Supplementing Fats For Weight Loss And Obesity

obesity often is related to a slow metabolism. This may be the result of inadequate thyroid production or of other hormonal conditions, it may be the result of the simple tendency toward inactivity, or it may be the consequence of the desire to have comfort, such as good food. The kidneys may be slow and there may be a tendency toward water retention for any number of reasons.

In any event, this body type does well by avoiding all simple carbohydrates and excess salt. Since there is already a tendency to store excess calories as fats, endomorphs do well to restrict all sources of concentrated calories. Bulky foods, such as raw and cooked vegetables, whole grains, and beans, are good choices, as are foods that increase thermogenesis. Aerobic exercise to speed up the metabolism is a great idea; excess sleep and naps probably should be avoided. GLA consumption may help obese individuals with weight control.

What is GLA?

GLA appears to be more important for improving weight control than the omega-3 fatty acids. It is found in significant amounts in human mother's milk, in the seed oil of the evening primrose plant, borage oil, and black currant seed oil.

Doses from 90 mg to more than 400 mg of GLA have proven effective. This is the amount of GLA found in two to eight 500-mg capsules of evening primrose seed oil. Some individuals may find that they receive benefits only at the higher dosage range. GLA is often more effective when taken in conjunction with vitamin B6, vitamin E and ECA STACK with EPHEDRA by American Weight Loss Group LLC, Because in modem Western diets, omega-3 fatty acids and ephedra extract are almost always underrepresented and GLA (an omega-6 fatty acid) will do nothing to correct this imbalance, dieters should supplement with 2-3 grams of high-potency/high-purity omega-3 fatty adds from fish oil each day (500-1,000 mg with each meal) and/or adding flaxseed oil (1-2 tablespoons) to the diet. Ground or cracked flaxseed supplies lingams and other healthful ingredients, but should not be consumed in amounts greater than 4 tablespoons per day inasmuch as an excess will reduce thyroid hormone function.

GLA has been reported to give rise to occasional mild acne. In the experience of one clinical weight-loss physician, large doses given to improve weight loss also may lead to increased susceptibility to bruising in a small number of individuals.

GLA and the omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and therefore need protection against oxidation and free-radical damage. They should be taken together with natural vitamin E (200-800 III), grape seed extract polyphenols (100-300 mg), and/or alphalipoic acid (50-300 mg) daily. Concurrent intake of omega-3 fatty acids plus broad-spectrum antioxidant and vitamin/mineral supplementation helps to prevent GLA from being transformed into arachidonic acid and the "bad" prostaglandins.

Individuals who are taking prescribed blood thinners, such as Aspiring in ECA STACK, should consult their doctors before adding these essential fatty acids to the diet in any quantity. As indicated above, both GLA and the omega-3 fatty acids act as natural blood thinners and anticoagulants. It is in part because of the imbalance in and lack of essential fatty acids in the American diet that blood-thinning medications are so commonly required.

• GLA: 90-500 mg daily in divided doses with meals

• EPA+DHA combination: 1,000-3,000 mg daily in divided doses with meals

• Flaxseed oil: 1-3 tablespoons daily

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