Weight regulation is affected by leptin, which is a hormone produced in our adipose tissue (fat cells). Body fat was found to act as an endocrine gland (produces hormones) after very slim, young female athletes were found to have delays of the onset of their periods. It was discovered that the fat cells are a source of estrogen. Being very slim, the young athletes produced less estrogen, and hence their cycles were delayed. The effects of leptin on our health have been revealed after years of research. Leptin is now known to help regulate the storage of body fat. Leptin also affects our sense of fullness, blood sugar and our metabolism. Attempts by scientists to lower leptin levels had been unsuccessful until researchers from the University of Minnesota were awarded a U.S. patent in May, 2005. The patent potentially represents one of the biggest breakthroughs in weight management. The patent was awarded because the researchers were able to prove that body fat and/or leptin levels could both be lowered using plant extracts.

Slowly & Surely combines the plant extracts from the above mentioned formula together with the esterified fatty acids found in SUPERIOR TO GLUCOSAMINE (STG). The reason for adding STG is to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties found in the compound. Inflammation can impact several areas of our health from arthritis to heart disease – even the process of aging. However in terms of weight management, STG is added so there is greater chance of being able to exercise and lead an active life. If one can be more active, presumably more weight can be lost.

A well designed and highly controlled clinical trial was conducted to determine just how much impact Slowly & Surely would have. Women were placed in pairs for the duration of the trial, with one receiving the placebo and the other Slowly & Surely. All women in the trial consulted weekly with a registered dietician. The women took part in an 8 week exercise program, cycling, walking or jogging 4 or 5 times a week. To ensure the women exercised similar amounts (therefore burning off a similar amount of calories) the researchers had the pairs exercise together.

The results were quite dramatic. All the women lost weight, as would be expected after taking part in this type of an exercise program. The amount and type of weight lost was very revealing. On placebo, the women lost on average 11.9 lbs, whereas the women on Slowly & Surely lost 20.2 lbs. The addition of Slowly & Surely enhanced the total weight loss by a remarkable 70%. Even more impressive was the type of weight lost, as the Slowly & Surely women had their percentage of body fat decrease by 7.4 points (43.6% to 36.2%) versus 3.4 points (44.3% to 40.9%) for the placebo group. The Slowly & Surely group of women clearly lost more weight and the weight was primarily fat.

It is important to remember that all weight loss is not equal. Fat loss has a far greater positive health impact than general weight loss that consists of a combination of fat, muscle and water weight. See the weight loss info page for more detail, but the bottom line is that fat loss increases your metabolism, whereas muscle loss decreases your metabolism. And for long-term weight management the higher your metabolism, the easier it is to control your weight. In addition, the group taking Slowly & Surely experienced other important health benefits, as their leptin and insulin levels were both lowered.