Weight Loss

Biography

Biography: Ahmad Alkhatib

Abstract

Natural herbs have been in use for weight loss purposes since the history began. However, the global obesity epidemic and the rise in obesity-related chronic diseases, including type-II diabetes and cancer, have highlighted the need for novel and effective approaches for herbal remedies. Whilst the popularity of several prescribed and non-prescribed slimming aids and herbal plant supplements have been marketed for their weight loss efficacy, single and multi-ingredient herbal supplements are still being investigated for their single or combined weight loss benefits. Limited research have highlighted an interesting efficacy for several popular herbal plant supplements including caffeine and capsaicin, Ayurvedic preparations and herbal teas, resulting in various degrees of effectiveness including thermogenic, appetite control and psychological benefits such as mood state. Recent research has suggested acute augmented weight-loss effects of combining herbal ingestion with exercise. For example, ingesting green tea, yerba mate and/or caffeine have been shown to increase metabolic rate, and augmented fatty acid metabolism and increase energy expenditure from fatty acid sources during exercise with various intensities, particularly low and moderate intensities. Other promising weight-loss effects have also been also reported for multi-ingredient herbal supplements, particularly those that are rich in phytochemicals and caffeoyl derivatives. Combining herbal ingestions with exercise still require further research in order to establish the supplement’s most effective protocols in terms of dosage and timing, and the long-term benefits, particularly those related to exercise protocols and exercise adherence.