Body Weight Management
With millions of people battling with excess weight worldwide, obesity has turned into a global epidemic. Since weight loss is associated with many risk factors that might affect one's overall well-being in addition to being tied to physical health, it is frequently a subject of concern for many people.
It is frequently advised for people whose body mass index (BMI) falls within the obese or overweight range since being overweight or obese increases the chance of developing many health issues.
Enhancing general health and lowering the risk of problems from obesity is one of the main reasons individuals try to lose weight [1].
Because extra body fat can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, obesity is also directly associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, obesity is linked to a higher chance of developing various cancers, including liver, colon, and breast cancer. Obesity also increases the chance of sleep apnea, joint troubles, infertility problems, mental health concerns, and a shorter life span.
There are numerous methods for losing weight, and the choice of therapy relies on a person's general health, the degree of their obesity, and their personal preferences. Making healthy modifications to one's diet, exercise routine, and behavior is one of the most popular strategies.
This can involve eating a calorie-reduced, balanced diet that is heavy in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and avoiding processed and high-calorie items as much as possible. Regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, and strength training help to burn calories, build muscle, and enhance general fitness, all of which are crucial for weight loss.
Body Weight Management Disorders
Several impairments can result if a person has increased or decreased weight of the body other than the normal range.
Some of the commonly found disorders include:
Anorexia Nervosa
It is an impairment that results in lower body weight. Because the person thinks he is gaining too much weight, he eats a lesser amount of food.
Obesity
It is a disorder linked to many other bad health conditions and results in excessive amounts of body fat making the person overweight.
Night Eating Syndrome
This impairment also leads to increased weight in the body because of too much craving for food at night. So, excessive eating results in too much fat on the body of a person [3].
Management of Normal Body Weight
For living a healthy life, it is important that your body weight lies in the normal range based on your age and other factors.
Several factors have been found through research that can help in maintaining normal weight in the body and preventing excessive fats.
Maintaining a proper diet based on the health and age of a person can help in managing the body weight in the normal range.
Similarly, taking proper physical exercise on a daily basis can also help the person gain proper weight and enjoy a better life.
Proper sleep is also necessary for maintaining a normal weight because if lack of sleep occurs, it can lead to anxiety and overeating which ultimately results in obesity [4].
Avoiding anxiety and maintaining a good social circle can also help a person gain proper body weight and enjoy a healthy life.
However, several factors are also there which can result in being overweight or underweight. Disorders like diabetes can also cause obesity and a person gains weight greater than the normal range. So, treating such conditions is also crucial. Several therapeutic strategies and physical therapies are available in this regard [5].
Several herbal or organic remedies have also been found that can help reduce body weight and maintain it in the normal range. One such remedy is the EGCG compound which plays a crucial role in maintaining normal body weight and is proven through research.
EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate)
EGCG is an important compound obtained from a unique plant. It has been found that many health benefits can be obtained from this precious compound.
It can help in many bad health conditions including inflammation, cancer, and heart and brain disorders. This compound is also helpful in weight loss.
It is normally called catechin. Catechins are very important antioxidant compounds. So, it can protect the cells from oxidative damage that may be caused by free radicals in the cells [6].
EGCG is found in many of the foods that are in our daily use. Some of these foods containing EGCG include:
Tea (black, green, and white)
Some fruits including strawberries, blackberries, pears, cherries, peaches, apples, and avocados.
Nuts including pistachios and pecans.
It is also found in dark chocolate, red wine, and legumes.
EGCG is a well-researched catechin with a lot of health benefits for humans.
Research has also proven it to be very beneficial for maintaining normal body weight and helping in reducing weight in many disorders. Many experiments have been performed for this purpose that will be discussed later in this article.
Health Benefits of EGCG
Many bad health conditions can be treated using this precious compound.
The most common health benefits that can be obtained from this compound include:
Killing of malignant cells.
It boosts the immune system of the body.
Reduces oxidative stress.
Reduces inflammation.
It maintains healthy skin.
Help with cardiovascular disorders.
Neuroprotective properties.
It is an anti-allergy compound.
It has anti-microbial properties.
Improves the cognitive functions of the body.
It is an anti-aging compound.
It helps in weight loss.
Promotes osteogenesis.
Boosts the metabolism of the body .
Mechanisms of Action of EGCG in the Body
EGCG is an important compound that helps in the treatment of many disorders and works via different mechanisms of action in the body.
The most common ways by which EGCG can help the body improve its health conditions are as follows:
The process of oxidation is crucial to maintaining the body's health. We categorize EGCG as an antioxidant based on the chemical structure of the compound. The ring structure in the ECGC traps the free electrons and prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species. It also possesses anti-inflammatory action by targeting the NF-KB pathway and increasing the anti-inflammatory substance’s gene expression.
One of the most prevalent and dangerous illnesses affecting humans is cancer. Both the scientific community and the general public have paid close attention to EGCG as a natural substance.
Moreover, EGCG has demonstrated therapeutic and preventative effects in a variety of human malignancies. Several theories have been put out to explain how EGCG inhibits the development and spread of cancer.
The prooxidant effects of EGCG were considered to represent possible anticancer action mechanisms. Depending on the cell type, dosage, and/or timing of the therapy, several anticancer strategies were used.
Several research studies have looked at the mechanisms behind the anti-obesity benefits of EGCG in both cellular and animal models. It can reduce weight through its fat-burning property.
Several skincare treatments for anti-aging contain green tea extract or EGCG. This is so that the chemical can promote young and healthy-looking skin by increasing skin elasticity. Minimizing wrinkles, enhancing moisture retention, and improving skin texture, also slows down the aging process of the skin.
EGCG and Weight Loss
Many experimental studies have been performed that have confirmed that EGCG plays a crucial role in reducing body weight.
This crucial compound has been found to act through different processes and play roles in managing normal weight.
It can increase the metabolic processes in the body. So, when a person has a meal, it is readily converted into energy and that energy is quickly utilized resulting in no weight gain.
The smaller the number of fats which is absorbed in the intestine, the lower the weight gain. So, studies have shown that EGCG can inhibit the absorption of fatty acids indirectly playing a role in weight loss.
EGCG has also been found to increase fat oxidation in the body which can lead to the utilization of all fats by the body and so no weight is gained in the body.
Studies have also shown that EGCG can make the person feel full and take no more food thus decreasing the appetite. This can also help in reducing weight.
So, by acting through any of these processes, EGCG can help in reducing weight and can also help cure many disorders linked with obesity.
Preclinical and Clinical Trials Data
Several experimental studies have been performed on animal models and humans with increased body weight and the significance of EGCG is observed in decreasing the weight.
EGCG has always shown positive outcomes whether in animal models or human patients and safety and efficacy are scientifically approved.
A study was performed on mice as animal models, they were given a diet that was rich in fats so that they gain weight. Some of the mice were also given EGCG while others were not given the compound. It was seen that the mice treated with EGCG have lower body weight as compared to those who were not given EGCG, proving it significant in the reduction of body weight [13].
Another study was also performed on mice as animal models. They were given a high-fat diet as well as supplements of EGCG. It was seen that they did not get any increased body weight because of diet and had a high sensitivity to insulin and excessive utilization of fats and energy.
Two studies were also performed on rats as animal models which were given EGCG along with a diet that was promising in increasing body weight. But EGCG helped in maintaining a normal weight. Different mechanisms were also studied in these experiments by which EGCG helped in decreasing the weight.
Similar studies were also performed on human patients who were overweight or had several disorders that resulted in obesity. Through these experimental studies, the safety and efficacy of EGCG were confirmed in humans.
A clinical trial was performed on human adults who were overweight. All of these were checked for their body weight, BMI, and waist circumference at the start and end of the experiment. They were EGCG for a specific time as a supplement. The results showed that they not only got their weight reduced to the normal range but also their BMI was reduced, and the circumference of their waists was also significantly reduced [14].
Another study was also performed that consisted of all the women who were having a weight greater than the normal range. They were given supplements of EGCG for two months. EGCG showed positive outcomes in these women as their weight and BMI became normal within a short time.
A study was also performed involving all the male individuals who were overweight. They were given combinational therapy including EGCG supplements along with caffeine. The results were significant as the EGCG compound and caffeine reduced the weight and BMI in these individuals [15].
So, based on the results obtained from these research studies, it can be concluded clearly that EGCG is a crucial compound having roles in reducing body weight and maintaining it within the normal range.
Comentarios