Glucosyl Hesperidin and Caffeine may Reduce Obesity

A recent study shows that glucosyl hesperidin and caffeine reduce body fat and may be useful to treat obesity.

A recent study published in the Nutrition Journal indicates that a combination of glucosyl hesperidin and caffeine reduces body fat, and may be useful in the treatment of obesity.

Excessive weight gain is a common problem that affects us physically as well as psychologically. A healthy diet and regular physical exercise are often adequate to prevent obesity. Unfortunately, our current lifestyles cannot accommodate these factors and we are always looking for quick fixes.

Obesity - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Complications, Treatment
Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults.

‘Glucosyl hesperidin and caffeine reduce body fat and may be useful to treat obesity.’

Japanese researchers investigated the anti-obesity effect of two dietary components - Glucosyl hesperidin or G-hesperidin and caffeine, when given in the form of a tablet. G-hesperidin, is obtained from oranges. Previous studies have indicated that it reduces triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat, which at high levels can cause heart, liver and pancreatic disease. Caffeine is a common component of beverages like tea, coffee and colas, which are consumed all over the world.

The study was carried out in 75 individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 24–30 kg/m2 and serum triglycerides levels of 100–250 mg/dl. A body mass index of between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered as normal. Serum triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg/dl are usually considered as normal, while those between 150 and 199 mg/dl are considered as borderline high.

The subjects were asked to take one tablet daily containing 500 mg of G-hesperidin, alone or in combination with 25, 50 or 75 mg of caffeine for a period of 12 weeks. One group of patients received placebo for comparison.

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The researchers measured changes in two aspects of abdominal fat, the subcutaneous fat and the visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the fat located just below the skin. It has been associated with conditions like osteoarthritis of the knee, sleep apnea and menstrual abnormalities. Visceral fat, or fat that is located around organs is considered to be more dangerous due to its association with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The subcutaneous fat area (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) were estimated using a fat scan.

The researchers noted the following:

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i) Significant decrease in the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) was noticed at 12 weeks in individuals who took G-hesperidin with 50 mg or 75 mg caffeine.

ii) Visceral fat area (VFA) did not reduce with treatment with G-hesperidin with or without caffeine.

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iii) Decrease in body weight and body mass index was noted in the G-hesperidin and 75 mg caffeine group.

iv) Cholesterol levels including triglyceride levels were not significantly reduced, as determined by blood tests.

v) Symptoms like common cold, pollen allergy, ringing in the ears, and pain were noted in the participants during the study, but were unlikely to be caused by the medication.

Based on their findings, the researchers therefore propose that the combination of G-hesperidin and caffeine may be useful in treating patients with obesity. Further studies would be needed to conclusively prove their findings, before the combination can be approved for the purpose.

Source-Medindia