Reducing cravings: Monteloeder’s extracts positioned for pandemic-driven weight management

23 Feb 2022 --- Monteloeder’s Metabolaid has been found to be highly effective in increasing satiety effects and reducing food cravings. Specifically, the combined hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts help decrease appetite sensation and increase satiety several hours after a meal, resulting in less food intake.

“We expect these findings may lead to attractive claims, bringing more value to brands considering formulating with Metabolaid,” Marcos Lopez, regional director of business development for Monteloeder USA, tells NutritionInsight.

“The positive results of this study further enable us to confidently deliver a proven solution that provides the added support that so many consumers need right now in helping to keep hunger in check and effectively manage a healthy weight,” adds Dr. Jonathan Jones, chief scientific officer at Monteloeder.

Prioritize satiety
Satiety should be on top of formulators’ minds for a comprehensive approach to weight management, argues Lopez.

“Accumulated fat is a way for our body to store energy. When we are getting rid of the extra energy resources, our body reacts by inducing hunger to restore the stocks, and causing cravings that often lead to overeating.”

Traditional approaches to satiety regulation include the use of fibers and gums to physically fill the stomach, which often causes bloating and other adverse effects. Metabolaid acts at a hormonal level, avoiding these undesired effects and lasting all day with only one dose in the morning. 

The researchers are now developing further studies to more closely examine the variations in hormones and other markers observed in the study.

“Marked” reduction in calories
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human intervention study also demonstrated a decrease in leptin levels, which is a hormone found in high levels in obese people. Additionally, levels of GLP-1 – which helps induce satiety – were increased.

Decreased LDL cholesterol, increased HDL cholesterol and decreased fat mass were also detected in the group taking Metabolaid. 

The study was conducted with overweight individuals and concluded the group that consumed 500 mg daily Metabolaid extract for 60 days demonstrated a decrease in appetite sensation, a marked reduction in calorie intake and an improved lipidemic profile.Metabolaid is made from botanical ingredients with high polyphenol content. 

Providing extra validation
Jones notes that previous studies of Metabolaid have demonstrated its efficacy in activating AMPK ( a central regulator of energy homeostasis), supporting healthy weight and blood pressure, and optimizing lipid metabolism. 

“These latest positive conclusions on satiety provide additional validation for Metabolaid as an effective natural ingredient for weight management and active lifestyle supplements.”

The company, which Suanfarma has just acquired, has been building its Metabolaid offering for some time. In January, it even unveiled a tailored nutrition app of the same name, targeting weight loss and cardiovascular health. 

Previously, Metabolaid was also found to help support overweight individuals in reducing body weight and fat mass.

“I personally expect Suanfarma’s acquisition will only benefit our R&D efforts, as both companies understand the important role of research for continuous innovation and growth,” says Lopez.

COVID-19 drives weight concerns
This latest study comes at a time when many consumers are looking for natural solutions to help them effectively manage weight.

Monteloeder points to a study finding that 48% of US adults reported gaining weight during the pandemic, with factors contributing to this including less exercise and activity. 

However, stress was shown to be one of the most significant contributors during the pandemic. Stress and anxiety have clearly affected many consumers and led to more “stress eating” and difficulties with sleep and hormone balance.

Other industry players have also been taking a holistic approach to weight management, with Lallemand Health Solutions revealing a probiotic that improves eating and mood-related behaviors in overweight adults.

By Katherine Durrell