Approximately 61% of adults in the United States are overweight, while more than a quarter of U.S. adults are obese.  Obesity is strongly associated with serious health problems such as Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Disease.  Although 30-40% of the obese claim that they are trying to lose weight or maintain weight following weight-loss, current therapies appear to provide little success.  Thus, the inability of many individuals to control their weight through diet and exercise has created a need for additional therapeutic means to combat obesity.  Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical industry has yet to find the solution, and worse, most weight-loss drugs created to date have serious adverse effects.  

The good news is that there are many different natural herbs and supplements that can help people to lose excess pounds.  Some of these substances help by enhancing the body’s ability to burn fat–a process called thermogenesis–by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system to increase metabolism.  Others help by reducing appetite and food cravings, by increasing energy, by eliminating excess fluid retention, by promoting healthy glandular function and by improving digestion and elimination.  Many natural weight loss supplements can help people to finally help themselves; that is, to decrease appetite so that one can cut down on food intake, and to increase energy so that one can start that exercise program they’ve been talking about for 10 years!  Here are a few examples:    

GARCINIA FRUIT

Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) contains the active ingredient hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been shown in animal studies to be a powerful lipogenic inhibitor–a substance that slows or inhibits the production of fat.  A growing body of evidence demonstrates the efficacy of garcinia-derived HCA in weight management by curbing appetite and inhibiting body fat synthesis.  Extensive animal studies indicate that HCA suppresses fatty acid synthesis, lipogenesis (fat production) and food intake, and induces weight loss.  A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted involving mildly overweight females.  The treatment group of 42 women took 400mg caplets of Garcinia 30-60 minutes before meals for a total dose of 2.4 grams per day (1.2 grams per day HCA), while 47 women took matched placebos.  All participants also consumed a low-calorie diet (1,200 kcal/day).  Although both groups lost body weight, the treatment group achieved a significantly greater reduction, losing an average of 54% more body weight.  

GREEN TEA EXTRACT

(Please use a decaffeinated form, especially if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or diabetes–however, too much caffeine is not good for anyone!)  Green tea contains compounds known as polyphenols that function as antioxidants, combat cancer, and inhibit the oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.  Green tea also increases thermogenesis, an important calorie-burning mechanism.  Results from a randomized, controlled clinical trial found that green tea extract stimulated thermogenesis and fat oxidation.  Additional research has shown that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an abundant polyphenol found in green tea, reduced body weight loss and body fat by increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation in rats.  These results suggest that green tea components such as EGCG may be responsible for green tea’s effects on body weight and body composition and thus may be useful for treating obesity.  

L-CARNITINE

L-carnitine is an amino acid needed for efficient fatty acid metabolism which results in cellular energy production.  L-carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria where they are converted to energy.  Since fatty acids are the primary fuel for energy production in the heart muscle, normal heart function depends on sufficient levels of l-carnitine.  Athletes commonly take l-carnitine to improve energy levels for optimum exercise performance; however, individuals suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may also find l-carnitine helpful for increasing energy levels.    In addition, newer studies reveal that l-carnitine can help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood lipid levels.  Furthermore, l-carnitine may play a role in the reversal of insulin resistance, which is a common element of and potential contributing factor to obesity.  

SPIRULINA

Spirulina (various blue-green algae) provides the highest vegetable source of protein, along with rich amounts of carbohydrates, B-complex vitamins (especially B12), vitamins A and E, minerals and trace elements, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).  Research has shown that spirulina provides a hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) effect in patients with increased levels of lipids (fats such as cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins).  Spirulina may also be beneficial for treating obesity and compulsive eating disorders.  The high level of protein, vitamins and minerals in spirulina help nourish the body and may provide a more satisfied feeling of fullness.  Plus, spirulina contains the amino acid phenylalanine which is believed to act on the hypothalamus–the brain’s appetite center–to help suppress hunger and thus promote weight loss.  A 4-week, double-blind study involving 16 overweight individuals found that spirulina supplementation resulted in a small but statistically significant loss of weight compared to those taking a placebo.  

KELP

Kelp (Laminaria digitata) has been shown to promote thyroid function and improve a sluggish metabolism, particularly because kelp is rich in iodine.  The synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones depend on sufficient levels of iodine.  Since iodine is not stored in the body, it must be obtained daily from the diet in order to maintain healthy thyroid function.  Thus iodine deficiency may lead to hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), obesity, slow metabolism, and even dry hair, heart palpitations, nervousness, rapid pulse and irritability.  Kelp is also a plentiful source of other nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and some B-vitamins.  

ELEUTHERO ROOT

Eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus), commonly known as Siberian ginseng (although it is NOT from the ginseng family), is approved by German Commission E as a tonic to combat fatigue, debility, declining concentration or work capacity and during convalescence.  Eleuthero has also demonstrated antioxidant and immuno-enhancing effects, and has been shown to balance blood pressure and blood sugar levels and normalize adrenal and thyroid function in both animal and experimental studies.  In Russia, where most of the research on eleuthero has been conducted, it is widely used as a tonic to increase resistance to stress and reduce infections.  In recent years, eleuthero’s ability to enhance stamina and endurance led Soviet Olympic athletes to use the herb to improve their training.  Eleuthero is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation as the results are unknown at this time.  

BITTER ORANGE

Bitter orange is the unripe fruit of Citrus aurantium.  It contains the active ingredient synephrine, a natural thermogenic agent similar to ephedrine, but having none of the latter’s side effects.  Thermogenic substances, including synephrine, have been found to increase the body’s ability to burn calories and break down fat stores–a process known as lipolysis.  Bitter orange has been reported to aid in weight loss in two studies and increase thermogenesis, at least to some extent in three studies.  Thus bitter orange may be the best thermogenic substitute for ephedra at present.  

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E provides strong antioxidant activity, promotes elimination of excess tissue fluids (edema), and helps prevent muscular wasting and fat deposits in the muscles.  Vitamin E also enhances the body’s ability to use fats and metabolize fat-soluble vitamins.  In addition, vitamin E contributes to optimal functioning of the thyroid gland and combats the gradual decline of metabolic processes associated with aging.  Furthermore, research has shown an inverse association between serum (blood levels) vitamin E and body mass index–obese patients demonstrate low serum vitamin E.  A recent study, which echoed the results of previous investigations, found that serum vitamin E concentrations were 10% lower among obese participants compared to normal weight participants.  

BEE POLLEN

Bee pollen is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and essential fatty acids.  Bee pollen also provides B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, amino acids, enzymes and other important nutrients.  Bee pollen can compliment the daily diet, due to the proportions of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.  In fact, bee pollen is commonly used to enhance energy levels and improve endurance and stamina during exercise or sports.  Bee pollen is rich in certain amino acids (protein) and fatty acids which can help regulate weight, and can be taken at the beginning of meals to reduce hunger and cravings.  Bee pollen can also be substituted for snacks or missed meals (approximately 15 grams of bee pollen is recommended for this purpose).  Bee pollen contains almost all of the nutrients essential for human body functions.