Grapefruit Consumption May Be Associated with Weight Loss in Obese Individuals

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Grapefruit Consumption May Be Associated with Weight Loss in Obese

Individuals

Reference: “The effects of grapefruit on weight and insulin resistance:

relationship to the metabolic syndrome,” Fujioka K, Greenway F, et al, J

Med Food, 2006; 9(1): 49-54. (Address: Division of Endocrinology,

Department of Nutrition and Metabolic Research, Scripps Clinic, La

Jolla, California 92130, USA. E-mail: fujioka.ken@... ).

Summary: In a study involving 91 obese subjects, grapefruit consumption

was found to be associated with a reduction in weight. Moreover, among

obese subjects with the metabolic syndrome, 2-hour post-glucose insulin

levels were significantly reduced among subjects consuming half a

grapefruit before each meal, as compared with a placebo. Subjects were

randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 consumed half a fresh

grapefruit along with placebo capsules; Group 2 consumed 8 ounces (237

ml) of grapefruit juice along with placebo capsules; Group 3 consumed

grapefruit capsules along with 7 ounces (207 ml) apple juice; and Group

4 consumed placebo capsules and 7 ounces (207 ml) apple juice. All

treatments were given three times a day, before each meal, for a period

of 12 weeks. Results found that after 12 weeks, subjects in all three

groups who consumed grapefruit in some form (fresh, juice, or capsules)

experienced weight loss, with the most significant weight loss occurring

in the fre sh grapefruit group (1.6 kg), followed by the grapefruit

juice group (1.5 kg), and then the grapefruit capsule group (1.1 kg).

The placebo group only experienced an insignificant weight loss of 0.3

kg. In a secondary analysis involving only subjects with the metabolic

syndrome, significant weight loss was also found in the 3 grapefruit

product groups. Furthermore, among subjects consuming fresh grapefruit,

2-hour post-glucose insulin levels were significantly reduced and

insulin resistance was improved. These results suggest that among obese

individuals seeking to lose weight, including grapefruit as part of a

weight-loss diet may be beneficial in terms of losing weight. Given the

correlation between weight loss and reduction in the risk of various

diseases, such weight loss may have broader health implications than

simply weight loss. Additional research is encouraged to further

understand the relationship between grapefruit consumption and various

parameters of the m! etabolic syndrome.

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

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