BENICIA, Calif.–More than 88 percent of health care professionals believe weight-loss supplementation is one of many components in a successful weight-management program, according to a survey of 45 medical doctors, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners and registered dietitians at the 61st Annual Obesity and Associated Conditions Symposium, Las Vegas, conducted by InterHealth Nutraceuticals.
Further, 82 percent of those surveyed said they currently recommend dietary supplements for weight loss, although they said exercise and eating right are the best ways to manage weight.
“Many physicians, including bariatricians, believe surgery is really the last resort for weight loss," said InterHealth’s lead scientist, Francis Lau, Ph.D., FACN. "Diet, exercise and a focus on lifestyle changes are often the first approach. Many in this specialty are trying to address weight management with lifestyle changes and many feel that dietary supplements are an important part of a weight-management program."
At the symposium, InterHealth presented preliminary data from two randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled studies on its latest weight-loss ingredient, Merastin™ (the combination of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana). Research showed Merastin™ significantly reduced body weight, and hip and waist circumference after two weeks of supplementation. Preliminary results from the second clinical study demonstrate weight loss of 11.5 pounds and waist and hip reduction of 4.7 inches and 2.5 inches, respectively.
