The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for treatment of body weight conditions by administering a therapeutically effective nutritional supplement composition. More particularly, the nutritional composition, which includes bioavailable calcium and protein components, is effective for enhancing weight loss and/or limiting weight gain.
Obesity is a significant worldwide health concern that affects both young and old. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 50% of men and women are overweight. The degree to which a person may be overweight can be evaluated based on the person's “body mass index” or “BMI”, which is calculated as follows:BMI=Weight in kilograms (kg)/[Height in meters (m)]2.In 2000, almost 20% of the population fell into the obese category as defined by a BMI of greater than or equal to 30. Problems associated with obesity include cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis and sleeping disorders. Obesity and related disorders account for almost 10% of US health care expenditures.
Over 90% of body energy is stored in adipose (fat) tissue. Adipose tissue has a number of important functions, the most obvious of which is to “buffer” the daily influx of dietary fat entering the blood circulation and release fatty acids as a source of metabolic fuel when needed. Other functions include the production and release of adipsin (essential for blood clotting), angiotensinogen (involved in blood pressure control), and leptin (a hormone involved in energy control). An accumulation of adipose tissue leads to overweight and obesity.
Diet is known to have effects on weight control. Excesses in diet, such as high caloric intake and consumption of high fat foods, can result in undesired weight gain and poor health. Similarly, a diet lacking one or more nutrients also can have a negative impact on weight control and health. For example, literature suggests that that a diet deficient in calcium can contribute to the occurrence obesity. Shi et al., “Effects of dietary calcium on adipocyte lipid metabolism and body weight regulation in energy-restricted aP2-agouti transgenic mice” FASEB J. 15(2), 291-93 (2001); Zemel et al., “Regulation of adiposity by dietary calcium,” FASB J. 14(9) 1132-38 (2000).
Mechanisms in the human body also are known to impact weight gain. For example, when food is consumed, the body releases a peptide, cholecystokinin (CCK), which acts to signal satiety as a result of promoting secretion of enzymes and other bodily fluids and other physical reaction within the gastric system. It has been shown that CCK release results in appetite reduction so that the person will stop eating. Proteins such as κ-casein fragment 106-169, also referred to as glycomacropeptide (GMP), are known to stimulate the release of CCK.
Various weight control compositions and methods for use by overweight and obese adults are known. Typically, however, the methods focus on a particular weight control mechanism in order to control weight gain or promote weight loss, with little or no regard for providing a balanced diet. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,087 to Zemel discloses methods and materials for treating or avoiding obesity in humans and other animals. The patent discloses that the obesity-control benefits can be achieved by providing a diet high in calcium. Additionally, the patent teaches that individuals are maintained on a restricted caloric diet. The weight control mechanism of this patent is directed to providing increased levels of one specific nutrient, calcium, while optionally limiting caloric intake, without promoting a balanced diet. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,638 to Portman discloses a nutritional intervention composition for enhancing and extending satiety by stimulating the release of CCK. The composition includes a protein, a glycomacropeptide, long chain fatty acids, calcium (in the form of calcium carbonate or calcium lactate) and a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers. The patent teaches that the composition can be taken orally to permit a person to be satiated with a lower calorie intake. The weight management mechanism of this composition is directed to limiting caloric intake, without addressing overall nutritional requirements.
There remains a need for methods of improving human diets in order to maintain an ideal weight, reduce weight gain and/or enhance weight loss while promoting a nutritionally balanced diet. There also remains a need for dietary compositions to provide essential nutrients associated with a healthy diet to reduce incidence of overweight and obesity and maintain overall health.