CLA for Weight Loss and Muscle Building

CLA has been shown to decrease body fat content by inhibiting fat storage and reducing the amount of fat deposited in the body. In one study, researchers found that pigs fed CLA showed a reduction in fat deposits of 31%, and an increase in lean tissue formation of 25% over an eight week period.

Using human subjects, a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study, published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that CLA reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue. An average reduction of six pounds of body fat was found in the group that took CLA, compared to a placebo group.

A research study done at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reported in August 2000 to the American Chemical Society did not find weight loss in overweight people from use of CLA supplements. However, they did find that when the dieters stopped dieting, and gained back weight, those taking CLA "were more likely to gain muscle and not fat."

In another study involving human subjects, those taking CLA experienced a small weight loss, about 3.5 pounds without altering their caloric intake.

Researchers also found that higher levels of CLA in the blood stream were associated with lower levels of leptin, a hormone that is believed to control the levels of fat in the body. In the placebo group, leptin levels rose slightly. Studies have indicated that high leptin levels may have a part to play in obesity.


Gene C.