10 heavyweights for weight management

Is obesity all about the liver?

The growing number of middle-aged and adolescent patients with abdominal obesity and diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) highlights the need for a better understanding of this condition. Recent studies have shown that obese children without a history of alcohol abuse are frequently diagnosed with NAFLD, which is linked to overeating and a Western diet. In particular, the liver can be adversely affected by a diet low in fruits, vegetables and dietary fibre, as well as ones with high-glycemic carbohydrates, trans-fats and saturated fats.

Unbalanced nutrition results in biochemical, hormonal and gut-flora changes that promote an overgrowth of gut pathogenic bacteria, causing fermentation and production of toxins. In addition, a low-fibre diet results in excessive re-absorption of bile acids, cholesterol and fatty acids into the liver. Fibre aids in the absorption of bile acids, cholesterol and triglycerides excreted from the liver into the gastrointestinal tract, so less fiber means that less of these harmful compounds are excreted from the body. This abnormal enter-hepatic circulation subsequently instigates triglyceride fat accumulation in liver cells, leading to NAFLD.
In this condition the liver has a decreased ability to metabolize fat, with excess triglyceride fats accumulating in liver cells and triggering pro-inflammatory events, insulin resistance and excessive adipose tissue, leading to obesity.

NAFLD was first described in 1980, but its significance has been recognized only recently because of its link with obesity. Improving NAFLD is an essential part of a successful weight-management programme, and potential NAFLD therapies may include compounds that improve carbohydrate and fat metabolism by the liver.

One recent study used a botanical formula (Xanthigen) composed of fucoxanthin and pomegranate seed oil. Fucoxanthin demonstrates weight-loss properties in part from its ability to suppress fat formation by regulating PPARs proteins. The punicic acid in pomegranate may have triglyceride-lowering properties and might also suppress the production of triglycerides in human liver cells.

The 16-week, randomized study gave 200mg Xanthigen three times daily to 151 obese, nondiabetic female volunteers with (NAFLD) or normal liver fat (NLF) content. It resulted in statistically significant reductions of body weight (5.5kg NAFLD group vs 4.9kg NLF group), liver fat content, liver enzymes (NAFLD group only), serum triglycerides, and C-reactive protein vs placebo. Weight loss and reduction in body and liver fat content occurred earlier in patients with NLF than in patients with NAFLD. In both Xanthigen-receiving groups, loss of liver fat occurred one week prior to statistically significant loss in body fat and body weight.
Authors: Vladimir Badmaev, Scott Rosenbush, Eric Anderson, Barbara Pacchetti, Juergen Liedek. For the complete and unabridged version of this paper, go to http://www.functionalingredientsmag.com/

References

1. Angulo P. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. N Engl J Med 2002 Apr 18;346(16):1221-31.
2. Seo YS, et al. PPAR agonists treatment is effective in a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease animal model by modulating fatty-acid metabolic enzymes. J Gastroenerol Hepatol 2008 Jan;23(1):102-9.
3. Abidov M, et al. The effects of Xanthigen in the weight management of obese premenopausal women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and normal liver fat. Diabetes Obes Metab 2010 Jan;12(1):72-81.
4. PL Thomas
5. Polifenoles Naturales, Spain
6. Sochim Intl, Italy
7. Mivalied Rohstoffhandel, Germany

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