Integrative Therapies for Weight Loss

Many integrative therapies have been studied for their potential effects on weight loss. Among the foods, herbs, supplements and modalities that may aid in weight reduction are chitosan, konjac glucomannan, whey protein, psychotherapy and hydroxycitric acid.

Chitosan: Chitosan comes from chitin, which is part of the outer shell-like structure of insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Chitosan is sold in the United States and other countries as a form of dietary fiber that reduces fat absorption. However, scientific evidence suggests only a small effect of chitosan on fat absorption. While some studies suggest that chitosan is an effective weight loss therapy, others have found it is ineffective. More evidence is needed.

Konjac glucomannan: Glucomannan is a soluble and highly viscous dietary fiber. Although glucomannan is a term for a sugar derived from various sources, the most common meaning for glucomannan is for the soluble fiber derived from the root of Amorphophallus konjac (elephant yam or konjac plant). When consumed, it absorbs water in the digestive tract, reducing absorption of carbohydrates and cholesterol. It is this property that makes glucomannan a product of interest with respect to weight loss, blood sugar lowering, and cholesterol reduction. There is good evidence to support the use of glucomannan for cholesterol reduction, constipation, diabetes and weight loss.

Whey protein: Whey protein is one of the two major groups of proteins found in milk. It is a highly digestible source of protein. Whey protein has been found to reduce short-term food intake and may aid in reducing appetite. The role of whey protein in body weight control has also been studied. Whey protein may aid in weight loss, however, further research is necessary.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is an interactive process between a person and a qualified mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, licensed counselor, or other trained practitioner). Its purpose is the exploration of thoughts, feelings, and behavior for the purpose problem solving or achieving higher levels of functioning. Several studies indicate that people who are overweight or obese may benefit from behavioral and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy in combination with diet and exercise.

Hydroxycitric acid: (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a main component of the dried fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia, a native Southeast Asian plant commonly known as brindleberry or Malabar tamarind. HCA is present in high concentrations in Garcinia cambogia and is also found in the tropical plant Hibiscus sabdariffa. HCA is currently used in a number of over-the-counter weight loss products. HCA may also enhance exercise performance, but different studies have produced conflicting results. More high-quality clinical trials are needed.

For more information on integrative therapies studied for weight loss, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

Comments

[ks]

This is a great blog regarding weight loss options. It shows how although there are a few natural products that may help aid in a person losing weight, more research is needed and none of these are going to help you lose weight instantly. Konjac glucomannan seems to be the only one, so far, with any promising evidence. Psychotherapy also seems like it would be a great alternative to help patients really get to the root of their weight issues.

[Shannon]

That is a great point Daniel and Valerie!! Psychotherapy is a really important aspect of weight loss because it stems from somewhere and getting to the root of the problem is as important to overall health as is losing the weight. For example, I know when I am stressed I reach right for that box of Girl Scout Cookies, but it’s not because I am hungry it is because I am stressed. I think that in the past therapy, in general, has had a negative stigma attached to it. However, in the past few years I really think it is losing the negative connotations that go along with it. Psychotherapy has an evidence grade of B (good scientific evidence) for weight loss. People usually want that quick fix, especially when it comes to their weight, but unless they fix what is causing them to gain weight, whether it be depression or anxiety for example, they will just keep yo-yoing. I just think Daniel and Valerie brought to light a great point about the benefits of psychotherapy and weight loss.

[Valerie]

Daniel, you are so right! Psychotherapy is a very important aspect of weight loss that we tend to forget. Often times, weight gain is often a result of some underlying emotional issue that cannot be resolved through diet and exercise alone. In my recent research on diets, I have found a few programs that incorporate psychotherapy through emotional support groups, stress reducing strategies, food journals, etc. If more people included psychotherapy into their weight loss regime, they might find underlying emotional reasons for their unhealthy behaviors. For some people, this realization might just be the key to long-term weight loss and a happier, healthier life.

[Meredith]

I agree with previous posts that support the use of psychotherapy as an integrative approach for weight loss. Certain other approaches may have negative side effects that outweigh the minimal benefit for losing weight. For instance, chitosan may interfere with blood clotting and should probably not be used by individuals with disorders such as hyperhomocysteinemia. Also, the mechanism by which chitosan ‘binds to fat’ and prevents it from being absorbed through the intestines also allows it to bind to essential nutrients such as calcium and prevent these nutrients from being absorbed as well. Psychotherapy seems most beneficial since it allows individuals to determine WHY they gained weight in the first place. These causes can then be recognized and perhaps modified or corrected in the future.

[Amber]

When I read about the glucomannan I immediately thought about Chia seeds. I have heard that Chia also expands in the GI tract to increase satiety. Chia is evidence graded B for cardiovascular disease prevention because they contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. Chia is not graded in weight loss but it would be interesting to see the results should a study be done. Konjac glucomannan also has shown benefits in diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and constipation.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Daniel. People that are so overweight that they need therapy instead of just diet modifications and exercise most often have an underlying pathological or emotional problem. Also, note that many people who are actively seeking to lose weight don't really need it. They just want to achieve the shape of Hollywood actresses which is not necessarily healthy. Therefore, before initiating any therapy for weight loss, determine whether it is really needed, how much are you looking to lose (be realistic), and get to the root of the problem if you are really overweight and have trouble controlling your diet, possibly through psychotherapy.

[Shannon]

When reading this, it makes sense to me why Konjac glucomannan (especially) and whey protein aid in weight loss. The Konjac glucomannan is a dietary fiber, thus absorbing water in the GI tract (as is stated above) and causing satiation. The other properties of Konjac glucomannan, such as cholesterol lowering and relief of constipation, make sense due to known benefits of increased dietary fiber intake. As a long-distance runner, what really caught my eye in this posting was that hydroxycitric acid (HCA) might have the ability to enhance exercise endurance. Therefore, I looked into HCA and according to the Natural Standard database the proposed mechanism of action for this indication is increased fat oxidation. The efficacy of HCA for prolonged exercise endurance is still very much a controversial topic. Further research needs to be conducted before a conclusive statement can be made about efficacy - I am very interested to see the findings of this research.

[Amber]

I really like this blog because it looks at different aspects of weight loss. Glucomannan can help with the feeling of satiety- which is a big complaint of those dieting. I have seen whey in many article used to aid in weight loss. I've also seen dairy commercials stating that increasing dairy can help in weight loss. Whey in shake form can help curb hunger and helps people get in the protein needed to build muscle. When muscle mass is increased, more calories are burned at rest. Lastly, it touches on psychotherapy. This may help people get to the root of their weight issues and may help keep the weight lost gone for ever. This is a great blog!

[Valerie]

The subject of losing weight is one everyone is familiar with, especially around the beginning of a new year. A successful method of weight loss is not the same for everyone so it is refreshing to see some integrative therapies being mentioned as well. People who have struggled with the traditional diet/exercise routine may be able to boost their results with the help of some of these therapies. For those interested in more information on the subject check out the Comparative Effectiveness Database on Natural Standard and look up weight reduction.

[Anonymous]

It is interesting to read that whey protein can be used for weight loss. I’ve only witnessed whey protein used for weight gain or to increase muscle mass. I guess you would have to carefully follow dosing and therapy instructions to ensure the desired effect.

[Daniel]

It's great to see psychotherapy listed as a therapy for weight loss! Everyone wants a quick-fix these days, so psychotherapy isn't as appealing as a magic pill, but from where I stand it actually drives at the root of the problem: emotion. Eating feels good! It lights up the same reward pathways as sex, water, alcohol, and narcotics. In this way, pathological eating behaviors are legitimate addictions. To me, weight issues are just a symptom of an underlying pathopsychological process. Therapy aims to fix that. Anything else is just a band-aid.