Research Behind Top Weight Management Ingredients

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. WHO reported more than 1.9 billion adults around the globe were overweight in 2014, and 13 percent of adults were considered obese.

Also in WHO’s information about obesity? “Obesity is preventable."

Natural ingredients can support weight loss and management in a variety of ways. While many consumers are eager to jump to “quick fix" solutions for weight loss, a growing number are skeptical about the efficacy and safety of supplements to support weight management. Research is of the utmost importance in the category, and is important to achieve success and longevity in the segment.

The popularity of Garcinia cambogia for weight loss skyrocketed in recent years after receiving significant media attention for its benefits to weight loss, including promotion on the Dr. Oz Show in 2013 as a weight loss aid. However, more recent media reports challenging the research supporting the weight loss effects of Garcinia cambogia have created consumer concern regarding its efficacy.

A 2015 review of 21 studies evaluating the role of Garcinia cambogia in the treatment of obesity concluded: “In some analyzed works, there was observed that GC showed positive effects on weight loss process, appetite reduction, body fat percentage, triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose levels, lipogenesis process, while others had no effect."(Nutr Hosp. 2015 Dec 1;32(6):2400-8)

An important consideration when evaluating the efficacy of Garcinia cambogia is the content of its active constituent, hydroxycitric acid (HCA).

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in subjects aged 20 to 65 years, Garcinia cambogia containing 1,000 mg HCA when administered for 12 weeks (and followed by four weeks of placebo) reduced visceral, subcutaneous and total fat compared to those receiving placebo for the study duration. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2003;64(8):551–567.) There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) or body weight at week 12, but there were slight numeric decreases in body weight and BMI in men.

Review the research supporting other top ingredients for weight management such as caffeine, green tea extract and capsaicin by downloading INSIDER’s Weight Management Digital Magazine.