Introduction
The landscape of weight management is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatments emerging regularly. Among these, mobile health (mHealth) interventions delivered via smartphones have gained traction due to their accessibility and potential for personalized feedback. This article delves into the NCT powder weight loss review, examining its efficacy, ingredients, and user experiences. We will also explore the broader context of weight management, including the challenges of postpartum weight retention and the role of entero-pancreatic hormones in obesity pharmacotherapy.
Background
Prepregnancy maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy present significant health risks for both mothers and their children. Postpartum weight retention is a common issue, and effective interventions are needed to address it. Traditional weight management programs often involve intensive in-person contact, specific dietary prescriptions, and individualized feedback, which can be limited by financial and geographical barriers. Mobile health technology offers a promising alternative by providing a platform for objective data collection and real-time feedback.
The E-Moms Intervention: A Pilot Study
A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a personalized health intervention delivered via smartphones (E-Moms) compared to usual care (WIC Moms) in postpartum women receiving Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services. Forty postpartum women were randomized into two groups to assess the impact of the E-Moms intervention on postpartum weight loss.
Methods
The study was a prospective, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial designed to test the efficacy of a smartphone-based intervention in promoting postpartum weight loss. Participants were recruited from two local WIC clinics in Baton Rouge, LA, using IRB-approved brochures. The inclusion criteria were:
- Postpartum females who gave birth less than 8 weeks prior
- ≥18 years old
- Overweight or obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 and <40 kg/m2)
- Certified for WIC postpartum services
- English speaking
The participants were screened and randomized before 7 weeks 6 days postpartum into one of two groups:
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- WIC standard care (WIC Moms)
- WIC standard care and personalized weight management via a smartphone (E-Moms)
Intervention Protocol
Participants in the E-Moms group received a personalized lifestyle intervention through the SmartLoss® application. They were given access to the SmartLoss smartphone application and an iPhone, through which a weight loss lifestyle intervention tailored to postpartum women was delivered. Weight and steps were wirelessly transmitted via cellular and Bluetooth technology and plotted on a weight and step graph within the SmartLoss app and an interventionist web portal daily. This allowed near real-time monitoring by both the participant and a registered dietitian.
Individualized Goals and Support
The weight graph included an individualized postpartum weight loss zone, providing a weight loss goal of 10% ± 3% of enrollment weight at 16 weeks. Instead of a caloric prescription, participants were oriented to the weight graph and counseled to maintain their body weight within their ideal weight zone by adjusting energy intake and expenditure accordingly. An individualized step count goal was also given, starting with 500 steps/day over baseline steps/day measured by the SenseWear Armband at week 0, and increased by 500 steps/day each week.
SmartTips
The SmartTips feature provided information on diet, physical activity, and behavior modification, tailored to weight loss specifically for the WIC population. Topics included meal planning, incorporating WIC-approved foods into a healthy diet, healthy eating on a budget, portion control, macro- and micronutrient information, overcoming barriers to lifestyle change, controlling food and hunger cues, mindful eating, methods to reduce stress and improve sleep, and recommendations to increase physical activity. The SmartTips also allowed participants to follow “Mia,” a fictitious new mom, through her own postpartum weight loss journey.
Outcome Assessments
After assessing eligibility at a screening visit, eligible participants were evaluated for outcome assessments at baseline (week 0) and after 8 and 16 weeks of the intervention. Assessments were performed by study personnel according to standard operating procedures at one of the two collaborating WIC clinics or at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Height was measured in duplicate using a wall-mounted stadiometer, and study enrollment BMI was calculated. Lifestyle interviews and study-specific screening questionnaires were administered to identify potential barriers to study participation and assess socioeconomic status, ethnicity, education, and obstetrical and gynecological history.
Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy
At week 0 and 16 visits, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Short Form, adapted from the Southampton Women's Survey and CDC Infant Feeding Practices Study, was used to assess influences on breastfeeding decisions, initiation and duration of breastfeeding, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and timing of introduction of water and complementary fluids.
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Statistical Analysis
All tests were evaluated using a significance level of α = 0.05. Both a completer analysis and an intent-to-treat analysis with baseline values carried forward were performed. The primary outcome, change in weight following the 4-month intervention, was investigated using a linear mixed model to compare absolute change in weight between the intervention and control groups. Differences in outcomes based on intervention adherence were also investigated post hoc.
Adherence Measurement
Adherence was defined in terms of the number of days participants weighed themselves and the number of days participants' step counts were recorded from the FitBit Zip. Based on the distribution of data, women were divided into three adherence groups:
- Low adherence: ≤40% of expectations (1-3 days of engagement per week)
- Medium adherence: 40.1%-70% (3-5 days of engagement per week)
- High adherence: >70% (5 or more days of engagement per week)
Overall adherence was determined by averaging the two adherence percentages.
Results
Five participants (WIC Moms, n = 4 and E-Moms, n = 1) were lost to follow-up, resulting in an attrition rate of 12.5%. Baseline characteristics showed that participants predominantly identified as African American (74%), were 26 ± 5.4 years old, and had a parity of 2 ± 1. The average self-reported gestational weight gain was 14.5 ± 8.6 kg, with 68% exceeding the 2009 Institute of Medicine gestational weight gain guidelines. Enrollment BMI at 6-8 weeks postpartum was 32 ± 3 kg/m2, and body fat percentage was 40% ± 4.3%.
Weight Change Analysis
Weight was maintained during the 16-week study in both groups. Completer analysis suggested no significant difference (p = 0.10) in weight change between the WIC Moms (1.8 ± 0.9 kg; p = 0.05) versus E-Moms (−0.1 ± 0.9 kg; p = 0.92) groups. Weight change was variable among individuals, ranging from −8.7 to 10.8 kg. When intervention adherence was stated as a continuous variable, weight change negatively correlated with adherence (R = 0.52; p = 0.02).
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Adherence-Based Stratification
When weight change was stratified by adherence as a categorical variable, E-Moms participants with high adherence had a significant reduction in body weight (−3.6 ± 1.6; p = 0.03) compared to the WIC Moms (−5.4 ± 1.8; p = 0.005). For those participants with medium and low adherence, weight change at week 16 did not differ from the WIC Moms group. Weight change was different between the high and low adherers (p = 0.004), but not between the high and medium adherers (p = 0.13).
Body Composition Changes
In 16 weeks, WIC Moms gained 2.1% body fat (p = 0.002), while the E-Moms group saw no change in body fat percentage (0.03% ± 0.58%; p = 0.96), and this difference was significant between the groups (p = 0.02). Similar to weight change, body fat percentage decreased in the E-Moms group who had high intervention adherence (−2.5% ± 1.0%; p = 0.02). No change in waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio was seen in any group, except for a decrease in hip circumference in the E-Moms group who had high adherence to the intervention (−5.0 ± 1.7 cm; p = 0.006).
Blood Pressure Changes
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from baseline in both WIC Moms (systolic: −5.3 ± 2.6 mmHg and diastolic: −3.8 ± 2.2 mmHg) and E-Moms (systolic: −5.1 ± 2.4 mmHg and diastolic: −1.9 ± 2.1 mmHg) groups. The change from baseline in systolic (p = 0.96) and diastolic (p = 0.54) blood pressure was not significant between the two groups.
Breastfeeding
Ten women reported breastfeeding for at least 1 week during the study (range: 6-16 weeks), while 25 women did not.
NCT Powder: An Overview
NCT Powder is marketed as a nutritional supplement designed to provide morning energy, normalize weight, improve concentration and memory, and optimize bowel function. As part of the NortheStar product family, it aims to offer comprehensive support for health and well-being.
Key Ingredients and Their Purported Benefits
- Vitamins & Minerals: Essential for overall health and metabolic functions.
- Nootropics: Substances that positively influence mental abilities, such as memory, focus, and mood.
- Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil: Extracted from coconut oil, MCT oil is believed to promote fullness, help use fat for energy, and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Prebiotics: Support healthy digestion and maintain the health of gut cells, as well as aid in stress and weight management.
- InstaKombu™: Contains SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), which is used in making Kombucha. Kombucha is thought to support healthy digestion, the liver, and joint health, and aid in weight management.
How NCT Powder Works (According to Marketing Materials)
The powder formula allows rapid absorption through the bloodstream and supports fat burning while protecting muscle. This synergistic formula boosts weight management and cognitive function and supports heart health. The vitamins, minerals, natural fibers, and InstaKombu™ contribute to a healthy gut.
Usage
The recommended use is to dissolve one sachet in 6-8 oz of water or another beverage and consume it 30 minutes after taking NCT Capsules.
NCT Capsules: Components and Claims
NCT Capsules, now replaced by ReBoot Capsules, are promoted for their nootropic benefits.
Key Ingredients of NCT Capsules
- Guarana Seed Extract
- Green Coffee Bean Powder
- Theobromine (extracted from cocoa)
- Cordyceps Mushroom Extract
- Palmitoil Ethanolamide (PEA)
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom
- Ganoderma (Lingzhi, Reishi) Mushroom
- Grape Seed Extract
- CoQ10
- Bitter Orange (Citrus Aurantium)
- Garcinia Cambogia Extract
- White Willow Bark Extract
- African Mango
Claims and Benefits
- Overall boosting of brain function
- Enhancement of cognition through improved memory, creativity, mood, and motivation
- Nutrition for the brain with proteins and other essential structures
- Mood elevation through increased dopamine production
- Support for overall health and performance
- Acceleration of weight management
User Testimonials and Reviews
User testimonials present a mixed bag of experiences with NCT products. Some users report significant weight loss, increased energy, improved mood, and other benefits. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary, and these testimonials are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
Positive Testimonials
- Karina Marie Alvarez: Reported significant weight loss and increased self-confidence.
- Ashley Beth Gertz: Noticed increased energy, productivity, and overall well-being.
- Robert Hildreth: Experienced help with curbing nicotine cravings and increased energy.
- Bonnie Sturkie: Found relief from sleep issues and improved energy levels after breast cancer surgery.
- Christy Wylie Crider: Lost weight and gained energy while coping with a stressful period.
Cautions
It is crucial to approach user testimonials with caution, as they may be influenced by various factors, including the placebo effect and marketing efforts. Scientific studies are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of NCT products.
The Science of Weight Loss Maintenance
Challenges of Long-Term Weight Loss
Achieving initial weight loss is often easier than maintaining it long-term. Studies show that a significant portion of individuals who lose weight regain it within a few years. This is due to various factors, including physiological adaptations that lower resting metabolic rate and increase appetite.
Key Determinants of Weight Loss Maintenance
A systematic review of studies published between 2006 and 2016 identified several key determinants of weight loss maintenance:
- Behavioral Factors: Regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, and self-monitoring of weight and diet.
- Psychological/Cognitive Factors: Self-efficacy, motivation, and emotional stability.
- Social and Physical Environmental Factors: Social support for diet and physical activity.
- **Dietary Intake Product Level
- **Eating Behaviour
- **Dietary Intake Nutrient Level
- **Problematic Eating
Strategies for Successful Weight Loss Maintenance
- Setting realistic and self-determined weight loss goals
- Leading an active lifestyle
- Engaging in leisure-time activities
- Monitoring weight and eating behavior
- Eating healthy, low-fat diets at regular intervals
- Addressing weight regain quickly
- Cultivating self-sufficiency and autonomy
- Managing psychological and emotional instability
The Role of Entero-Pancreatic Hormones in Obesity Treatment
Recent advancements in obesity pharmacotherapy have focused on entero-pancreatic hormones, which play a crucial role in regulating appetite, satiety, and glucose metabolism.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (RAs)
GLP-1 RAs increase satiety, reduce food intake, and delay gastric emptying while stimulating insulin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion. Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly is an approved GLP-1 RA for obesity management, resulting in 15-17% mean weight loss through appetite reduction.
Oral Semaglutide
To overcome the barriers related to injectable treatments, semaglutide has been developed in oral form. Oral semaglutide 50 mg has shown promising results in clinical trials, leading to significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors.
Other Entero-Pancreatic Hormones and Combinations
Numerous other entero-pancreatic hormones, such as GIP, glucagon, amylin, and peptide YY (PYY) agonists, are under investigation, either alone or in combination with GLP-1 RAs, to enhance and/or complement the effect of GLP-1 agonism on weight and metabolism.
Tirzepatide: A Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist
Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) RA approved for type 2 diabetes management. The marked weight loss achieved with tirzepatide has led to its assessment as a treatment for obesity.