Pharmacist says ingredients work ‘like weight loss jabs’
With 28% of UK adults now classified as obese – and a further 36% overweight – it’s little surprise that weight-loss injections have surged in popularity. An estimated 1.5 million people are already using them each month.
However, while the jabs can produce significant weight reduction, experts caution that they carry potential dangers and fail to address the underlying causes of weight gain.
Mike Wakeman, researcher, pharmacist and founder of Evera Nutrition, said: “These medicines primarily work by increasing levels of two hormones in the gut – GLP-1 and GiP – which reduce appetite, increase a feeling of fullness and slow gastric emptying. The problem is that many people rely on medication alone.
“However, stress, poor sleep, alcohol misuse, binge eating, and even certain medications or hormonal and medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid are often overlooked when it comes to weight issues. If these problems are not managed, they will still be problematic at the end of treatment and likely cause a rebound weight gain.
“New research has found that after stopping weight loss injections, participants regained almost all prior weight loss over the following year. Side effects are also common, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and reflux.
“Other more serious issues include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems and depression in some individuals. Muscle wastage also occurs a result of rapid weight loss, plus losing hair and sight has been another issue associated with the usage of weight loss injections.”
The ‘natural jab’ alternative
According to health professionals, an increasing amount of research indicates that specific natural compounds may help facilitate healthy weight reduction when paired with dietary and lifestyle modifications – without the same adverse effects.
Mike explained: “The good news is that natural ingredients can mimic the GLP, such as Glucomannan (a type of fibre), Resveratrol, Hibiscus, Green Tea, Berberine, Curcumin, Cinnamon and Mulberry. These ingredients are uniquely combined in New Evera Nutrition Go Lean Plus, which has been formulated to support appetite control, satiety and metabolic health alongside healthy eating and regular exercise.”
Components that act as ‘natural weight loss jabs’
Examining the scientific evidence supporting these compounds, Mike said: “Glucomannan is a natural fibre derived from konjac root that swells in the gut, helping you feel full and it may boost GLP1. Resveratrol, found in foods like grapes, has been shown to have a significant effect on BMI, waist circumference and bodyweight
“Hibiscus has been shown to reduce obesity, abdominal obesity and blood fats. Catechins (EGCG) as found in green tea have been found to significantly reduce body weight, BMI and waist circumference, especially at higher doses and longer durations, alongside a healthy diet and exercise. They boost metabolism and enhance fat burning.
“Berberine is a plant compound shown in a meta-analysis of 12 studies to reduce body weight, BMI and waist circumference. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. In an umbrella meta-analysis of 14 systematic reviews and 39 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that curcumin supplementation reduces body weight, BMI and waist circumference. It has an impact on blood sugar and blood fats.
“Cinnamon may help to reduce weight by improving blood sugar control. A meta-analysis of 12 trials in 734 people found that cinnamon reduces body weight, BMI and waist circumference. Mulberry has anti-obesity effects including activating brown fat.”
Mike added: “Some ingredients may also reinforce Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP4 Inhibition). DPP4 is an enzyme that breaks down GLP-1 and GiP, so DPP4 inhibition means blocking this enzyme from doing its job, hence it can’t break down GLP-1 and GiP as quickly. Ingredients that may have a role include Curcumin, Resveratrol, Cinnamon, Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Blackcurrant, Mulberry, Quercetin and Rosemary.”
