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Slim Solutions for Summer

Natural Weight Loss Products to the Rescue

Patricia Woods

May 2003

 

Ephedra is good. Ephedra is bad. To lose weight, you need a fat blocker.

No, you need to cut out carbs. Drink green tea. Try CLA. Eat three

apples in the morning.

There is so much information out there on weight loss that it can be

mind-boggling for your customers. And frankly, it is confusing. From

over-hyped claims and false advertising to bad reporting and supplement

scapegoats, it's easy to nix weight loss supplements altogether. But on

the other hand, there are many quality products on the market that can

help promote weight loss, a process that can be slow and oftentimes

frustrating. In order to help your customers achieve their healthy

weight loss goals, the key is education. Yes, it may seem like there are

a zillion products out there, but with a little knowledge and the right

questions, narrowing the choices should be a piece of, well, never mind.

Let's just say it doesn't have to be confusing.

 

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

First of all, let it be said one more time that there are no magic

pills. Healthy weight loss begins and ends with diet and exercise.

Simply put, you'll lose weight if you burn more calories than you take

in. Having said that, supplements can be a boon to the process. Some

people, however, are afraid of supplements because of the reputations

that a few products have created. To alleviate your customers' fears,

assure them that there have been studies performed on many weight loss

products, the results of which have appeared in scientific journals. Of

course, this isn't to say we know all the answers, but it does give us

some sense of assurance. When talking to your customers, be sure to ask

them pertinent questions to determine their needs.

Jimmy Shaham, owner of Supplements Unlimited in Stratford, Conn., says

he always begins by asking his customers about their goals. " I ask them

if they have any medical problems, if they've talked to their

physicians, " he says. " Then I ask them, 'What would you like to do?' "

Some people, he notes, want to simply lose weight, while others want to

gain energy.

 

METABOLISM BOOSTERS

This category of weight-loss supplements is also known as fat burners.

How do they work? We've all heard about metabolism. After all, what

dieter hasn't blamed his or her excess weight on this bodily process?

After food is eaten, it needs to be broken down, or metabolized. The

rate at which this is done is called the Basal Metabolic Rate. When our

bodies use and burn stored body fat for energy, this is known as

thermogenesis, or the production of body heat. Fat-burning supplements

work by increasing the amount of fuel your body burns by raising your

metabolism.

What are some examples of fat burners? Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA),

green tea, hydroxycitric acid, and ephedra are a few of the more

well-known.

CLA: There was a time when people would get plenty of CLA, a

non-essential fatty acid, through their diets by eating meat and dairy

products. Then, two things changed. First, cows were fed rather than

allowed to graze, which was how CLA was produced. Second, Americans

became obsessed with low-fat diets. We eat low-fat milk, cheese, and ice

cream, meaning we get even less CLA than before.

" CLA decreases body fat mass, " says Heather Nelson Cortes, a research

scientist at Vernon Hill, Ill.-based Natural Inc. The company

manufactures Tonalin CLA, a supplement derived from safflower seeds.

" It's not necessarily associated with loss in weight, but you'll notice

that your clothes do fit better. It has a pretty dramatic effect. "

CLA has been said to spare lean muscle mass while reducing body fat.

Several studies have had positive results for this ingredient. In a

Scandinavian study (J Nutr 2000, Dec.), researchers looked at the

effects of CLA versus an olive oil placebo on 60 overweight patients.

The results? The subjects who were given CLA in dosages of either 3.4

grams or 6.8 grams had significant reduction of body fat over those who

were given the olive oil.

Another study (International Journal of Obesity, 2001) looked at the

effect of CLA on abdominal fat in obese middle-aged men. After four

weeks, there was more than an inch loss in the abdominal diameter of

those taking CLA, versus those taking a placebo (who barely had any loss

at all).

So, who should take CLA? Customers who would like to lose weight but

also maintain (or build) muscle mass, according to Nelson Cortes. The

suggested dosage for CLA is 3.4 grams per day.

The main proprietary CLA ingredient for standalone and ingredient

combinations is Tonalin CLA, derived from safflower seeds using a

proprietary process. Finished products include Twinlab's CLA Fuel and

EAS' standalone CLA product.

Green tea: Is there anything that Camellia sinensis can't do? Generally

known for its antioxidant properties, green tea has also been shown to

have anticancer effects, as well as reduce the risks of diseases

associated with aging. But now, studies also show that it may aid in

weight loss.

Certain antioxidants in green tea stimulate the production of

noradrenaline, which speeds up metabolism. In addition, the caffeine in

the tea helps the thermogenic process. A Japanese study (International

Journal of Obesity, 2000) looked at the correlation between green tea

consumption and weight loss, and the results suggested that long-term

consumption of tea catechins is beneficial for the suppression of

diet-induced obesity. It may also reduce the risk of associated

diseases, including diabetes and coronary heart disease. Recommended

dosage is 270 mg of standardized extract per day, or approximately three

cups of brewed (caffeinated) green tea.

Examples of green tea products include Solaray's Green Tea Extract,

Source Naturals' Green Tea Extract, Nature's Herbs' Power-Herbs Green

Tea Power, and Solgar's Green Tea Leaf Extract.

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA): This ingredient is an organic acid similar to

the citric acid found in fruits such as oranges and lemons, and is

derived from the rind of the Garcinia cambogia, also known as the

Malabar tamarind. The pioneer HCA ingredient, Citrin, was first

developed and patented by Sabinsa Corporation of Piscataway, N.J.

How does it work? It appears to suppress appetite through a process in

which glycogen levels increase, signaling to the brain that the body is

full. HCA may also work by stimulating serotonin release, which is

involved in a variety of bodily functions, including mood, sleep, and

appetite control.

In one human study (Investigacion Medica Internacional, 1995),

participants who took 500 mg of HCA (in the form of CitriMax,

manufactured by InterHealth Nutraceuticals of Benecia, Calif.) three

times per day before meals experienced 215 percent greater weight loss

than those taking a placebo. In addition, they had a significant

reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Another study (International Journal of Obesity, 1996) involving 60

subjects investigated the efficacy and tolerability of HCA in weight

reduction. The average weight reduction (over eight weeks) in the HCA

group was 6.4 kg, while the patients in the placebo group reduced their

weight by an average of only 3.8 kg. The recommended dosage of HCA is

2,700 to 2,800 mg per day.

Ephedra (Ephedra sinica or ma huang): This weight loss ingredient is

certainly not without controversy (see sidebar). But here, let's look

closer at the science.

How does ephedra work? It contains an alkaloid called ephedrine, which

stimulates the central nervous system, increases blood pressure and

heart rate, and decreases appetite. But often, ephedra is found in

combination with other herbs. That's because the combination of ephedra,

caffeine, and aspirin stimulates thermogenesis. In fact, it's the

caffeine and aspirin that actually inhibit substances that can interfere

with ephedra's thermogenic action.

In most cases, herbs such as green tea, guarana, or kola nut act as the

caffeinated ingredients, while white willow bark is used as aspirin.

In April 2002, the International Journal of Obesity published the

results of a six-month safety and efficacy trial. A total of 167

subjects were given either a placebo or a ma huang/kola nut supplement.

What did the researchers find? When it came to benefits, the researchers

concluded that the supplements (90 mg ephedrine alkaloids/192 mg

caffeine per day) had significant beneficial effects on body weight,

body fat, and blood lipids. In addition, those taking the supplements

also had significantly greater reductions in waist and hip circumference

than those who were treated with placebos.

As for safety, the researchers concluded that the tested product

produced " no adverse effects and minimal side effects that are

consistent with the known mechanisms of action of ephedra and caffeine. "

They concluded that, " herbal ephedra/caffeine herbal supplements, when

used as directed by healthy overweight men and women in combination with

healthy diet and exercise habits, may be beneficial for weight reduction

without significantly increased risk of adverse effects. "

In addition, the RAND Report confirms that more than 55 clinical studies

support the benefits and safety of the ephedra/caffeine combination,

when taken as directed.

So, what's the problem? There have been approximately 16,000 case

reports made on adverse effects associated with ephedra or ephedrine,

which include " two deaths, four myocardial infarctions, nine

cerebrovascular accidents, one seizure, and five psychiatric cases "

involving ephedra where no other precipitating factors were evident.

This has led to the scrutiny, and possible ban, on ephedra-based

products.

But for customers who choose to aid their weight loss with ephedra, the

recommendation is no more than 25 mg ephedrine alkaloids per serving and

not more than 100 mg per day. Also ask your customers to visit

www.ephedrafacts.com for more information.

 

CARB BLOCKERS AND FAT ABSORBERS

The second category of weight loss supplements is known as carbohydrate

blockers or fat absorbers. Instead of helping the body burn calories,

these supplements stunt the body's tendency to store carbs and fats as

body fat. If a customer claims that he or she is the type who gains two

pounds simply by looking at a bagel, then this group of supplements

might be what that person needs to get back on track.

Chitosan: This is essentially a form of fiber made from the shells of

crustaceans and is said to bind fat. (If customers have a shellfish

allergy, it's probably best for them to avoid chitosan.) One of the most

recent studies on chitosan (Pol Merkuriusz Lek, 2002) was conducted over

more than six months involving 50 obese women. The chitosan group was

given 750 mg of pure chitosan per tablet (ChitininN from Primex

Ingredients ASA). A significantly higher body weight loss was seen in

the chitosan-supplemented group (15.9 kg) as opposed to the placebo

group (10.9 kg). In addition, those who took chitosan also had a greater

decrease in their systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Recommended

dosage is 500 to 1,500 mg per day.

Finished products that contain chitosan, either as a standalone or multi

ingredient formulation, include Natrol's Absorbitol Fat Binder, KAL's

Super Chitosan, Source Naturals' Chitosan, Ultimate Nutrition's Fat

Bloc, and Allergy Research Group's Chitosan.

Chromium: Studies have shown that this essential mineral can help

promote weight loss, especially in those who are carb-sensitive. In a

double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients who received 200 or

400 mcg per day of chromium as chromium picolinate, or placebo for 72

days, both doses of chromium produced significant gains in lean body

mass and decreases in body fat compared to people receiving a placebo.

In addition, chromium is essential for the production of insulin, making

it useful for those with blood sugar problems in conjunction with weight

concerns. Recommended dosage is 200 to 600 mcg per day.

A new proprietary ingredient system from Nutrition 21 of Purchase, N.Y.

called Zenergen combines chromium picolinate and CLA. A study led by the

University of Vermont's Dr. William T. Cefalu found that this

combination may significantly reduce insulin resistance in human muscle

cells. Other chromium suppliers include InterHealth Nutraceuticals,

which manufactures a patented, niacin-bound chromium ingredient known as

ChromeMate.

Phase 2: Manufactured by Kearny, N.J.-based Pharmachem Laboratories,

this starch-blocking ingredient is actually a standardized extract made

from the white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). So, how does it work?

When we eat, our bodies produce amylase, a digestive enzyme, which helps

break down starches and carbs. The white kidney bean contains an amylase

inhibitor. With less amylase to break down carbs, the body has more of a

chance of excreting them, rather than storing the carbs as energy.

In a preliminary study, starch absorption averaged 66 percent lower in a

group taking Phase 2 as opposed to those taking a placebo. " This

preliminary study suggests very strongly that Phase 2 may be a temporary

and natural way to safely reduce the excessive absorption of

carbohydrate calories that contributes to overweight conditions, as well

as to poor glucose control in diabetics, " says Dr. Joe A. Vinson, a

researcher at the University of Scranton.

In another study, patients who took Phase 2 lost nearly a half pound per

week on average, or better than 200 percent more than those on placebos.

" It may not seem like a lot, " says Tom McCartney, a consultant for

Pharmachem, " but doctors want you to lose weight slowly. It's not a

magic bullet, but if you're going to eat a lot of carbs, this will be

effective. " Recommended dosage is 1,200 mg per day.

 

WEIGHING IN ON QUESTIONABLE CLAIMS

That's the hard science behind some of the more prominent ingredients,

but what about those other weight-loss products - the ones with the

dramatic before-and-after pictures, the ones with outlandish names like

the " Super Duper Tummy Buster 2000 " ? Basically, if they sound too good

to be true, they probably are.

" I encourage retailers to do research on the nutrients themselves, " says

Steve Marada of Cedar Grove, N.J.-based Maximum Human Performance. He

adds that consumers should not only look for ingredients that work, but

also ingredient levels that work. " A lot of companies will put certain

ingredients in for window dressing, " he says. " You can't buy into the

marketing. "

The best thing you can do for your customers is educate them about

science-based supplements and encourage them to choose a quality

product. That, in addition to a well-balanced diet and regular exercise,

will offer them gradual, healthy weight loss that's sure to last.

 

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Patricia Woods is a freelance writer based in Stratford, Conn. She is

the former managing editor of Better Nutrition. Her work has also

appeared in Alternative Medicine and Delicious Living.

 

EPHEDRA: BLACK SHEEP OR SCAPEGOAT?

There's no doubt about it - one of the most controversial supplements on

the market today is none other than ephedra. This Chinese herb has been

under fire for many years, but never so much as it is now. In February,

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler died suddenly during practice.

After an ephedra weight-loss product was found in his locker, there was

a rush to blame his untimely death on the supplement. His death was

eventually ruled due to heat stroke, but that didn't get ephedra off the

hook.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates ephedra

under DSHEA (the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act), and on

Feb. 28, the Department of Health and Human Services took a number of

actions to address concerns about ephedra's safety. These included

warning letters sent to ephedra manufacturers asking them to remove

unproven claims or to substantiate those claims; a proposal for a

mandatory warning label for all ephedra products; and an announcement by

the FDA that it was seeking comments from health professionals, the

supplement industry, and the general public on ephedra's safety.

Then, in April, the American Heart Association urged the FDA to ban

ephedra outright, citing what it called " growing literature " linking the

use of ephedra with serious side effects, including hypertension,

irregular heart beat, seizure, heart attack, stroke, and death.

So ephedra's bad, right? Well, it depends on who you're talking to. " The

state of affairs regarding ephedra is sad in light of the fact that it

was used in traditional Chinese medicine safely and effectively for

centuries, " says James Gormley, an industry expert who has testified

before the New York City Council on the safety of ephedra and dietary

supplements.

He says that some manufacturers saw an opportunity to market

ephedra-based products, but then, unfortunately, several things

coincided. " There were irresponsible claims on the part of marketers, "

notes Gormley, " and there was lax enforcement on the part of the FDA

against fly-by-night, street-drug knock-off manufacturers. " And, he

adds, there is blame to be assigned to some consumers who didn't

exercise personal responsibility in using herbal products. " Personal

responsibility is at the core of the issue, " he states.

To put it another way, would we seek a ban on Tylenol if a number of

people died from ingesting a whole bottle at one time? Probably not. By

the same thinking, then, should we blame ephedra or the irresponsible

few who don't follow the package directions or consult their physicians?

It's a hard call, but things aren't looking good for this ancient herb.

According to the FDA White Paper (February 2003) on ephedra, " While

additional studies of ephedra's safety and efficacy would clearly be

useful, it is unlikely that any studies ... would be powerful enough to

resolve these safety questions. "