Resveratrol & Weight Loss: Can you Lose Weight, Fat, and Burn Calories?

Can Resveratrol solve world obesity problems?

The "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" (CDC), categorizes the obese as someone having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30%.  For children and teens we look at BMI, but take into consideration age, weight, and sex.  The CDC has designed a BMI calculator for Adults & Children's/Teens.

 

Some staggering trends: (most recent data from 2007 cdc.gov)

• Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee all had obesity rates of greater than 30% of their population.
• Colorado was the only state under 20%.
• 30 states recognized over 1 in 4 people to be considered obese.
• Over the past 25 years children have gone from approximately 5% to 17% prevalence rates in obesity.

As you can see these statistics are horrifying!  This is not just a problem in the United States either. Many countries like Mexico, United Kingdom, Greece, and Australia all have over 20% obesity rates.

Obesity leads to numerous illnesses and causes pain for those plagued with the inability to lose weight. Not only are there physical ailments but mental and financial problems arise as well.  Health care costs continue to rise and the unhealthy will bear the brunt of these some times unnecessary expenditures.

Resveratrol is known to activate the SiRT1 gene in humans.  SiRT1 works by activating a fight response within our cells.  From studying calorie restriction diets we learn that a decreased intake of calories causes SiRT1 to activate in turn breaking down stored fat and increasing energy levels.  With resveratrol the potential to not have to reduce our caloric intake by maintaining a more natural diet we can potentially get the same effects of a calorie restricted diet.

Now we have to keep in mind this does not mean you can eat more then our bodies naturally need, however, with a moderately healthy diet the potential for weight loss or weight stability exists.  Most accounts of users losing weight while taking resveratrol are anecdotal and not based on scientific peer reviewed research.  Most of the research that has been completed was done on mice and we do not know if this will translate to humans the same.

There are currently a few pharmaceutical versions of resveratrol working their way through FDA trials. Sitris Pharmaceuticals is currently leading the way in developing resveratrol based drug therapies.  SRT501 & SRT2104 are claimed to be from 5 times more potent then regular resveratrol up to 1000 times more powerful.  The latter two drugs actually aren't reveratrol but are considered New Chemical Entities (NCEs) by Sirtris.  The results of these trials will certainly shed some light on the benefits or negatives of resveratrol use in humans.

My Resveratrol Weight Loss experience:

I've maintained a relatively consistent diet up until about 3 months ago.  I decided I wanted to try and gain some muscle mass and increase my weight.  I eat well, but also still enjoy some "not so good" foods like the occasional cheeseburger and french fries.  I previously ate approximately 1400-1800 calories per day and have increased that to 1800-2200 calories per day and have been on the same exercise schedule for the past 12 months.

With all else remaining the same, aside from my caloric intake, I have been unable to gain weight.  I actually lost weight while eating more calories.  Prior to taking resveratrol, if I ate more, it meant I would gain weight.  This creates some what of a dilemma for me as I am currently looking to gain weight.  I have decided to methodically increase my caloric intake until I reach a level where I am maintaining my weight.

For those looking to lose weight resveratrol may be a good supplement to add to a healthy diet and exercise program.  (always consult your physician when starting a new diet or exercise routine)

Has taking resveratrol helped you lose weight?  Let us know your story by posting below!

Comments

[Lose Weight Gain]

Very informative and useful to everyone . these tips really helps in reduction of weight and makes everyone feel fit and happy.

[Pamela McMasters Ph.D.]

A formulation specifically designed to produce substantial weight loss was just announced by Biotivia at their site, biotivia.com. This product, Bio Shape, which contains trans-resveratrol, hoodia gordoni, fucoxanthin, Garcinia Cambogia, Gymnea sylvestre and chromium, goes far beyond the effects resulting from resveratrol alone. The principal actions by which weight loss ocurrs appetite reduction, increase in lean body mass versus fat, thermogenesis and diversion of fat and carbohydrate molecules from absorption by the intestines.

[Toni]

Hi Markus. Thought I'd check in with you. Originally when I emailed with you I wanted to lose 10 lbs.Well, that crept to 14 lbs. I got serious around the 3rd week in January. I take the Nitro 250 and have been taking 1 to 2 capsules/day.My workout routine has increased by about 90 minutes/wk so I'm at 10 to 12 hours of rigorous workout per week. I also cut out wheat and gluten and wine.I think you know I've got one of those metabolisms that just don't want to let go.I've lost 7 lbs and am on track to half pound to a pound per week once I lost the initial 4 lbs. One other interesting side affects, my platinum (lol) silver hair is turning dark brown. I'm serious. I won't admit to being convinced until around 6 mos so I can see more brown hairs. But I had a friend even notice. As you can see I'm still in the fight!

[Admin]

Hi Toni,

I am so glad you checked back in and even more happy to hear you're on your way to reaching your goals! All though I am sure you already look great now I hope you achieve what it is you are looking for.

There isn't a magic pill (yet) when it comes to weight loss. I think you are proof it's a combination of hard work, good diet, and proper supplementation. I also hope you are having fun with your routine as well.

As for your "platinum" hair... I wish I could remember where else I read it, but I came across another person who said the same thing. Personally my brown hair continues to become more "platinum" every day. I can't complain, I'm just happy to have the hair!

[R. Moschetti]

What about slender people. Would Resveratrol make them even skinnier? That's scary.

[Admin]

Hi R. Moschetti,

Thats a great question! I wish I had the answer to it. My opinion would be that this is a possibility for those who are extremely skinny or perhaps have an eating disorder. It's important to have a proper diet and someone who is skinny may need to increase the calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight while on resveratrol.

Again, this is just my opinion as I couldn't find any studies regarding the topic.

[Laura]

I've been taking Resveratrol for two months now. I also work-out approx. 6 hrs a week with a good portion of the workout focusing on weights. I have been pleasantly surprised to see actual muscles developing. Something I haven't been successful with in the past. But what really amazes me is my desire to actually get out of the house and do something...anything. So far I've cleared my backyard of weeds, cleaned every kitchen cabinet in the house and today I'm starting on the garage (BIG chore!). I have no interest in sitting in front of the t.v. and doing nothing. I WANT to get outside and move. I've always taken vitamin supplements and Resveratrol is the only thing I've changed in the last few months so I can only acredit my new found enthusiasm to this amazing formula. As far as weight loss is concerned 'who cares!' I have no doubt the pounds will fall off if my motivation continues.

[Admin]

Hi Laura,
It's great to hear about your healthy success so far. Keep up the great work. Thank you for sharing your experience with the rest of us. Keep us posted on any further developments.

[Anna]

Hi, I just started taking Resveratrol this morning. I took 2 capsules at one time (not sure if I'm supposed to take one in the morning and one in the evening), however, about 5 hrs later, I took my thyroid med and shortly after that, I began to feel my heart race some. My blood pressure rose also. Does anyone know whether I should not take Resveratrol if I take thyroid?
Anna

[Theresa]

I would like to know the answer to Anna's question also. I take Thyroid and have just started on my trial bottle of Resveratrol. Can someone enlighten us?

[Admin]

Hi Theresa and Anna,

I am not certain about how resveratrol interacts with thyroid medication. I think that is a great question for you to ask the Doctor who prescribes you the medication.

As thyroid surgery and meds are very common, especially with women, I would be very interested in knowing the answer.

If either of you could check with your physicians and report back so others will have the information it would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully yours Docs are willing to put the time in to research the question.

[Theresa]

Hi Markus and for Anna too,

I spoke with my doctor. He said he could not see anything that would lead him to think that taking Resveratrol would be detramental to someone like me with a thyroid condition.

He said if I started to have any odd reactions to contact him.

I might add - so you will know the detail of my thyroid problem - that I have been taking thyroid since I was 13 years old. I am now 57. I experienced a Thyroid storm in 1986 due to the fact that my thyroid functions, but my pituitary gland does not tell it to work - but did in 1986 for a short period of time.

Hope you all find this helpful. I intend to continue to take the Resveratrol. Both my parents have type 2 diabeties that came to them in their elder years. I want to see if I can beat that gene.

I had no side effects yesterday.

[Admin]

Hi Theresa,

I really appreciate you posting the information above. I started MRE for exactly this reason, to share information. Thanks for making such a useful contribution.

I am also happy to hear your Doctor is open to the idea of natural supplements. It's not easy to find ones that are.

Please keep us posted with any progress, or lack there of, while taking resveratrol.

[Susan]

I've been thin my entire life. I took 'Resveratrol' (for the health benefits) 3 months and then stopped. I have gained 13 lbs.in two weeks. I can't believe it. I'm convinced 'Resveratrol' is the cause. It seems to have stopped my once working metabolism. I've been working out,and eating less to no avail. I've never had to watch my weight, never had any kind of weight problem until 'Resveratrol'. I guess it's a money making thing. Once you try it, you better be able to afford taking it for the rest of your life or you are gonna get fatter!

[cloe]

Hey Susan,
I just bought 'Resveratrol' and your comment freaked me out. I don't want to gain weight once I stop taking it. I was wondering have u gained more weight (13 lbs is alot in two weeks)?and i can't afford to gain anymore weight so do you think I should not continue taking it. I just started today.

[Admin]

Hi Susan and Cloe,
I just wanted to chime in here regarding resveratrol "causing weight gain" and the need to stay on it forever to not gain back weight.

This is the first time I have heard of such a thing. I am not saying it hasn't occurred because supplements can react differently in various people. We will not all see the same benefits, or lack there of, as each other.

There have been times when I have stopped taking resveratrol to cleanse my system and I have not gained any weight back.

If anyone else has had similar experiences to Susan please chime in. It only helps if we all share info with each other.

[Lisa]

I started taking resveratrol a week and a half ago. I haven't lost any weight (although I've maintained my original weight to the ounce), but I've noticed I've had frequent migraines during this time. After doing some research, I discovered that phenolic flavanoids (resveratrol) in red grape skins have been linked to migraines. I should have known this, since red wine also gives me headaches, but now I'm certain this is why. So I guess I'll stop taking the pills and get on the treadmill. The painful headaches aren't worth it. So, if you also suffer from migraines, use resveratrol with caution.

[Netbo]

Lisa - don't give up on resveratrol because of red wine or grape seed/skins etc. There are products that don't contain red wine or grapes. I had the same migraine problem with the first product I took. I'm now taking Solgar PC-extend, no red wine and no headaches. Perhaps you could tolerate the resveratrol, but not the red wine concentrate.

Also, even with resveratrol, energy balance still must be in the negative (i.e. fewer calories consumed than required) in order to lose weight. However "weight" loss does not equal "fat" loss. A lot of "weight" loss is water and protein. Muscle is 85% water, 15% protein and we lose a lot of it with simple calorie restriction. Fat is 85% fat, and only 15% water so if you want to increase the amount of "fat" lost and preserve muscle mass you must excercise and consume less calories than you need. There is no escaping it. Resveratrol can help increase your desire to exercise by driving certain pathways that provide ATP (energy)and prevent fatty acid synthesis, hence tryglyceride formation i,e., fat storage. (Note, the mouse studies on resveratrol demonstrated that obese mice that were fed resveratrol wanted to run all day on their little treadmills compared to the obese mice that didn't get the resveratrol.)Resveratrol inhibits fat storage, but it won't burn already stored fat unless you mobilize it by either moving or starving.

[sharon rhoden]

I just started taking reservetrol 2wks ago , 250mg a day. I also have been thin all my life . Im so upset to say I have gain 5 pds in that short time. Not sure whether to keep taking it or stop. I really could use the health benefits, but I dont want to gain more weight.

[Val]

I just started taking reservetrol as well and have experienced a mild weight gain. The website that promoted their product said it was for anti-aging and weight loss. I feel generally fine, not tired etc. And my appitited is somewhat supressed. However, I am getting a little worried at the amount of weight I have gained and am wondering if I should stop (Looking at about 1 - 2 pounds every 3 - 4 days). I drink plenty of water, do not include artificial sweetners in my diet and generally eat realatively healthy. However, I am seriously FREAKING OUT over the seemingly continuous weight gain. Has anyone else experienced this???

[Netbo]

Val, its possible that something in the supplement is causing you to retain fluid. Unless you've eaten an excess of 7000 calories in 3 days is not likely that you've gained 2 pounds of actual body mass. Check the ingredients in the supplement - if there' other stuff in the product besides resveratrol, you can't be sure it's the resveratrol causing your problem.

It is also possible that since Resv improves metabolsim, i.e. makes your body more efficient and you get more out of less, you may not need as many calories as you are accustomed to eating without resv. You'll have to add excercise if you don't want to cut calories.

Resv. mimics calorie restriction in that is slows down cellular metabolism and hence cell death which is what aging actually is. It conserves energy and at the same time shuts down the mechanism that turn energy into fat. However, since you're not "starving" the unexpended energy must either be spent (excercise) or catabolized (broken down) by the body. The break down of the excess energy may have a role in the fluid retension.

I hope this helps.

[Val]

Thank you Netbo, it does make sense about fluid retention. The question is how do I combat the retention? (I am assuming it is some sort of fluid thing because I am exercising AND I've indirectly cut back on calories as I find I am not 'hungry' either). My main problem is with any of the diet/exercise programs or supplementary products I have researched, they ALL tell you to drink a minimum of 8 - 8 oz glasses of water per day. OK, that works out to be 64 fluid oz of water (or in my case as I am Canadian 2 litres of water)!!!

That is a large quantity of water (I drink it, and then some) but how do I get my body to stop retaining fluids and start losing weight. Because watching the scale creep up and my clothes get tighter and tighter is VERY discouraging and the darn double chocolate ice cream in my freezer is looking ever so tempting
:(

[Ann]

I'm thinking about trying Resveratrol in hopes of losing a few (about 5) pounds. I take 10 mg. of simvastatin/day (my cholesterol is down to 74) and have heard that Resv. can interact with statins and increase their potency. I don't want to take Resv. if it could be harmful. Any thoughts/knowledge about this?

Ann

[Sonya]

My experience with resveratrol is more than weird.
I started it 2 weeks ago, but during the last 3 days I have been running to the bathroom very often. It is weird for me since I've always had mild constipation problems. I also take triple omega suplements so I'm not sure if it's the mix or resveratrol alone. Anyway I feel better this way.

[elle]

since taking resveratrol i have been craving sweets and carbs (foods that a teenager would eat). i definately do have more energy, but i'm craving unhealthy foods. i usually take it in the morning but will start taking it before i go to bed. i'll see if that makes a difference.