Product Description

Metabolix’s approach to weight loss is a three pronged attack: 1) meal plans, 2) structured exercise, and 3) proper supplementation. However you will quickly realize that each of these approaches is very much dependent upon one another. Whether you gain or loose weight is directly determined by the balance between the amount energy (food) you ingest and store as fat or muscle (yes, muscle can also serve as an important energy source!), and how much energy you burn through physical activity. The main reasons people fail to get the results they want are many, but most in some way are related to their inability to control or adhere to one or more of the three approaches. Structured meal plans and exercise are often difficult to follow; and supplementation has always been confusing because of the sheer number of products on the market, skepticism on the effectiveness of supplements, and the recent attacks and bans on specific products because of perceived or demonstrated risks associated with their use.

Recent developments in energy homeostasis have focused on interactions between the digestive system and the central nervous system (CNS). When you eat (or even the think about eating!) your gut and brain send signals to each other by both nervous system reflexes, and by hormones secreted into your bloodstream. These hormones are special molecules secreted by cells within the digestive tract and also by neurons in your brain. The ultimate purpose of these signals is to tell you that you to obtain more food energy or that your stores are adequate – at least for the time being. These findings support the notion that interference with these signals not only cause overeating, but reduced physical activity as well. Thus, food itself can have a significant influence over your appetite and energy levels.

To help support your adherence to consistent meal plans, Metabolix has developed two food supplements, Appetite Inhibitor and Hormone Balance, designed to work in concert to help correct disturbances with the signals reaching your brain that tell you to eat or not eat, and also whether to physically move or remain inactive.

Appetite Inhibitor is a unique, scientifically derived, blend of components extracted from their natural sources, formulated to help you control the amount of food you eat and help stabilize your blood sugar levels between meals. Blood glucose is an important factor regulating both your food intake and energy level. Hoodia gordonii is a naturally growing cactus found in the desert regions of southern Africa. The leaves of this plant have been used for thousands of years by hunter-gatherer tribes of this region as a supplement to ward off hunger while out on day long and multi-day expeditions in search of food and supplies. Saponins found in the Hoodia cactus are believed to be responsible for this satiating effect. They belong to a class of phytochemical compounds referred to as triterpenoids (plant lipids/fats), which include phytosterols, bioflavonoids, and isoflavones, which include those found in soy products. Many of these molecules may have important potential health benefits with regards to both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. They also possess powerful anti-inflammatory and other biological actions. And even though these compounds have been identified and isolated, efforts to develop and market it as a pharmaceutical have not been successful. One reason being is that it has been demonstrated that the juice extracted directly from the Hoodia cactus is as potent as any of the laboratory produced derivatives that can be patented and sold as a drug.

How does it work? Shortly after eating a meal, signals are sent to an area of your brain called the hypothalamus. Within the hypothalamus receptors that receive these signals tell you that you are not hungry any longer and that you should stop eating. Conversely, if you go for an extended period without eating your hypothalamus releases another molecule, called NPY that blocks these receptors and tells you to eat. Hoodia is believed to signal these receptors indicating you have just eaten a (large) meal and/or it may diminish the release of NPY, keeping the receptors “open” and prevent subsequent feelings of hunger. Research has demonstrated that Hoodia is very effective and absolutely safe to ingest.

Another important component of Appetite Inhibitor is corosolic acid extracted from the Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba) plant. Corosolic acid is also a triterpenoid. Specifically, corosolic acid has been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels by enhancing the clearance of glucose from the blood into tissues, especially muscle. Corosolic acid may help to reduce body fat by reducing triglyceride (fat) accumulation in adipose tissue and the liver. As an additional health benefit, corosolic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Four additional components: Chromium Polynicotinate, Inositol, Green Tea Polyphenols, and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HT) make up the Appetite Inhibitor blend. Chromium and inositol are necessary for normal glucose and fat metabolism. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that potentiates the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for clearing glucose from your blood. Inositol, considered part of the B vitamin complex, is a major component of the lipid membrane that envelopes each of your body’s cells. One of its most important functions is its involvement in relaying messages inside the cell, especially those critical for carbohydrate metabolism. Inositol may be considered conditionally essential, meaning that although your body can make it, there are conditions that may lead to inositol deficiency thereby necessitating its supplementation. Green tea is known for its powerful antioxidant properties as well as reducing blood coagulation and promoting vasodilation, all of which provide benefits to the cardiovascular system. New evidence suggests that green tea may also contribute to lower and more stable blood glucose levels by enhancing the effectiveness of insulin and by reducing and/or slowing glucose uptake into your body from carbohydrates taken with meals.

5-HT is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin release in your brain is responsible for that calming effect following a large meal. Many people that go on eating binges do so in response to perceived emotional stress, and as a result raise the amount of serotonin in the brain. 5-HT can potentially help mimic the psychological effect of eating.

Thus Appetite Inhibitor provides an array of effective, safe, and research supported ingredients that will help you in sticking with your meal plans and exercise program.

References:

Anonymous: P 57 and food intake. Obesity Meds and Research News 2000.

Srinivas Nammi1, 3, Saisudha Koka1, Krishna M Chinnala2 and Krishna M Boini1, Obesity: An overview on its current perspectives and treatment options Nutrition Journal 2004, 3:3  doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-3-3

Judy WV, Hari SP, Stogsdill WW, Judy JS, Naguib YM, Passwater R. Antidiabetic activity of a standardized extract (Glucosol) from Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves in Type II diabetics. A dose-dependence study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Jul; 87(1):115-7. .