohlii
Coleus is a herb used traditionally and currently in Ayurvedic medicine (1).
Coleus activates a substance in the body called Cyclic AMP(cAMP), which stimulates cell metabolism. Cyclic AMP enhances insulin secretion, increases thyroid function and the breakdown of fat in cells (2)
There have been a number of research trials testing Coleus and weight loss. A Japanese trial found significant decrease in body weight, BME and body fat from Coleus extract (3). In 2005, American researchers observed that coleus caused weight loss in overweight women over an 12 week trial, with no difference in food intake compared to the placebo group. The participants takine Coleus experienced less hunger and greater fullness (4).
Another study examined the effect of a Coleus extract on body composition, testosterone, metabolic rate, and blood pressure in overweight and obese men. Thirty subjects were studies for 12 weeks., and results showed favourable changes in body composition by significantly decreasing body fat percentage and fat mass compared with the placebo group. There was a trend toward a significant increase for lean body mass in the Coleus group. Testosterone levels were significantly increased in the Coleus group (5)
Coleus is particularly helpful when under-active thyroid is preventing weight loss.
2. Green tea:
Green tea is thermogenic, which means that it increases energy expenditure and promotes weight loss.
A recent study reported that ingestion of green tea with extra caffeine increased resting energy expenditure by14% (6). Another study reported that ingestion of three 250 ml servings of green tea and calcium significantly increased 24 hour energy expenditure (7). In yet another study, it was reported that ingestion of 300mg/day of green tea for 2 days significantly increased fat oxidation compared to controls (8).
Collectively these findings suggest that intake of green tea can increase resting metabolism, leading to a greater weight loss over time.
3. Fish OilFish oil significantly lowers triglycerides, thereby improving heart health and protecting against cardiovascular disease (9)
Current studies show that the Omega 3 fatty acids improve insulin signalling, and reduce fatty acid accumulation in the liver. Insulin resistance is a key player in weight gain and improving it's function will help burn carbohydrate more efficiently (10).
Another recent trial involving 324 men and women observed that the inclusion of fish oil along with and energy restricted diet resulted in 1kg more weight loss after 4 weeks than did a similar diet without any fish oil supplementation (11).
Fish oil is particulary helpful when insulin resistance is the underlying cause that is preventing weight loss.
4. Resveratrol
In conclusion, the available research suggests that the most effective weight loss supplements are those that increase resting energy expenditure, improve cellular metabolism, and improve insulin signalling.
Weight loss supplements are most effective when used as part of an individualised weight loss plan, including diet, nutrition, exercise, and hormone balance.
Appointments at Sensible-Alternative
For professional advice regarding weight loss, please make an appointment with one of our Naturopaths.
Locations in Crowsnest Pass, Canada and Sydney, Australia.
1) Dr Lara Grinevitch - Crowsnest Pass, Canada
Lara sees patients on Mondays.
Phone Crowsnest Clinic: 1 403 563 3334. (Clinic phone is attended Tuesday-Friday)
Text message or leave a voicemail on Lara's cell: 1 587 880 4436
2) Biljana Koga or Deborah Gibson - Sydney, Australia
Two Sydney locations: Chatswood - Cronulla
One phone number: 02 8011 1994
To email our Sydney head office: click here.
.References:
1. Srivastava Sk ,et al. J Econ Taxon Bot 2003. 7(4): 857-863
2. Bone K, Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs, Phytotherapy press, Warwick, 1996, p103-107
3. Sabinsa Corporation, Forslean Product Information. Avl form www.forslean.com. Accessed August 2009.
4. Henderson S et al. J Int Sports Nutr 2005; 2(2):53-62
5. Godard MP et al. Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations Associated with Forskolin Consumption in Overweight and Obese Men. Obesity Research (2005) 13, 1335-1343; doi: 10.1038/oby.2005.162.
6. Armanini D et al. J Endocrinal Invest 2003; 26(7):646-650
7. Taylor, LW et al. Acute effects of ingesting Java Fittrade mark energy extreme functional coffee on resting energy expenditure and hemodynamic response in male and female coffee drinkers. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2007. 4:10.
8. Rudelle, S et al. Effect of a thermogenic beverage on 24 hour energy metabolism in humans. Obesity, 2007. 15(2):349-55.
9. Boschmann M et al. The effects of epigallochatecin-3-gallate on thermogenesis and fat oxidation in obese men: a pilot study. J Am Coll Nutr, 2007. 26(4): 389S- 395S.
10. Maclean CH et al. Evid Rep Technol Assess(Summ) 2004;89:1-4
11. Carpentier YA et al. Am J Clin Nutr Suppl 2006;83(6):14995-15045
12. Bandarra NM et al. Int J of Obesity. 2007;31:1560-1566.
