There are two ways to lose weight — either reduce energy intake, or increase energy expenditure. Because hypothyroidism — even after treatment — may reduce energy expenditure in some people, patients naturally are looking for options that can help safely help raise the metabolism.

In a study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it was found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a measure of metabolism), plus also had a significant effect on fat oxidation. While some of the effects were originally theorized to be due to the caffeine content of green tea, the researchers discovered that the tea actually has properties that go beyond those that would be explained by the caffeine.

The same amount of caffeine as was in the green tea, administered alone, failed to change energy expenditure in other studies. This led reseachers to believe that there is some interaction going on with the active ingredients of green tea that promotes increased metabolism and fat oxidation.

The researchers indicated that their findings have substantial implications for weight control. A 4% overall increase in 24-hour energy expenditure was attributed to the green tea extract, however, the research found that the extra expenditure took place during the daytime. This led them to conclude that, since thermogenesis (the body’s own rate of burning calories) contributes 8-10% of daily energy expenditure in a typical cubject, that this 4% overall increase in energy expenditure due to the green tea actually translated to a 35-43% increase in daytime thermogenesis.

GJan. 26, 2005 — Need another healthy reason to drink green tea? Aside from fighting heart disease, cancer, and other diseases, a new study shows that drinking green tea may also fight fat.

The study showed that people who drank a bottle of tea fortified with green tea extract every day for three months lost more body fat than those who drank a bottle of regular oolong tea.

Researchers say the results indicate that substances found in green tea known as catechins may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and decreasing body fat.

The findings appear in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Green Tea: Fat Fighter?

Black tea, oolong tea, and green tea come from the same Camellia sinensis plant. But unlike the other two varieties, green tea leaves are not fermented before steaming and drying.

Most teas contain large amounts of polyphenols, which are plant-based substances that have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral properties.

However, green tea is particularly rich in a type of polyphenols called catechins. These substances have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but recent research in animals show that catechins may also affect body fat accumulation and cholesterol levels.

In this study, researchers looked at the effects of catechins on body fat reduction and weight loss in a group of 35 Japanese men. The men had similar weights based on their BMI (body mass index, an indicator of body fat) and waist sizes.

The men were divided into two groups. For three months, the first group drank a bottle of oolong tea fortified with green tea extract containing 690 milligrams of catechins, and the other group drank a bottle of oolong tea with 22 milligrams of catechins.

During this time, the men ate identical breakfasts and dinners and were instructed to control their calorie and fat intake at all times so that overall total diets were similar.

After three months, the study showed that the men who drank the green tea extract lost more weight (5.3 pounds vs. 2.9 pounds) and experienced a significantly greater decrease in BMI, waist size, and total body fat.

In addition, LDL “bad” cholesterol went down in the men who drank the green tea extract.

The catechin content varies by amount of green tea used and steeping time. But general recommendations, based on previous studies on the benefits of green tea, are at least 4 cups a day. Green tea extract supplements are also available.

Researchers say the results indicate that catechins in green tea not only help burn calories and lower LDL cholesterol but may also be able to mildly reduce body fat.

“These results suggest that catechins contribute to the prevention of and improvement in various lifestyle-related diseases, particularly obesity,” write researcher Tomonori Nagao of Health Care Products Research Laboratories in Tokyo, and colleagues.

SOURCE: Nagao, T. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2005; vol 81: 122-129.

Is Alli the solution to your weight-loss woes? A Mayo Clinic specialist discusses the effectiveness of Alli, an over-the-counter weight-loss pill.Another drug is available to aid your weight-loss efforts, but this time you don’t need a prescription. Alli (pronounced AL-eye) is meant for overweight adults who are struggling to shed excess pounds. With its easy access and weight-loss promises, is Alli your answer to losing weight permanently? Here, Donald Hensrud, M.D., a preventive medicine and nutrition specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., answers common questions about Alli.

What is Alli?Alli is the reduced-strength version of orlistat (Xenical), a prescription drug to treat obesity. It’s approved for over-the-counter sale to overweight adults 18 years and older. Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise.How does Alli work?Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines, which reduces the number of calories you absorb.Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components, so it can be used or stored for energy. Alli works by disabling lipase, which prevents the enzyme from breaking down the fat while it’s in your digestive tract.

The undigested fat continues through the intestines and is eliminated through bowel movements.Alli is taken with fat-containing meals, up to three times a day. Because of how Alli works, it’s recommended that you eat no more than 15 grams of fat with each meal. Eating higher amounts of fat can cause unwanted effects, such as urgent bowel movements, diarrhea and gas with oily spotting.How much weight could I lose using Alli?Alli can help you lose weight, but the weight loss likely won’t be great — perhaps just a few pounds more than you would lose with diet and exercise alone. Only a small number of studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Alli. And many of the weight-loss estimates are based on studies conducted on its prescription-strength counterpart, Xenical.

The average weight loss for prescription-strength Xenical is modest — about 6 pounds greater than diet and exercise alone after one year. So at half the strength, Alli could conceivably result in an average of 3 pounds lost in a year in addition to the approximately 8 pounds you could expect to lose from diet and exercise alone.When shouldn’t I take Alli?You shouldn’t take Alli if you:Are at a healthy weight Are taking cyclosporine Have had an organ transplant Have problems absorbing food The drug also may pose risks for anyone who takes blood-thinning medication or has diabetes or thyroid disease.Orlistat decreases the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins — for example, vitamins A, D and E. If you’re taking Alli, you need to take a daily vitamin supplement (at a time different from when you take Alli) to prevent potential nutrient deficiencies.How long do I need to take Alli?According to the manufacturer, most weight loss occurs within the first six months.

Many people who take medications to lose weight regain the weight they lost when they stop taking the medication. Therefore, to keep the weight off, many people continue taking medications indefinitely along with eating a low-calorie diet and exercising regularly.How does Alli fit into a healthy weight-loss plan?As you consider Alli as a weight-loss aid, make sure that you make every effort to exercise, change your eating habits and adjust any other lifestyle factors that have contributed to your excess weight. Alli isn’t the easy answer to weight loss and is meant only to supplement — not replace — a healthy diet and regular exercise.Work with your doctor to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of Alli or any other weight-loss drugs. As a team, you can create the most effective weight-loss plan for you.

alli Weight Loss Pill

Time is ticking on the miracle diets, the untested, the untrue. Now you can look at weight loss differently.alli™ is the only FDA approved, over-the-counter weight loss product. But it’s more than just a pill. It’s an innovative weight loss program.

The pill works by preventing your body from absorbing some of the fat you eat. And the program includes an individually tailored, online action plan to help you lose weight safely and gradually.What makes alli different?FDA approval makes alli different. And the customized plan was designed for use with alli capsules to give you the support you need to succeed with weight loss.With your hard work and alli, you can lose about 50% more weight than with just dieting alone. That means if you could lose 10 pounds through dieting, you could lose 15 with alli.So what’s myalliplan™?Losing weight is easier with support. That’s why the alli program includes an individually tailored action plan called myalliplan.

When you purchase alli and register online, you’ll get a free customized action plan.When you check in online, you’ll receive immediate feedback and specific guidance, developed by weight management experts.When you’re not online, you can still partner with alli when you use the portable reference guides inside the alli starter pack. They include the “Read Me First” Guide, Welcome Guide, Companion Guide, Calorie & Fat Counter, Healthy Eating Guide, Daily Journal, and Quick Facts Cards — the tools you need to be successful with alli.Can I do this?Absolutely. If you’re willing to challenge yourself, to do things differently, then you can experience weight loss success. But if you aren’t committed to limiting your fat intake and calories as part of the program, then you shouldn’t buy alli. Not right now. If the timing isn’t right for you, come back to gotalli.com in the future to learn more about alli.

How Nail Fungus Tropical Treatments Can Aid the Quick Treatment of Onchomycosis

How Nail Fungus Tropical Treatments Can Aid the Quick Treatment of OnchomycosisThere are some infections that may scatter through the frames of your nail. An example of a fungal infection that may take place is called an Onychomycosis. Although their visibility is not rare, these infections still seem to be challenging to treat.

There are more than 14% reported cases of this disease; however it may still not be accurate. Non-dermatophytic molds like a Scytalidium Dimidatum, and Dermatophytes are the ones who may be responsible for certain infections in the nails. Among the four clinical presentations, the Distal and Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis is the most common. A very dangerous type of infection is a Proxymal Subungual Onychomycosis. This is because they tend to be associated with AIDS.After your nails become infected with Onychomycosis, they tend to be thick, dull, fragile, and frail. When the fungus starts to lift the whole nail off the patient, they will start to feel the pain. As it happens to all of the nails, this will eventually result to further loss.

There have been various ways formulated to treat the fungal infection, and these include surgical procedures and the use of chemicals over the infected areas of the nails by Topical Antifungal solutions. Usually, you would have to use the product for about six months to see the result. Surgical procedures have a high success rate. But there are still chances of permanent nail loss, and the patient may find the procedures painful. Most products have instructions like this, when using Topical Treatment on their infections: Use daily on the area infected. Each morning, the debris that remains should be removed using a spatula. Normally, the treatment lasts for two to four weeks.After going through the Topical method, and if there are still fungal infections, it may have to be removed surgically. Or, they can also recommend a prolonged treatment. In some cases, an Oral Treatment may already be required. This may take up to 6 months and may even have certain side effects.