In Australia, 50% of women and 66% of men are regarded as overweight or obese.

Excess weight gain is defined as being more than 20% above normal weight, having body-fat percentage greater than 30% or a body mass index (MBI) of 27-35+. BMI is calculated by dividing body weight in kg by height in meters squared.

Weight regulation depends on genetics, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Imbalances between these factors can disrupt the healthy function of the following:

Fat cells – white adipose tissue (WAT) stores energy as fat and brown adipose tissue (BAT) releases energy through thermogenesis (energy expenditure). Overweight people have higher numbers of WAT and lower numbers of BAT.

Blood glucose – insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which facilitates the uptake of glucose by the liver and muscles to convert it to glycogen and energy. Overweight people frequently have insulin resistance resulting in metabolic problems including elevated blood glucose, high cholesterol and blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

Appetite & calories - leptin is a hormone which regulates appetite and thermogenesis. Overweight people have high leptin levels and leptin resistance resulting in an increased food intake and the squirreling away of fat.

Metabolic rate - thyroid hormones regulate basal metabolic rate (resting energy) and facilitate thermogenesis, brain serotonin production and regulation of food cravings. Overweight people commonly have low serotonin levels which contribute to disturbances in appetite, body temperature, moods and sleep.

Stress response – chronic stress causes high cortisol levels, stimulates appetite, raises blood glucose, alters thyroxine conversion, induces insulin and leptin resistance, inhibits fat breakdown and increases weight gain.

General health – excessive weight gain is associated with the development of insulin resistance, diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammation, toxicity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Lifestyle – overwork, lack of exercise, reduced rest, chronic tension and irregular eating habits – especially eating late at night when calories go straight to fat – along with inadequate or poor quality sleep make effective weight loss impossible.

Age – muscle mass, metabolic rate and physical activity decline with age and contributes to weight gain.

Treatment

Achieving weight loss is one of the greatest health challenges. Lasting results frequently require people do more than eat less calorie-rich food and exercise regularly.

In fact, appropriate herbal therapy can enhance the results of a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise to support healthy weight loss and body composition for overweight people and those wanting to maintain healthy metabolic function.

Specific herbs are evidenced to help improve fat metabolism, support normal thyroid function, and promote normal blood sugar regulation. In addition, appropriate herbal therapy can help reduce stress, enhance restful sleep and increase energy.

Diet and Exercise

A realistic goal is to lose 5-10% of body weight in the first 6 months – equivalent to 300-500g every 7-14 days. For overweight people, decreasing calorie intake by 300-500 kcal/ day and for obese people (BMI of 35+) a 500-1000 kcal/ day decrease will help achieve this goal.

A low fat, low refined carbohydrate (low-GI), low-calorie diet rich in vegetables and vegetable protein that provides 1200-1600 kcal per day is the aim. For most people, this means lowering their intake or increasing their output by 500 to 1000 calories per day.

Regular aerobic exercise plus resistance weight training for 30-45 minutes, 3-5 times/ week, increases lean muscle mass, increases metabolic rate, reverses insulin resistance, reduces cardiovascular disease risks and elevates moods and wellbeing.

Herbal Therapy

Beneficial herbs to assist with healthy weight management include:

Garcinia quaesita fruit rind, a source of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), has been used for centuries in Southeastern Asia to make meals more filling. Scientific evidence demonstrates that 1200-2800mg of HCA per day for 8-12 weeks aids weight management by curbing appetite and inhibiting body fat biosynthesis.

Coleus forskohlii root extract – equivalent to forskolin 50mg per day – shows positive effects in overweight people by promoting healthy thyroid function and stimulating fat metabolism.

Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract – equivalent to gymnemic acid 100mg per day – can help promote normal blood sugar regulation – especially with chromium – to improve outcomes in weight management.

Cinnamomum cassia stem bark extract can inhibit an enzyme to support normal leptin and insulin action in maintaining healthy metabolic function and body weight.

Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) leaf extract – equivalent to catechins 690mg per day – helps control body fat composition via activation of thermogenesis and regulation of fat oxidation (burning calories).

Panax notoginseng (Tienchi Ginseng) root to help muscles burn fat for energy, and promote stamina and endurance.

Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Sacred Basil or Tulsi) and Magnolia officinalis support stress adaptation, lower cortisol levels and increase brain serotonin.

Zizyphus spinosa, Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower), Albizia julibrissin and Polygala sibirica reduce nervous tension and promote quality sleep.