Losing weight and maintaining that loss can be challenging. The market offers various weight loss supplements to aid in this process, and Meratrim is among the well-known options. This article delves into the clinical studies surrounding Meratrim and its effectiveness in weight management.
What is Meratrim?
Meratrim is a weight loss supplement composed of two herbs: Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana. Both have a history of use in traditional medicine. The producing company claims that the combination of these two herbs can suppress appetite, prevent fat storage, and facilitate weight loss and maintenance.
Sphaeranthus indicus is an aromatic plant from the Asteraceae family with a long history of medicinal applications in Southeast Asia, particularly in India’s Ayurvedic system. It is used as a remedy against disease, inflammation, diabetes, psoriasis, and other conditions. Current research suggests that the health benefits of Sphaeranthus indicus support its traditional uses, although more studies are needed.
Garcinia mangostana is also widely used in Southeast Asia and holds a similar status in the Ayurvedic system. Its fruit, mangosteen, is recognized for its diet and weight loss benefits, especially its effect on metabolism.
Clinical Studies on Meratrim
Short-Term Studies
Current studies on Meratrim have not raised significant concerns. In short-term clinical trials, humans tolerated Meratrim well, but the long-term effects remain largely unknown, necessitating further human studies for definitive conclusions. Animal testing over a 13-week study did not reveal any incidents of concern.
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During an 8-week trial study involving 100 individuals, the group taking Meratrim experienced more weight loss than the placebo group. This group also exhibited a reduced body-mass-index (BMI) and improved lipid and glycemic levels compared to the placebo group. Side effects observed during the study were distributed across both groups, suggesting they might be related to the diet and exercise regimen rather than the supplement.
Key Findings from Published Studies
Two published, well-designed clinical studies support structure/function claims for weight management products containing Meratrim. One study, published in Obesity, was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 60 overweight and obese subjects. The participants followed a standard 2,000-calorie diet and walked for 30 minutes, five days a week.
The results of this study showed that over eight weeks, the Meratrim group experienced:
- An average body weight decrease of 8.2 pounds (3.74 kg)
- A BMI decrease of 1.61 kg/m2
- A waist circumference reduction of 5.44 cm
When these data were combined with another clinical trial involving 40 subjects, the pooled results (95 participants) indicated that Meratrim was associated with:
- A body weight decrease of 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs)
- A BMI decrease of 2.2 kg/m2
- A waist circumference reduction of 11.9 cm
- A hip circumference reduction of 6.3 cm
The pooled results also showed that adiponectin levels increased in the herbal supplement group, while fasting glucose levels decreased by an average of 12%, compared with placebo. Adiponectin, a hormone released from fat cells, plays a crucial role in regulating insulin sensitivity and energy.
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Further Study Details
In a 16-week study, sixty participants with a mean BMI of 28.3 kg/m(2) were randomized into two groups. One group received 400 mg of Meratrim twice daily, while the other received a placebo. Participants were instructed to consume approximately 2,000 kcal/day and walk for 30 minutes, five days a week.
At the conclusion of the study, the Meratrim group showed statistically significant reductions in:
- Body weight (5.09 vs. 1.1 kg; p < 0.0001)
- BMI (1.91 vs. 0.43 kg/m(2); p < 0.0001)
- Waist size (9.97 vs. 3.71 cm; p < 0.001)
- Hip size (10.38 vs. 5.11 cm; p < 0.0001)
The Meratrim group also experienced significant changes in serum LDL (-14.79 vs. 6.25 mg/dL; p < 0.0001), triglycerides (-43.62 vs. -13.68 mg/dL; p < 0.001), and total cholesterol (-20.0 vs. -0.75 mg/dL; p = 0.0002) compared to the placebo group.
Cellular Level Effects
Studies on 3T3-L1 adipocytes (fat cells) showed that Meratrim reduces lipid accumulation and enhances lipolysis (the breakdown of fats). Meratrim also downregulates Fatty acid synthase (FAS) protein expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and upregulates AMPK phosphorylation in HepG2 human hepatocytes.
Meratrim's Role in Weight Management
While Meratrim has demonstrated effectiveness for short-term weight loss, it is important to remember that no supplement serves as a long-term solution on its own. Supplements should support other lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. Weight loss results are more likely to be sustained when individuals focus on making lasting changes to their eating habits and physical activity levels. Incorporating even small lifestyle adjustments, like daily walks, can contribute to long-term success.
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Finished Products
InterHealth launched Meratrim in early 2011, and the ingredient is now incorporated into several products in the US, including NV Clinical, Life Extension’s Arthromax Advanced with UC-II, Prosource’s Zycor, and Xango’s FAVAO.
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