Statistics say that more than 1.6 billion people aged 15 and above are obese. Obesity is a serious health condition associated with the excessive and abnormal fat accumulation in the body caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. Medical studies have linked obesity to serious diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis and even some types of cancer like breast cancer, endometrial cancer and colon cancer.

The condition is commonly a result of energy imbalance wherein the consumption of calories is greater than the calories spent. The issue of obesity affects people at a global scale and studies have shown that obesity during childhood increases the risk of disability in adulthood and early death.

Obesity is very preventable, and people affected with the condition can overcome obesity by making the choice to commit to a modification in lifestyle – exercising, limiting the intake of saturated fats and by consuming healthier foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain products. Increased physical activity can also help in the burning of stored fats in the body and in maintaining a healthy body mass index. Moderate exercise in most days of the week can help control weight and promote a healthy metabolism. Food supplements known to improve the body’s metabolism are also recommended.

The Metabolic Benefits of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a substance used by some plants as their natural defense mechanism against bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens.  Different studies have shown that Resveratrol have shown many benefits to the human body, and the substance is the subject of a number of human and animal studies in order to fully discover its effects. Resveratrol is commonly extracted from the skin of red grapes and can also be synthesized through the use of metabolic engineered microorganisms.

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity had shown that Resveratrol may have beneficial effects to the improvement of the metabolic profile of obese individuals. A group of researchers from Denmark have observed that Resveratrol from red wine affected the production of compounds produced by fat cells called adipokines. From all the studies on the health benefits of Resveratrol and supplements against obesity, the Danish research is the first to in vitro suggest that the substance has anti-inflammatory effects on the human fat tissue. The researchers said that the small interfering molecules like the Resveratrol have been thought to have beneficial effects in improving a person’s metabolism and the study was aimed at giving the idea suitable and sufficient confirmation.

Resveratrol contains antifungal chemicals and polyphenol, and is known as a bioactive compound found in grapes and red wine. The compound was earlier associated with lowering the incidence of obesity and heart disease among the French people despite their high fat diet but relatively high wine intake. This particular observation was termed as the “French Paradox”, coined by Dr. Serge Renaud of the Bordeaux University.

The studies on the health benefits of Resveratrol started after the study of David Sinclair and his team of researchers from Harvard University.  They observed that the compound increased the lifespan of yeast cells. The results of their study were published in the Nature Magazine. The international media began referring to the substance as the potential anti-ageing pill. The findings of Dr. Sinclair and his team indicated that Resveratrol stimulates a gene called sirtuin1, which is responsible for the restriction and control of calories. After the pioneering study, researchers from around the globe began observing the effects of the compound in fish, fruit flies, nematode worms and mice. The animal test subjects have also shown an extended lifespan due to the introduction of Resveratrol in their diet.

Another study concerning Resveratrol was a study of Harvard researchers led by Jen Olholm.  It was aimed at discovering the potency of the compound in reducing the inflammation of tissues linked with obesity. They have observed that when fat tissues were treated with Resveratrol, the production of pro-inflammatory compounds was reduced by 16 to 36 percent. Olholm’s team said that it was difficult to determine whether the dosage of Resveratrol used in their study has pharmaceutical significance but added that the concentrations used are similar to the other studies.

Effective Weight-Loss Supplements

Choline

Choline has been proven by clinical studies to control cholesterol build-up and prevents the accumulation of fat in body organs like the liver.  Also, it promotes the healthy movement and metabolism of fats in the cells. The substance is widely used to help in controlling weight and reduce cholesterol levels. The most significant effects of Choline in fat loss is its ability to mobilize fatty acids in cells. This unique effect helps the body metabolize more fat while exercising and it also prevents the accumulation of bad fats in the body. Rich natural sources of Choline are nuts, lentils, liver, cauliflower, caviar, egg yolk and cabbage.

Chromium

Chromium has been found by researchers to improve the body’s ability to consume sugar. The substance does this my stimulating the body’s ability to maintain a normal insulin level. Insulin is responsible for the regulation of blood sugar and fat, and it also stimulates protein synthesis in the muscles. It also helps in the normal metabolism of carbohydrates, helping the body to burn sugar rather than store it as body fat.

Capsaicin and Green Tea

A study conducted by researchers from the Netherlands and Denmark had found that the intake of capsaicin and green tea can give a person the feeling of being full and  helps in a successful weight management. The researchers concluded that the thermogenic ingredients in capsaicin and green tea are helpful in the reduction of food intake to help the body avoid storing too much unused calories (which eventually turns to fat) by suppressing a person’s hunger and maintaining a feeling of fullness.

Ola Loa Multivitamins

Taking Ola Loa supplements has been used by experts, athletes and celebrities and is considered to be a high quality multivitamin supplement. I personally use this brand. This brand of multivitamin offers different vitamin formulation tailor-fitted to a person’s nutritional needs.  It contains anti-ageing vitamins to help sustain high energy levels and antioxidant protection. The multivitamin beverage maintains a healthy body mass index by supplying the body of a complete suite of nutrients without supplying it with too much calories. The taste is great too.

Sources
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Resveratrol-shows-metabolic-benefits-for-obese-Study
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Capsaicin-plus-green-tea-combo-aids-weight-loss-Study
http://www.healthandfitnessforums.com/choline.html
http://www.drinkyourvitamins.com/ola-loa-products.html