Can Licorice Flavonoid Oil Lower Weight and Body Fat Percentage?

Controlling weight is a challenging task for many people. Too much fast food, too little exercise and stress-related overeating can quickly add up to an unhealthy body weight. In frustration, some people turn to diet pills and other unproven, often dangerous, ways to fight the battle of the bulge. In reality, there are few fast fixes for lowering weight and body fat percentage; but a new study suggests that the flavonoids found in licorice oil could offer a ray of hope to frustrated dieters eager to take off pounds and body fat.

In this study, published in the journal Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, researchers found that overweight participants who were supplemented with licorice flavonoid oil lost more weight and lowered their body fat percentage more than those who were given a placebo. The study volunteers all consumed a similar diet, the only difference being whether they received licorice oil or a placebo. Not only did licorice oil lower weight and body fat percentage, study participants also experienced a drop in LDL cholesterol, the type of cholesterol associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Why would licorice flavonoid oil lower weight and body fat percentage? Although the exact mechanism isn't understood, researchers believe the licorice oil may inhibit the action of genes involved in the synthesis of fat, while increasing the activity of enzymes involved in fat breakdown. Essentially, licorice flavonoid oil is giving the metabolism an additional fat burning boost.

What about safety? It's interesting to note that licorice flavonoid oil doesn't appear to contain glycyrrhizin, a licorice component which has been associated with serious side effects. It consists of licorice flavonoids combined with medium-chain triglycerides. On a positive note, no adverse reactions were seen when licorice flavonoid oil was given in this study. A previous study published in 2007 showed it to be safe at doses up to 1200 mg. per day. In this study, subjects were given either 300 mg, 600 mg, or 900 mg. and all experienced a decrease in weight and body fat percentage without side effects. Several previous studies have also demonstrated the weight loss benefits of licorice flavonoid oil.

A company called Trimology is already offering licorice flavonoid oil as a supplement.

It appears to be safe, but it would be wise to await further research before using it as a supplement to lower weight and body fat percentage. Despite these encouraging studies, it's unlikely that licorice flavonoid oil will be a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. As always, these fundamentals are the most important when it comes to weight control and overall health.

References:

Obesity Research & Clinical Practice
August 2009, Volume 3, Issue 3, Pages 169-178