Grapefruit and weight loss

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Grapefruit and weight loss

24 Jan 2004

The grapefruit diet is not a myth. That's what a new study by the Nutrition

and Metabolic Research Center at Scripps Clinic confirmed. Researchers there

found that the simple act of adding grapefruit and grapefruit juice to one's

diet can result in weight loss.

The 12-week pilot study, led by Dr. Ken Fujioka, monitored weight and

metabolic factors, such as insulin secretion, of the 100 men and women who

participated in the Scripps Clinic 'Grapefruit Diet' study.

On average, participants who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6

pounds, while those who drank a serving of grapefruit juice three times a

day lost 3.3 pounds. However, many patients in the study lost more than 10

pounds.

'For years people have talked about the grapefruit diet, and some even swear

by it, but now, we have data that grapefruit helps weight loss,' said Dr.

Fujioka, principal researcher at the Nutrition and Metabolic Research Center

at Scripps Clinic.

'Our study participants maintained their daily eating habits and slightly

enhanced their exercise routine; the only dietary change was the intake of

Florida grapefruit and grapefruit juice.'

Additionally, the research indicates a physiological link between grapefruit

and insulin, as it relates to weight management. The researchers speculate

that the chemical properties of grapefruit reduce insulin levels and

encourage weight loss.

The importance of this link lies with the hormone's weight management

function. While not its primary function, insulin assists with the

regulation of fat metabolism.

Therefore, the smaller the insulin spike after a meal, the more efficiently

the body processes food for use as energy and the less it's stored as fat in

the body. Grapefruit may possess unique chemical properties that reduce

insulin levels which promotes weight loss.

Obesity continues to plague the American public and the health system.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 64 percent of U.S.

adults are considered overweight or obese. Overweight or obese people stand

a greater likelihood of developing life-altering and/or life-threatening

illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high

cholesterol, sleep apnea, arthritis, liver problems, and many others.

'Our study shows grapefruit can play a vital role in overall health and

wellness, and in battling America's ever-growing obesity epidemic,' stated

Dr. Fujioka.

'Whether it's the properties of grapefruit or its ability to satiate

appetites, grapefruit appeared to help with weight loss and decreased

insulin levels leading to better health. It's good the 'Grapefruit Diet'

never lost its popularity among the public.'

The study linking grapefruit and grapefruit juice consumption to weight loss

continues to broaden the health benefits associated with this citrus

product.

Founded in 1924, Scripps Clinic is a multi-specialty, outpatient care

facility caring for patients at multiple locations throughout San Diego

County, California including Torrey Pines, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Jolla,

Rancho Bernardo, Rancho San Diego, San Diego, and Santee.

Scripps Clinic and its physicians are world-renown for research-driven care

and medical specialty expertise and is an operating unit of Scripps Health,

a not-for-profit, community-based health care delivery network that includes

more than 2,600 affiliated physicians, five acute-care hospitals, home

health care and associated support services.

Scripps Health is one of the largest health care organizations in San Diego

County, drawing from the expertise of more than 10,000 health care

professionals.