Obesity is becoming a global health problem and is dangerously close to becoming an epidemic among Indians as well. A number of studies are being conducted to identify as many natural chemicals as possible with fat-saving properties and to incorporate them into dietary correction approaches. As part of this effort, curcumin in turmeric has consistently shown in tests to be beneficial in weight management. A new meta-analysis review has been published American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Thai researchers found that curcumin supplementation was associated with lower body mass index (BMI), body weight, and waist circumference in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and metabolic syndrome (1).✔ ✔Reliable Source
Effects of curcumin supplementation on weight loss and anthropometric indices: an umbrella review and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Go to source
).
Curcumin in Turmeric: A Natural Boost for Weight Loss and Metabolism
The study even suggested that curcumin supplementation could be included in any lifestyle changes given the effects of curcumin on subjects. This is mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its role in increasing the body’s metabolism, which stimulates fat and calorie burning. “Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it reduces fat cell formation, increases fat cell death, and alters fat-related hormones. And in this study, the effect of these properties was limited to weight and waist circumference,” says Dr. Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis CDOC Diabetes and Allied Sciences Hospital.
Optimal Dosage and Curcumin Formulations for Effective Weight Loss
Many studies have found that a daily dose of 1,600 mg of curcumin is required to achieve the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects needed to facilitate weight loss. However, when taking a turmeric supplement, make sure it is mixed with piperine or black pepper to increase curcumin bioavailability for absorption. Otherwise, only turmeric will be useful. “Of the 50 included studies, there were three types of curcumin formulations, such as whole compounds (N turmeric rhizome, powder or capsule = 5), curcumin extracts with doses ranging from 2000 to 3000 mg/day, 500 to 1950 mg/day. day (N = 15) and bioavailability-enhanced formulation (N = 27) The bioavailability-enhanced formulation had varying doses of curcumin ranging from 500 to 1000 mg and piperine at 5 to 10 mg/day with the addition of nano curcumin from 80 to 180 mg/day. up to 250-1000 mg/day as liposome phytosome or phospholipid, micelles 294 mg/day, and amorphous dispersion 500 mg/day.BDI (in kg/m2) classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) < 25 (N = 2), 25-29.9 (N = 32), 30-34.9 (N =15) and 35.0-39.9 (N =1) All affected waist measurements and weight before and after intake,” explains Dr Misra.
How curcumin targets obesity-related cytokines and hormones
One of the pioneers of functional medicine and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Amy Myers wrote about how obesity is linked to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. “This causes chronic inflammation in your gut, which damages your health and metabolism.” The hormones leptin and adiponectin are secreted by adipose tissue, or your body fat. Leptin helps control appetite and store fat. Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory properties, helps regulate metabolism and protects against insulin resistance.
Effect of Curcumin on Leptin, Adiponectin and Metabolic Syndrome
Excess body fat can now increase leptin levels by reducing adiponectin levels. Adipose tissue malfunction and prolonged low-grade inflammation can result. Because inflammation and obesity are linked, weight loss is difficult. According to a study, curcumin can alleviate inflammatory markers associated with obesity… Curcumin was found to significantly reduce weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). “Of particular note, all of the more than 1,600 subjects had metabolic syndrome and related disorders known to interfere with weight loss,” he writes.
Anti-inflammatory and weight management potential of curcumin
“Curcumin is a bioactive compound found in turmeric, a spice widely used in traditional medicine and cooking. It has been found to have a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin has been identified as having anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly well-studied because chronic inflammation causes many chronic diseases and this affects our weight profile,” says Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, Chief Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals.
Exploring the Therapeutic Applications of Curcumin
“Studies show that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even depression. In addition, curcumin has been shown to improve cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Curcumin’s antioxidant properties also help prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s making it a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases such as diabetes and some types of cancer. Although much is still being learned about the potential health benefits of curcumin, current research suggests that it may have promising therapeutic applications. However, it should be noted that “Further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of curcumin supplementation, as well as its potential interactions with other medications,” he adds.
References:
- Effects of curcumin supplementation on weight loss and anthropometric parameters: an umbrella review and updated meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials – (https:ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)46260-0/full text)
Source: Medium