When taken together with an established patented herbal extract, the fibre inulin - extracted from chicory root - cut lunchtime calorie intake by an average of 26.7 per cent. This compares to a variable 12-26 per cent reduction in calorie intake reported for the leading weight-loss drug sibutramine.
In a study of 58 healthy - slightly overweight young women, researchers at the University of Liverpool tested the effect of an inulin drink together with an established yerba mate, guarana and damiana botanical blend (commercially available on the UK high street as ZotrimÒ). These were given before a fixed calorie breakfast and again before a buffet lunch where food intake was carefully measured.
In findings to be presented today, 14th July, at the International Congress on Obesity in Stockholm, researchers found that the botanical formula, soon to be available as Fibretrim, resulted in:
- 202 fewer calories (26.7%) consumed at lunch across all food types compared to a control (132 fewer calories for Zotrim and 90 fewer calories for inulin alone)
- 48.8% reduction in the gram intake of high fat sweet items
- A statistically significant reduction in ratings of hunger and desire to eat pre-lunch
Previous studies have shown that inulin may increase satiation by affecting the release of hormones that control eating from the gastrointestinal tract whereas Zotrim is known to reduce the time to perceived fullness. The mechanism by which inulin enhances the effect of the standard Zotrim formula remains to be established.
Dr Jason Halford, who led the study at the Kissileff Laboratory for Ingestive Behaviour at the University, reported that the 25% reduction shown by Zotrim/inulin was of a high magnitude, and unusually successful for a product of this kind.
It’s been demonstrated that Zotrim produces a robust acute effect on calorie intake. It will be interesting to see how these laboratory based findings translate into consumer experience for those trying to control their appetite and either prevent weight gain or lose weight.
