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Weight Loss And CLA
 
Obesity is one of the greatest problems facing Americans today. It is easy to see it in every sporting event, mall or theme park in America. Obesity is so common in the United States that being at a normal weight is considered a rare commodity. In the 1980s, Americans gained an average of eight pounds each, which translates into about 1 million tons of fat or 2 billion total American pounds. At this point, as many as two in three Americans can be called overweight. Most people are aware of the many health risks of being overweight; namely, heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Those are just the physical aspects, as being overweight can have dramatic consequences regarding battles with self-esteem. There are so many more factors involved with being overweight and losing that weight. Each person has a different metabolism. Certain nutrients can meet different needs, and a lack of those nutrients can lead to fat retention. CLA may just be one of those nutrients or one of those dietary factors that can help change the obesity problem in America. It has nothing to do with self-control, just nutritional knowledge.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a potent antioxidant, anti-carcinogen, and anti-catabolite, as well as a powerful immune system enhancer. CLA supplementation was also shown to improve the lean mass to body fat ratio, decreasing fat deposition, especially on the abdomen, and enhancing muscle growth. To achieve this result, CLA reduces body fat by enhancing insulin sensitivity so that fatty acids and glucose can pass through muscle cell membranes and away from fat tissue. This helps to improve muscle to fat ratio. Persuasive evidence indicates that CLA can promote youthful metabolic function and reduce body fat. The unique mechanism by which this fatty acid protects against disease makes it an important addition to any supplement program.

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that CLA reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue. According to the research project manager, an average reduction of six
pounds of body fat was found in the group that took CLA, compared to a placebo group. The study found that approximately 3.4 grams of CLA per day is the level needed to obtain the beneficial effects of CLA on body fat.
 
CLA has been the subject of a variety of research in the past several years, and findings also suggest that some of the other benefits of CLA include the following:
  • Increases metabolic rate -- This would be a positive benefit for thyroid patients, as hypothyroidism, even when treated, can reduce the metabolic rate in some people.
  • Decreases abdominal fat -- Adrenal imbalances and hormonal shifts that are common in thyroid patients frequently cause rapid accumulation of abdominal fat, so this benefit could be quite helpful.
  • Enhances muscle growth -- Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management.
  • Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides -- Since many thyroid patients have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, even with treatment, this benefit can have an impact on a thyroid patient's health.
  • Lowers insulin resistance -- Insulin resistance is a risk for some hypothyroid patients, and lowering it can also help prevent adult-onset diabetes and make it easier to control weight.
  • Reduces food-induced allergic reactions -- Since food allergies can be at play when weight loss becomes difficult, this can be of help to thyroid patients.
  • Enhances immune system -- Since most cases of thyroid disease are autoimmune in nature, enhancing the immune system's ability to function properly is a positive benefit.