Overweight as a global problem
Globally, it is estimated that 2 billion people are overweight. That is about a quarter of the world’s population. In Switzerland, in 2012, there were over 40 per cent of the inhabitants, who had a body mass index of more than 25 and were therefore considered to be overweight. Being overweight not only reduces the quality of life of those affected but also harms their health. Common consequences of being overweight are type II diabetes, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, which in turn can promote cardiovascular disease and strokes. The cost of all these subsequent illnesses of being overweight are estimated to be around CHF 6 billion a year in Switzerland.
Eat less carbohydrates – especially in the evening
How to lose weight? My basic recommendation is to halve the portion size of the side dishes (pasta, potatoes, bread and rice), double the vegetable portions and, if possible, forgo sweets and sugary drinks. The calorie intake is usually reduced by approx. 10%, and the carbohydrates should only be eaten in the morning and at noon. Consuming carbohydrates in the evening increase the insulin levels throughout the whole night and thus blocks the natural fat loss when your insulin levels are lower. Exercise and sport are important, but ultimately contribute little to weight reduction. Not recommended is a radical approach of completely fasting: the body then turns on an emergency program and prevents fat loss. Only water is excreted and muscles are broken down.
Are the hormones in order?
Anyone who does not lose a gram of weight despite adhering to these measures mentioned above, should have their progesterone level measured in their saliva. A lack of this hormone also prevents fat loss.
Food supplements
Finally, fat-burning food supplements, e.g. Coffea Vida, a preparation based on green coffee beans, can be taken. This extract of unroasted green coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid, a substance which, in threefold sense, acts on the blood-sugar level:
Chlorogenic acid inhibits the uptake of glucose (dextrose) in the intestine,
Chlorogenic acid inhibits the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase, which leads to increased degradation of the glycogen stores in the liver and muscles,
Chlorogenic acid inhibits the enzyme amylase, so that the starch in the food cannot be split into glucose.
Overall, the blood glucose level increases less after eating, whereby less fat is formed and the desired weight can be reached and held. This anti-inflammatory effect of green coffee beans also makes it a promising candidate for the treatment of Type II diabetes – in addition to dried mulberry leaves, which also have a blood sugar suppression.
