• A short term fix: In an attempt to lose weight quickly we often drastically cut our calorie intake or restrict certain food groups. This normally only works for so long before we grow tired of a restrictive diet and subsequently abandon all efforts. Instead of setting a goal to lose weight in time for bikini season, it’s more beneficial long term to adopt a different lifestyle that involves a permanent commitment to healthy eating and exercise. Most importantly it must be a plan that’s easy to stick to!

• No support system: Too many people try to lose weight without a support system. Research shows that people who have the support of family and friends to keep them on track, are more successful at losing weight and keeping it off.

• Hormone imbalance: Hormones play an active role in weight loss. A hormone imbalance can cause dramatic weight gain and make it virtually impossible to lose weight. It was discovered about 10 years ago that most people who are chronically overweight are also leptin resistant. Leptin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that controls hunger, cravings and how the body uses energy. When the brain is responding normally to leptin, it signals us to stop eating when we’ve had enough food to eat. However, in about 85% of the population that are overweight, the brain actually becomes resistant to its signals.

• A Dysfunctional Metabolism: Contrary to what you might think, many overweight people don’t take in any more calories than people of average weight. They also exercise and still continue to gain weight. These types of people suffer from a slow or dysfunctional metabolism. Some people suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone, making it very hard to increase metabolism without medication. A simple thyroid test and proper treatment is essential to diagnose this problem. Supplementing your diet and exercise regime with Ignite Maxx™ will boost metabolism to help you burn up to 600 calories a day!

• Stress: Another precursor to slow or difficult weight loss is stress. The body’s response to chronic stress affects metabolism, blood sugar, hormonal function and appetite. Not surprisingly this can cause the body to hold on to its fat stores, increase hunger and cravings, as well as impair the body’s ability to burn calories.

Studies show that most American’s don’t lose the weight they gain during the winter months and as a result the pounds add up year after year. As much as we like to think that gaining a few pounds at this time of the year is harmless, holiday weight gain is actually an important contributing factor in adult obesity. 

Here is our list of some simple, effective steps you can take to avoid gaining those holiday lbs!

1. Control your portions – This really is key to avoiding weight gain. It can be difficult to resist piling your plate high with food but the everything in moderation rule will pay off. Instead of eating everything in abundance, enjoy a little of everything but pay attention to portion size and stopping when you feel satisfied, not full to burst!
2. Limit alcohol – Endless glasses of wine, countless bottles of beer and calorific cocktails can be detrimental to any calorie restriction plan. One easy way to think positively about switching your alcoholic beverage for a glass of San Pellegrino, is to think about the calories it will free up for dessert.  Plus who needs that holiday hangover anyway?!
3. Don’t show up hungry – Instead of arriving at the holiday party starving hungry, make a point to eat a sensible snack before leaving the house.  If you can take the edge off your hunger you will be less likely to over eat and food will be further from your mind.
4. Get moving – An excellent way to undo any slip ups and burn those extra calories is to integrate some exercise into your holiday plans. Getting the whole family up and outside for a walk before the festivities start is one enjoyable, easy way to keep weight gain at bay.
5. Choose your sides carefully – When you sit down for that turkey dinner, think before you dive into those calorific casseroles or load your salad with heavy, full-fat dressing. Instead of green bean casserole opt for steamed green beans, or enjoy a green salad with some light oil and vinegar.
6. Keep count – It’s useful to get into the habit of counting how many canapés, cookies and sweet treats you eat. It can be all too easy to find yourself in a conversation, blissfully unaware of the fact that you have devoured an entire plate of chocolates without noticing. Instead, set yourself a limit and stick to it!
7. Don’t give up – If you find yourself falling victim to over indulgence, whatever you do, don’t give up all together. Abandoning all efforts will only lead you further down the wrong path. You can undo any slip ups. The important thing is to acknowledge your mistakes and to stop making them!

Try supplementing your holiday diet with Ignite Maxx™, proven to burn up to 278 calories per dose!

A significant amount of the newest science and research attempting to tackle America’s growing obesity problem is focused on hormonal disruptions and imbalances such as leptin resistance. LepToThin™ is natural science’s newest answer, in supplement form, to help address this issue. LepToThin™ contains LeptiPro™ which is the primary active ingredient to assist in improving leptin signaling. The main mechanism of action of this supplement occurs by inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, commonly known as (PTP1B). A plethora of research is currently being performed to assess the efficacy of PTP1B in the treatment of obesity, insulin resistance and leptin resistance.

To help your understanding of this ever-important concept and physiological cascade of events, I’ll provide a number of credible research excerpts followed by my ‘fourth grade version’ and interpretation. This should help you get to the bottom line on how and why this can significantly help you in your quest to lose weight naturally and improve your health.

Deal? Here we go…

The science says: In June of 2009, the medical journal, Molecular and Cellular Biology stated that:  neuronal PTP1B inhibition results in decreased hypothalamic AMPK activity, isoform-specific AMPK activation in peripheral tissues and downstream gene expression changes that promote leanness and increased energy expenditure. Therefore, the mechanism by which PTP1B regulates adiposity and leptin sensitivity is likely to involve coordinated regulation of AMPK in hypothalamus and peripheral tissues.

The interpretation: Inhibiting PTP1B may actually have an effect on the brain that would help you improve body composition and burn fat.

The science says: PTP1B Inhibitors:  (PTP1B) is a highly validated molecular target, which mediates insulin resistance in mammals. PTP1B dephosphorylates the insulin receptor (IR) thus blunting its ability to transduce signal upon insulin binding. Inhibitors of PTP1B would be expected to restore activity to the IR and thus would find therapeutic benefit in the treatment of diabetes.

The interpretation: Discovering and manufacturing PTP1B inhibitors are currently one of the ‘hot topics’ in the pharmacological approach to to finding a drug to address the obesity problem, which is a primary contributing factor to type 2 diabetes.

The science says: Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) contributes to leptin resistance by inhibiting intracellular leptin receptor signaling. Hypothalamic PTP1B is specifically increased during HF diet-induced leptin resistance. This increase in PTP1B is due in part to chronic hyperleptinemia, suggesting that hyperleptinemia is one mechanism contributing to the development of leptin resistance.

The interpretation: When mice are fed a high fat diet it can increase the amount of PTP1B in the brain. A high fat diet possibly induced an overabundance of circulating leptin which leaves more leptin in the blood. The body then may become resistance to leptin’s effects; two of which are  regulating appetite and burning fat.

The science says: Neuronal PTP1B regulates adiposity, body weight and leptin action.

The interpretation: PTP1B has a big say in whether you store excess fat, how much you weigh and it also plays a pivotal role in the function of one of your master metabolic hormones-leptin.

The science says: PTP1B is expressed in hypothalamic regions harboring leptin-responsive neurons. PTP1B regulates leptin signaling in vivo, likely by targeting Jak2. Mice lacking the protein-tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B are hypersensitive to insulin and resistant to obesity. PTP1B may be a novel target to treat leptin resistance in obesity.

The interpretation: PTP1B is present within the brain and effects the way that leptin is able to effect the brain. Mice that were devoid of PTP1B were literally resistant to obesity. One could extrapolate that with either the absence or decreased over-expression of PTP1B, leptin and insulin would both work more efficiently to regulate weight and metabolism. This study showed that PTP1B does in fact regulate leptin signaling.

The science says: Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a key negative regulator of signaling by both of these hormones, so that inhibitors of this enzyme may provide promise for correcting endocrine abnormalities in both diabetes and obesity. As with other tyrosine phosphatases, identification of viable drug candidates targeting PTP1B has been elusive because of the nature of its active site. Beginning with novel phosphotyrosine mimetics, we have designed some of the most potent PTP1B inhibitors. However, their highly acidic structures limit intrinsic permeability and pharmacokinetics.

The interpretation: “We wish we could find something that inhibits PTP1B without so many side effects because if we could, we would make billions.”

As far back as 2002 analysts have estimated that an effective and safe drug targeting obesity could generate as much as $26 billion per year in the USA alone. “It is probably the largest pharmaceutical market ever, and carries with it 27–30 dangerous co-morbidities,” said Louis Tartaglia, vice president of metabolic diseases at Millennium Pharmaceuticals. If you add the patients who are obese and diabetic, the number soars even higher, as obesity and diabetes are linked diseases. (Some research says that as much as 80% of type 2 diabetes is related to obesity.

The science says: Published studies demonstrate that the botanically derived phytochemical, isolated and purified single-peak Isoquinoline Alkaloid Berberine HCl, specifically and potently inhibits human Protein Tyrosine Phosphates 1B (PTP1 B).

The interpretation: LepToThin™ with LeptoPro™ was formulated to specifically and naturally improve the body’s ability to respond to leptin signaling, thus helping you become better able to lose weight.

References:

LepToThin review

Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 296: E291-E299, 2009

Nature Medicine – 12, 917 – 924 (2006)

Dev Cell. 2002 Apr;2(4):385-7.

Let’s talk about leptin and insulin…

The ensuing results that occur when attending to and normalizing the function of these two hormones can be accurately described as losing weight naturally. Leptin and insulin are two master hormones when it comes to controlling weight and body composition. When they’re allowed to work, weight management is a self-regulating system. In a recent study, very overweight mice actually doubled their amount of physical activity when the hormone leptin – which regulates appetite and energy expenditure (fat burning)- was switched on in their brain. In fact, when leptin signaling was ‘turned on’ in the brain, the study quotes, “remarkably, blood glucose levels are entirely normalized.”

Totally normalizing blood sugar? Doubling the amount of exercise one is capable of? It’s time the public was let in on this.

Diet induced, type 2 diabetes has risen in this country to levels never seen before.

It’s even infiltrated the future of the nation-our youth.

Insulin resistance…leptin resistance…. what to do? Who’s the chicken? Who’s the egg?

If the culprit of this ever growing obesity and overweight problem was a popularity contest, insulin resistance would win by a mile.

But some research is pointing to the fact that leptin resistance may be an underlying precursor to insulin resistance. We need to rethink weight loss in lieu of these observations. Of note, leptin can also be found in skeletal muscle. The increased risk of diabetes that comes with obesity ay be caused in part by increased lipid deposits in that skeletal muscle as well as the liver, creating insulin resistance. Here is a wonderful illustration showing the reversal of insulin resistance by leptin.

A new study In the  June 2009 issue of the medical journal Cell Metabolism,  shows the astounding possibilities of what can happen once leptin resistance is restored. Raise your hand if your overweight but just don’t have the energy to exercise. OK, more than a few hands went up. Now…read carefully…

In this recent study, obese lab mice with severe type 2 diabetes had their blood glucose levels restored to normal and experienced a doubling in physical activity when sensitivity to the hormone leptin was restored to a portion of their brain called the hypothalamus. So, if this was an absolute truth, then what this research is saying is this- if you can restore your body’s sensitivity to leptin, it may not only increase your ability to engage in activity that helps you lose weight (exercise), but it may also have profound effects on another very important metabolic hormone-insulin.

So again, if this study turns out to be an absolute truth, then restoring leptin’s sensitivity in the brain may  help people who are chronically overweight or obese lead more active lives by enabling them to exercise more. In my experience, it’s far too common that people are stuck in the vicious cycle of not having enough energy to exercise, which diffuses weight loss efforts and leads to ill health.

Leptin and insulin are intimately dependent upon one another, and your metabolism is dependant upon them. Lack of exercise, increased exposure to chronic stress and a diet void of  nutrient dense foods, are what creates these non-responsive states of insulin and leptin resistance.

Embarking on a path to help normalize and resensitize your body to these two powerful hormones is just plain healthy.  You experience a whole different set of outcomes from your efforts when you have your hormones working for you, rather then against you-not only for weight loss but for your entire aging process.

Recent research shows, however, that sugar cravings are not simply an overwhelming lack of willpower. Many current scientific studies show that their body craves sugar that it does not need for energy, as a result of an imbalance in the vital hormones. These hormones regulate the processing and storage of energy and signal us to either feel satisfied or eat more energy-producing foods. Do you crave foods even though you know that they may be contributing to you being overweight? You’re not alone. This new research may help you understand why it may not totally be your fault. So don’t be so hard on yourself. For many, if leptin resistance is present, which is the case with nearly all forms of obesity and many who are overweight, you are set up to fail from the start. Sheer willpower won’t be able to overcome these powerful hormonal signals.

Leptin is a hormone that works in the hypothalamus of the brain, controlling the use of energy in the body and the feelings of satiety or fullness after eating. Researchers have discovered that, when another body chemical known as PTP1 B is produced in excess, it prevents leptin from entering the brain to reach the hypothalamus and essentially renders it useless. This situation is known as leptin resistance and it is commonly found in obese individuals.

Sugars are the body’s primary source of quick energy and without leptin to regulate their use, they are quickly stored as fat. Until leptin is once again able to reach the hypothalamus and normal functioning resumes, the body will continue to crave the sugar that it feels it needs for energy. In actuality, those sugars are unnecessary and help to compound the obesity problem, but without leptin reaching the hypothalamus, the brain never gets that signal.

Hormones such as leptin are powerful regulators of normal body functions and also of emotions such as moods and desires. The feelings of anxiety, depression and irritability that are experienced by many people at various points in their lives, are often related to hormonal balances in the body. It is no wonder, then, that the current research continues to show the connection between sugar cravings and problems with leptin signaling in the body.

References:

Blum K et al. LG839: Anti-obesity effects and polymorphic gene correlates of reward deficiency syndrome. Advances in Therapy. 2008;25(9):894-913.

Drewnowski A et al. Is sweetness addictive? Nutrition Bulletin. 2007;32(s1):52-60.

Male or female, we all want to look our best and feel healthy. A woman’s weight is closely tied with her self-image. She’s been trained by the media and society to be pretty, nice, and thin. And when she’s not thin or at her ideal weight, it’s more difficult to be pretty in her own mind.

You’ve been waiting for years for science to solve the obesity problem. You’ve had enough of diets that don’t work and gave up hope you can eat anything since every calorie seems to multiply itself by a factor of 5. And you’ve had it with food cravings that keep your mind focused on food all day long.

Why has your body turned against you? Where is your answer?

With all the thousands of research studies published each year, isn’t it possible that there is an answer somewhere? Maybe…

Newly Discovered Hormone Affects Your Weight

The hormone leptin itself was just recently discovered. When it was, it was viewed as the ‘new frontier’ of weight loss. Why? Well, it may have something to do with the fact that two of its most influential effects are on controlling cravings and burning body fat. But as the science advanced we learned that due to a number of factors, mainly overeating and eating too much of the wrongs foods, people who were chronically over weight and obese were resistant to leptin’s powerful effects. That reason is now known as “Leptin Resistance.”

The truth is that leptin is exceptionally crucial to your body to function optimally. The hormone has a hand in controlling the two most important factors in weight control; food intake and fat storage. But also sexual development, immunity, GI function, reproduction, the nervous system during stressful times, brain function and red blood cell production.

“Leptin Resistance” is extremely similar in nature to “Insulin Resistance” and although most people are completely unaware that they even have this hormonal dysfunction, it is extremely common. “Leptin Resistance” occurs when the body is no longer efficient at carrying Leptin across the blood-brain barrier to the brain, specifically the hypothalamus. In order for Leptin to perform it’s ‘weight loss magic’ to control your body weight and metabolism, it has to do so from the hypothalamic centers in the brain. When brain levels of Leptin are low because the brain never ‘hears’ or ‘receives’ it due to “Leptin Resistance” -  food cravings and weight gain occur because the body believes that it is hungry and will daily go into a state of persistent fat storage.

“NORMAL BRAIN LEVELS OF LEPTIN ARE ABSOLUTELY VITAL IF YOU WANT TO CONTROL YOUR BODY WEIGHT AND METABOLISM”

The Research Proves It

By restoring leptin sensitivity, weight may come off like never before and food cravings can be subdued. You may can lose weight safely, and that’s not all: thyroid function can improve.

In a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in February of 2009, when calories were restricted 40% for 25 days, significantly reduced leptin, thyroid hormones and increased corticosteroid levels resulted. Leptin replacement for the last 10 days of the study normalized the leptin and TSH levels.

In a University of Miami study reported in August 2008, leptin replacement in a 5-year-old morbidly obese boy with leptin gene mutation resulted in substantial increases in the rates of brain development with some skills increasing more than what was expected for his age. High blood pressure reversed totally as did high levels of insulin and fat abnormalities.

In another case study, a female with type 2 diabetes treated with leptin replacement decreased her insulin resistance and lost weight.

Scientists have found that overweight individuals can have leptin resistance. In fact, researchers at Harvard, in the journal Developmental Cell, say that “Almost all forms of obesity are leptin-resistant ….”  Leptin resistance is similar to insulin resistance and results in health problems that can contribute to diabetes and lead to diabetes medication.

If you have been chronically over weight or obese, chances are there has been a strong reason why you haven’t been able to lose weight. Most likely, you are suffering from leptin resistance. Let’s chalk one up for science here, as this is a BIG discovery. People are now searching for ‘leptin supplements.’

What you need to do is increase your leptin signaling pathway. There is only one supplement I know of that does this, LepToThin™. When you improve leptin signaling, it’s truly natural weight loss.