Marketed supplement boosts weight loss and increases muscle mass in overweight men and women

Introduction

There are many products that claim to reduce fat and body weight, but are rarely tested using the scientific method.

This study looked at the safety and ability of this supplement to see if it performs as it claims.

It contains various ingredients:

Capsaicin

Caffeine

Citrus aurantium

Garlic

Raspberry ketone

Ginger

The product is known as Prograde MetabolismTM (METABO).

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Methods

This was a double-blind study- meaning individuals did not know whether they were consuming the placebo or the supplement.

The placebo is a harmless pill that has no physiological effect on the individual.

70 overweight individuals were selected and randomly placed in the METABO treated group or the placebo group for 8 weeks.

The two groups took the supplement (recommended daily dosage) or placebo, were on a calorie restricted diet (500 kcal deficit, details below) and exercised.

Scientists analyzed body composition, heart rate, blood pressure and inflammation.

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Results

Of the 70 individuals that started the study, only 45 completed it.

METABO: 27 total; men (12) and women (15)

Placebo: 18 total; men (7) and women (11)

They found that the METABO supplement did the following:

1. Reduced body weight

2. Increased muscle mass

3. Decreased waist size

4. Decreased hip size

5. Increased Leptin – suppresses appetite

6. Increased energy levels

7. Safety of the product was established

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Conclusion

METABO is safe and effective for weight loss, gaining muscle, increasing energy and suppressing appetite.

More studies are needed to identify how these ingredients work together to produce these beneficial effects.

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Reflection

Supplement seems to be effective.

What is bothersome about this study was the small placebo group, it can affect the statistics a bit.

But there were a good number of individuals within the METABO group so the information seems valid.

I think it is necessary to repeat this study to identify the mechanism of action of the ingredients, as well as increasing sample size to account for potential drop-outs.

*Before consuming supplements, consult with a physician, individuals can be affected differently.

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Sources

Image courtesy of:

“Do Weight Loss Pills Actually Work?” Healthy Diet Advisor, 7 Sept. 2017, www.healthydietadvisor.com/weight-loss/pills/do-weight-loss-pills-actually-work/.

Scientific Article courtesy of:

Lopez, Hector L, et al. Eight weeks of supplementation with a multi-Ingredient weight loss product enhances body composition, reduces hip and waist girth, and increases energy levels in overweight men and women. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, BioMed Central, 19 Apr. 2013, jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-10-22.

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