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

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 )

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.

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!

Live Longer,

Markus