Obesity and nutraceuticals
Obesity is, nowadays, a global public health problem with about 315 million people involved. Obesity is a risk factor for many disorders such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, angina pectoris, hyperlipidemia, respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis, cancer, renal vein thrombosis and reduced fertility.
One of the primary causes of obesity is the increased availability of high-fat, energy-dense foods. There is a very high prevalence of obesity globally and hence nutrition and exercise play a key role in its prevention and treatment. Nutraceutical interventions are currently being investigated on a large-scale basis as potential treatments for obesity and weight management. Nutraceuticals such as capsaicin conjugated linoleic acid, Momordica charantia and Psyllium fiber possess potential anti obesity properties.
Although excessive consumption of energy-rich foods such as snacks, processed foods and drinks causes weight gain, however, caloric restriction and increased physical activity has been shown to be only moderately successful in managing obesity. Therefore, researchers and obese individuals are seeking the help of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals to prevent or treat obesity. An effective nutraceutical that can increase energy expenditure and/or decrease caloric intake is desirable for body weight reduction. Herbal stimulants, such as caffeine, ephedrine, chitosan, ma huang-guarana, and green tea are effective in facilitating body weight loss. However, their use is controversial due to their ability to cause side-effects. Green tea extract and 5-hydroxytryptophan may promote weight loss, while the former increases the energy expenditure, the latter decreases appetite.