Reading time: 8 minDistribution of overweight and obesity
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in both developed and developing countries, so much so that the World Health Organization in 1998
coined the term “global obesity epidemic.”
Prevalence data of overweight and obesity in the Italian population evaluated by the latest survey
ISTAT multipurpose surveys confirm the global trend and highlight a significant increase in these conditions since 1994.
Cause
Overweight and obesity are caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors that lead to the development of a positive energy balance over a long period of time, meaning that the calories consumed are greater than those burned.
Genetic causes
Genetic predisposition appears to act under the combined action of numerous “susceptibility genes” (ne
More than 600 have been identified) that increase the risk of developing a positive energy balance
when you are exposed to an environment that promotes overeating and/or reduced physical activity.
The role of genetics in the development of obesity, although it has been demonstrated unequivocally, should not be overemphasized: human genes cannot have undergone such significant and rapid mutations to explain the dramatic increase in the worldwide prevalence of obesity observed in recent years.
ten years.
The main culprit of the global obesity epidemic is the environment in which we live which, by promoting unhealthy behaviors, favors the development of overweight and obesity especially in individuals
genetically predisposed.
Environmental causes
Numerous studies have repeatedly highlighted that dietary factors, particularly levels of fat, sugar, and, more generally, calorie intake, are the main culprits in the development of overweight and obesity.
Excessive calorie intake can result from bad habits learned throughout life, from an environment too rich in food that stimulates overeating or from some emotional problems.
which are accompanied by excessive eating.
Physical activity
Physical activity is the most variable element of energy balance, accounting for 20-40% of energy expenditure.
total daily energy intake. In developed countries, the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity is
in parallel with the decrease in physical activity levels and the increase in sedentary behaviors.
Medical complications
Numerous studies have shown that overweight and obesity are associated with an increase in all causes of death and significantly increase the risk of developing certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep and breathing disorders, and some forms of cancer. Obesity, with today's knowledge, can no longer be considered a simple aesthetic problem affecting some people, but a major medical issue that threatens the overall health and well-being of the population.
How to lose weight?
WEIGHT LOSS is a matter of BALANCE between calories in and calories out.
On a physiological level, therefore, we will have to:
1- INCREASE MUSCLE MASS: This can be achieved through regular physical activity and a balanced diet that includes the right amount of protein and all macronutrients and micronutrients. Increasing the metabolically active tissue, such as muscle, will increase the individual's basal metabolic rate.
2- FOLLOW AN APPROPRIATE DIET: Paying attention to the quality and quantity of nutrients introduced, a calorie deficit must be established in a weight loss process.
How can integration help us?
Supplementation can be an excellent tool for promoting patient compliance because, on the one hand, it can promote an increase in caloric expenditure and, on the other, it can promote a sense of satiety.
Let's see which active ingredients can be useful in this regard:
Thermogenic supplements and nutraceuticals
Thermogenics are composed of natural active ingredients that allow you to better utilize excess fat deposits. This allows the body to find the energy it needs internally, leading to natural and gradual weight loss, and most importantly, without causing physical stress.
Many thermogenic supplements contain stimulants that promote physical activity and, consequently, increase muscle mass. Additionally, they often contain antioxidant properties, which help combat free radicals, which are thought to be responsible for the onset of many degenerative diseases.
Caffeine
Caffeine is found not only in coffee beans, but also in tea leaves, chocolate, cocoa, mate, guarana, and kola nuts.
- It stimulates the central nervous system, reducing the perception of fatigue but also blocking a substance, adenosine, which has a calming effect on nerve cells. This excitatory action translates into enhanced activation of motor neurons, the nerves that connect to muscles and allow them to contract.
- Improving muscle contraction, thanks to its influence on the fine biochemical mechanisms involving calcium, sodium, potassium and some enzymes.
- By increasing the heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart, because it stimulates the production of adrenaline.
- By improving the use of fat as energy fuel, thanks to its stimulating effects on hormones and enzymes. Hormonally, caffeine promotes the release of adrenaline and increases levels of cyclic AMP, an activator of fat-burning enzymes, namely lipases.
niacin
From niacin or vitamin B3 the liver obtains two different coenzymes (NAD and NADP), responsible in particular for the metabolism of carbohydrates or fatty acids, used for energy purposes.
Destroyed
Naringin is the main flavanone glycoside that characterizes the bitter flavor of Citrus fruits. This molecule has numerous health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering, cardiovascular benefits, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Bitter orange
The extract of the peel of the unripe fruit contains a rare composition of sympathomimetic amines, in particular Synephrine, a substance capable of increasing the beta-oxidation of fats, especially visceral fat present in the abdominal area.
This particular selective thermogenic activity and safety of use are linked to the fact that the phytocomplex acts selectively on beta-3 adrenergic receptors, mainly present in abdominal adipose tissue and in the liver and responsible for lipolysis processes.
Senna
Senna is able to regulate intestinal transit by determining a "re-education" of the lazy intestine, thanks to the presence of particular active ingredients, anthraquinone glucosides, which promote evacuation.
Rhubarb
Rhein, the plant's typical active ingredient, along with tannins, dietary fiber, anthraquinone glucosides, chrysophanic acid and chrysophanol, along with pectins, folic and gallic acids, give the plant its digestive, hepatoprotective, purgative, depurative and decongestant properties.
Chili pepper
Therapeutically, its primary function is to promote the secretion of gastric juices and aid digestion, thanks to the presence of capsaicin, its main alkaloid. Chili pepper also improves circulation, is an excellent cardioprotective, and has vasodilatory properties. It allows capillaries to remain elastic and improves blood oxygenation. These functions are due to the unsaturated fatty acids present in the seed, which strengthen blood vessels.
Theobromine
Theobromine is a natural alkaloid found in cocoa plants and its derivatives. It is also found in small amounts in tea leaves, guarana, cola, and mate.
It has a stimulating action on the central nervous system and has draining, diuretic and antioxidant properties.
Sanguisorba
It is a plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. It has been shown to promote weight loss, adipose tissue weight reduction, and a reduction in the accumulation of adipocyte triglycerides.
Appetite suppressant nutraceuticals
Glucomannan
Glucomannan is recommended for treating constipation, for weight loss (in both adults and children), for type 2 diabetes, for controlling blood sugar levels, and for reducing blood cholesterol.
In fact, in the stomach, glucomannan swells, increasing the feeling of satiety and, once it reaches the intestine, it helps to reduce the absorption of fats and slow down that of sugars, carrying out a hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic action.
Guar Seeds
Guar gum is used in diets aimed globally at controlling or preventing body weight reductionIts remarkable hygroscopic properties promote gastric distension, reflexively inhibiting appetite.
Acacia gum
The following properties are attributed to acacia:
- Antispasmodica
- stomachica
- carminative
- cholagogue
- emollient
- anti-inflammatory
These properties are conferred by the phytocomplex which includes a large quantity of substances including glucosides, tannins, essential oil, enzymes, flavonoids, mucilages, organic acids that aid digestion and counteract the intestinal absorption of fats and sugars.
Griffonia
The properties of Griffonia that help us stay in shape are concentrated above all in seedsThe latter contain active ingredients that help us both againstobesity and the overweight both against other disorders, such as sleep and mood disorders.
The seeds are rich in 5-hydroxytryptophan, a direct precursor of serotonin, one of the main neurotransmitters in the nervous system.
Today it is used to treat compulsive eating, and its effects are even more effective if we consider that this hormone helps limit the consumption of addictive foods, especially sweets.
Yerba Mate
The mix of caffeine, vitamins and minerals in mate has positive effects on health, including:
- Satiating effect: Yerba Mate is often recommended as a natural aid in weight loss diets, as it helps increase metabolism, facilitating the elimination of excess calories.
- Diuretic effect: mate purifies the body by expelling toxins and other waste substances from the body.
- Slimming effect: its "slimming" effect would be supported by chlorogenic acid, as well as the lipolytic activity of caffeine which is useful for fighting water retention
- Digestive effect: it can aid digestion, significantly reducing the amount of time food remains stored in the stomach and intestines, thus contributing to a feeling of satiety.
We can find these precious components in Nutrifarma products:
Contains bitter orange, which promotes body weight balance, chili pepper to stimulate metabolism and digestive function, niacin which contributes to normal energy metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, grapefruit, with antioxidant action, senna and rhubarb, useful for regular intestinal transit, maitake for the body's natural defenses.
Dosage and directions for use: take one or two capsules a day, followed by a large glass of water
Optimagra is a dietary supplement with acacia gum, useful for its emollient and soothing properties (digestive system), carbohydrate and cholesterol metabolism, and intestinal flora balance, and guar seeds, which modulate nutrient absorption and promote satiety. With glucomannan, arabinogalactan, and fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
Dosage and directions for use: take 2 or 3 capsules, twice a day, accompanied by a large glass of water, before meals.
Termolip Slim
Termolip Slim is a nutraceutical for body weight control based on plant extracts that promote lipid metabolism, body balance and reduce the feeling of hunger.
Contains Yerba Mate for body weight balance and lipid metabolism, Griffonia for the feeling of hunger and Sanguisorba for the regularity of intestinal transit
Dosage and directions for use: take 1 tablet per day
It stimulates lipolysis, promotes body recomposition, and improves mood. Movadip is a dietary supplement made from plant extracts that, due to its composition, can be useful as an adjunct to low-calorie diets aimed at weight management. It contains griffonia, which helps control hunger, and cocoa, which has a tonic effect and supports metabolism.
Dr. Sara Bernardi
Nutritionist Biologist and Pharmacist
Bibliography
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